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:

• 

  Wow - 2008 Ford F-150
  By NikiNicole - December 6 - 10:50 am

  I love my new truck! So does everyone else. We cant even go to the store without someone stopping to talk to us about our truck and wanting to know where they can get one! I love the NAV, rearview camera, heated seats, 2 tone leather. Ford has outdone it self with this truck! This truck has been "cityfied"!

• 

  Looked at many cars, loved this 1 immediately - 2007 Ford Edge
  By jrstorm1007 - December 6 - 10:46 am

  We got our Edge 3 weeks ago and love it. It is so much fun to drive. We got a 2007 floor model:, Black w/ tan leather, heated seats, Sirius, 18" Alloy tires, rear-sensor, fog lights, roof rack, power everything. The Vista Roof was not on the floor model. The car drags slightly to the right and I found out this was an issue for some of the 07 Edge and Lincoln MXKs (see TBSs on fordedgeforum dot com). I brought it in to the dealer, with the TSB # and they ordered the part. It was not installed yet. Other than that, it is an awesome car. Drives like a solid car with the room of an SUV. So comfortable. Looks better than any SUV out there, stylish, yet simple. Gas mileage is OK.

• 

  My XLS that I just recently crashed - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By crazy zach and x xls - December 5 - 10:07 pm

  I had a 1999 Ford Explorer XLS, by far the most amazing truck Ive ever had. It made its noises in the suspension and so on but it was to be expected with the way I drove. It was really fast 0-50 and then getting from there up was a little slow but still not an issue. I recently tottaled it unfortunately after investing a good amount of money in it. I spun it 3 or 4 times and then flipped it 3 to 5 times and then into the woods and walked away scot free only little cuts from the glass a bruise on the shoulder from the seatbelt and a bump on the head and cut from glass. This car saved my life. I very, very highly recomend it for first time drivers

• 

  Retro Time - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By PAspam - December 5 - 10:03 pm

  I would never have considered a Mustang before the retro went on sale. I had a 67 GTO way back when and this is almost as fun. This is a peppy, well built car, any old guys who are looking for a midlife crisis check should take a look. The V6, five speed is a kick and in a convertible it really has a great feel.

• 

  Best built Fords - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By rich - December 5 - 5:36 pm

  This is the best built series of Ford I have encountered. I have driven every body style ford up until the 2004 F series. Rugged, reliable and great ride

• 

  The Best things are Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By WWarther - December 5 - 2:41 pm

  We went from an Excursion to a Freestyle. We were aprehensive at first but it is roomy and I dont knock my head getting the seats. We have put 7 good sized people in the unit and every on was comfortable we probablt topped the 1125 cargo limit but it showed no adverse signs of handling. On vacation we took the Rocky Mountain passes with again a load close to 1k Berthond , Rabbit ears and on the way bak from Oregon and Califonia The Syskius, Donner and Vale pass aagain very comfortably . For the passengers there is pleny of knee room fro those in the rear seat has more knee room than Volvo or Passatt and more seating area as well

• 

  The Next Generation of Sedan for Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dee - December 4 - 2:37 pm

  Being a imported car fan (VW owner) , I am quite pleased with the specs and overall feel of the V6 SEL Sedan. I think Ford just hit a new peek. Looking forward to seeing what theyve done to better this already great car in the 2008 autoshow.

• 

  Good car with lots of miles - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Beth - December 4 - 1:23 pm

  I got my Contour in high school and I have been out of school now for five years and I still have my car. It has a lot of miles on it but my Contour has got me where I needed to go and back. I have always been able to count on it.

• 

  Oh My! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By KAT - December 4 - 12:40 pm

  Prior to "Alexis" (shes so beautiful I had to name her), I owned a 2002 V6. But this car is THE definition of what a Mustang was, what it should be, and what it will be. Its everything a sports car lover could ever want!

• 

  Mostly Nice - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daleinmn - December 4 - 7:36 am

  If I lived in a warm climate I would give this car rave reviews. In a cold climate, not so much. It has been reliable but the mileage and electric range in the winter are so much worse than in the summer, about half as good. Also, one of the big selling points to me was that I could set a departure time using my cell phone, and it would have the cabin up to a comfy temperature using wall current by the time I left. Maybe that works on 220 volts, but on 110 it starts warming about 45 minutes before departure and never does get the cabin and it does drain the battery somewhat. Also, the turning radius is absurdly bad. In hybrid mode I get about 36 mpg. After driving a Prius, that stinks.