Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Dodge man gone Ford - 1996 Ford F-150
  By patrick - March 1 - 8:38 am

  I got my truck for $2000 two years ago. Tows my 32ft travel trailer like a dream. Rides nice. Strong, fast & comfy. Couldnt be happier

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  Perfect 10 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Kaytie - March 1 - 4:30 am

  This is my first truck and I do not know how I lived without it! I grew up in a truck family (both Fords and Chevys) so naturally I wanted a truck but did not want to give up car styling. Was I blown away, the 04 FXR is great on road and off and even gets looks from my friends!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By captnmorgan - February 29 - 9:54 pm

  I looked around for about 2 weeks before I found this car. I had been looking at the Mercury Milan or a Fusion before I drove the 500 and decided to test drive a Taurus. I can say this is the best car I have ever driven. The overall quality is well above its price. Most of my co- workers drive BMW and Mercedes and would rather have my car after looking at it.

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  Last Explorer for me - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Aaron - February 29 - 9:48 pm

  This is the fourth Ford Explorer we have owned. It is by far the worst!!! Extremely poor fuel economy. 7-9mpg in winter, and maybe 13mpg in the summer. Dealership, cant seem to figure the problem out, and isnt fixed yet. Also, dont ever get rear ended, because there isnt much of a bumper. Its all plastic. I dont like the RSC system either. I dont like the fact you cant over-ride the system when needed. It leaves you completely handi-capped in the deep snow. The vehicle is a little sluggish on the take off.

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  Where is the MPG - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ted Davis - February 29 - 12:46 am

  I drive highway to and from work every day about 80 miles round trip. I used to have a Cavalier that got 32 mpg and the Focus is only getting 29. I wish I had my Cavalier with 100,000 miles back.

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  08 New Ranger - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By bill - February 27 - 9:41 pm

  I bought a 08 XLT supercab 4x4, with all of the goodies in and out. It is nice in regards to the ride (have owned othere 4x4s, beats all. Gas mileage is ok, stereo is great. 4x4 smooth. Just an all around nice ride.

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  They need to build it again - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By oscar arechiga - February 26 - 9:04 pm

  Great design in and out, V8 makes good power even at todays standards, there are very few cars that have the personality of this vehicle, have had mine for 10 years 61000 miles and not thinking of getting rid of it, car has been very reliable,only complaint is a rattling noise coming from undrneat , (dealer says there is nothing wrong with the suspension, other than that this car makes heads turn, even 10 years after last year of production, ford needs to build a modern vertion,with a similar body style, but modern suspension an a 5 speed auto.

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  Dont buy this vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By debbie d - February 26 - 8:47 pm

  I bought this vehicle because the 1994 Explorer we had was a truly great vehicle, so we gave it to our son and upgraded to the 2002 XLT. Big mistake! This vehicle has been nothing but junk. If you have to make a hard stop, the transmission slips and then the vehicle stalls. We have had this problem since we have had it. Eventually I will get a ticket for not stopping on a yellow light, but I crowd the yellow so the vehicle doesnt die. The back air makes a terrible noise if you turn it on. Now the 4 wheel drive has stopped working. This vehicle only has 60,000 miles and I wish I could scrap it. I understand this model is notorious for transmission problems. Ford should do a recall!

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  SEXY! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Lisa - February 26 - 7:10 pm

  I have owned my 2007 Ford Edge for 2 weeks and absolutely LOVE it! Supposedly the first version of the CUV was the 1996 Toyota RAV4, which I traded in for the Edge. People who see me and my new Edge think its "sexy". I think they are referring to the 6 speed automatic, 265 horsepower, or maybe they are referring to the modern design. Either way, my new Edge is comfortable, stylish, capable and gets 24 mpg!

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  Still neutral on performance. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By RMiller - February 26 - 2:10 pm

  Handles well, comfortable interior, great looks. Deep beds are a plus. Fairly loud when driving around town; also a bit sluggish, especially when pulling a trailer. The rear-end sounds odd when cruising at higher speeds.