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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  Great, but - 2007 Ford Edge
  By CliffsEdge - December 15 - 8:34 pm

  We own or have owned 2 competing vehicles this year. Picked the Edge based on payment & 98% on looks. My 07 Hyundai Santa Fe & 08 Hyundai Veracruz are leagues above the Edge in build quality, refinement & pamper level. Edge is quite quick, handles nice. Lots of looks, comments from other drivers. But if one doesnt care so much about looks, the Santa Fe or Veracruz are simply night & day in quietness, refinement, smoothness & quality. A difference likened between Toyota Rav4 VS BMW X5 V8. The Edge is nice to drive & acceptable. The Hyundais are simply impressive every time you drive them. Id have to say they are 3 - 5 tiers above the Edge.

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  Nice van for the money - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Stephen - December 15 - 4:46 pm

  My wife and I bought our 2004 Ford Freestar Limited after several months of researching several brands of minivans. Our van is completely loaded and has the Advance Trac and traction control.

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  2005 F150 Lariat Supercrew 2WD - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Shaun - December 15 - 3:19 pm

  Overall this is a great truck! Its nice to drive a big truck and have all the luxury options to go with it. I can haul almost anything and everything, and still enjoy all of its interior features. The ride is smooth and quiet. The exterior looks sporty and there are many upgrades and accessories that you can to the style of your choosing.

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  SVT Lightning - 2001 Ford F-150
  By byrdman667 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great performance. Could not be happier with my lightning. A true SVT performance vehicle.

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  Ilovemytruck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By jesse/rippinitup01 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  It runs good and is a great first truck!

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  New to Ford - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By new2ford - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a Ford Truck before. I have always purchased GM products. I decided to try a Ford and now I must say that I am pleased with my decision. The Ranger Edge Supercab is fun to frive although it is a little sluggish and slightly underpowered. I would definitely recommend the 4.0 L V6 versus the 3.0 L V6 and you might as well forget about the 2.3L 4 Cylinder. The vehicle is much better than anything GM has to offer on its class as far as ride and comfort. I feel that this is probably one of the best light trucks in its class.

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  Incredible 03 Ford Expedition,,, - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By davido - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased new 03 Expedition XLT..am hugely impressed so far! Very well built truck,thoughtfully designed. Had a 98 Expedition(good truck as well) then traded it for a new Nissan Path- finder..always regreted that. Well, when it came time to trade in the Nissan i went straight to see newly revamped & highly acclaimed Expedition. I dont regret buying another one! Superb truck!

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  Still going strong at 217k - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Brenrher - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle new. To date about $4k in other than routine maintenance, replaced a fuel pump, replaced front end components a couple of times, replaced the alternator and battery recently. Same plugs, etc., did have a new belt put on at 150k. The handling and comfort is great with Michelin tires - replaced the Goodyears at 75k. The 5.0L engine is fantastic. All in all, I have been fortunate with this vehicle, and hope to get to 300k without a catastrophic and/or expensive failure. Love this one so much I bought a used 1999 Explorer XLT.

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  An "Old Dog" with a few new tricks... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Poison S - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This "dog" is powerful yet obedient, old yet fun, full of attitude yet still civilized enough to handle on a daily basis. Ford’s SVT finally has the complete pkg. by tweaking this 25+ year old chassis to handle the new power with composure. These new adjustments allow the aging Mustang to be very competitive even with todays more expensive sports cars (I.E. Corvette or dare I say Viper) The new seats have high bolstering w/suede inserts that not only look great, but are quite comfortable, yet still functional for spirited driving though all six speeds… need I say more? Dont wait any longer; this "Old Dog" is well-trained and ready to play!

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  Should Have gotten a ZO6 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By I hate Fords - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Ok hear I bought a Codra for about 33 grand.Well I wanted a car tnat was sporty and good on streets. So I tour the front bummper going over a pot hole at about 10 to 13 mph.And ever since then the car been falling apart. My freands 2001 Corvette ZO6 never hade this probloms.