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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  2005 AWD Limited - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil - February 15 - 10:46 am

  So far I love everything about it. It handles like a small car and offers space of a minivan. It is a very classy car and the CVT transmission is very smooth and responsive.

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  DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cindy - February 14 - 10:09 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit $2700 transmission, $500+ tires $900+ roters/pads which rusted to something which drove the price drivers auto window switch replaced $$ now my hatch back CRACKED! Have you ever heard of a car cracking?? When I found out other 02 Ford owners experienced this, it just confirms what a piece of junk this car is. Did I mention it shakes when it runs about 20-30mph...cant wait to find out what that is! Oh, and the 16-17 miles per gallon is outstanding (yes, that is sarcasm)

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  explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By swolfe - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable truck for us. We have had no major repairs needed at 130,000 miles and it is still running strong

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  GREAT vehicle - safe - enjoyable - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Rez - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We love our new Expedition. Has all the bells and whistles. Smooth - quite ride. Good sound system

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  nice ride - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Robert Penkert - February 14 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun car to drive.the build quality seems very good and tight.it is fully loaded but wish didnt trac.control as you cant shut it off completly even when you switch it off(pull fuse to do burn out drag racing)other wise this is a kick a** all around suprise other people fun car.

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  Awesome Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By SANDY - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best North American cars on the road. It handles superbly, it has great fuel economy and the fit and finish rivels anything in its class from Japan

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  Frustratingly close to a good car - 2014 Ford Fusion Energi
  By angryfusionguy - February 14 - 6:05 am

  For the most part its a good car. So many things that are really hard are done well. But several things that should be easy are wrong: cant recharge in the rain without ruining the door over the power inlet, garage door opener doesnt work, cruise control in the rain at dusk is dangerous when it slams on the brake at full speed, navigation system only works in the state where you bought the car, etc. Im very disappointed.

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  I love my new Focus! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Delta - February 14 - 4:50 am

  I could not be happier with my new Focus! Its comfortable, safe, fun to drive, and has pretty good mileage for a non-hybrid. I got the Vermilion Red, and it really stands out. With the incentives offered by Ford, you just cant go wrong with everything you get for the price. The incentives allowed me to upgrade to the SES model. The Sync system is great for the inevitable day when we have a hands-free cell phone law.

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  Wow, What a Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Decalman - February 14 - 3:56 am

  2007 Harley-Davidson with Steve Saleen dual screw, intercooled SuperCharger. This is my fourth F-Series truck, 1975 F-100, 01 F-150 Lariat Supercab, 05 F- 150 King Ranch 4x4 SuperCrew. What else can I say. 07 HD is a Beautiful truck, more power than you can imagine. The Harley-Davidson has the same engine as my 05, but gobs more of power with the SuperCharger option. Ford did it right. This is a great addition to the F-150 line.

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  Great truck, very solid - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By ryan r - February 13 - 5:49 pm

  I am a route salesman and I drive at least 28,000 miles a year.. I bought my Explorer in 2006 with 28k on it and just rolled over to 89k. The only problem I had was the back window stopped working but was fixed under warranty. I have driven through the Rockies in the snow, North Dakota, through mud, -30 temperatures and this Explorer has always got me home. Nealy 90k and perfect. My last Explorer in 98 gave me 260k. Just keep it serviced.