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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  Explorer Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David Temple - November 7 - 5:26 pm

  I recently purchased a new Sport Trac. This vehicle met the needs I wanted. I didnt need or want a full size pickup. But I wanted a bed to haul items that wouldnt fit inside a normal SUV. I wanted light duty towing capability and with 5300 lbs it easily meets that need. I have found that is has a quiet and smooth ride on the road. The seats are very comfortable. The interior is user friendly and the console easy to see. It isnt loaded with a lot of fancy electronic gadgets unless you want to add them on, which I didnt want. I have found it has smooth acceleration. It doesnt snap your head back but I wasnt looking for a sports car. Really good low end power and the brakes stop on a dime.

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  Real class truck - 2018 Ford F-150
  By Gary - November 7 - 3:28 pm

  Sticker price,no price cuts

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  People with hobbies - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By mtb guy - November 7 - 1:56 pm

  Ive had my explorer for about a year now and i still hate it. first off im a mountain biker. When i tried to haul a trailer full of weight weenis CrossCountry mountain bikes the Explored bogged down. also there needs to be some fairly substantial mud flaps on this car. Very disapointing V8. No one can figure out where the inner door handles are and the outside look is about as plain as you can get. this car is unbelievably clumsy and lurpish in real 4 wheelin situations i dont trust it.

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  PERFECT & Lovin the No Boundries Package - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jennifer - November 7 - 10:20 am

  I LOVE my new SUV. I am petite and had trouble finding a vehicle that was comfortable to drive, but the Escape gave me comfort and so much more. Its small enough that I dont feel like Im driving a tank, but still has a roomy interior. I LOVE the exterior and interior of my No Boundries package. Could not be happier!

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  best bang for the buck! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By kipp438 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car, always gets the looks. extremely fun to drive.

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  POS - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Cockerdogs - November 7 - 7:07 am

  Good acceleration for an otherwise poor car at a high mark up. My 2015 Fusion SE Ecoboost 2.0 was a great car. This car isnt

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  Tall, Dark and Strong - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Organicj - November 7 - 5:19 am

  I just bought this truck used to get me around while I finish customizing my 01 Chevy S-10. It is such a nice truck that I am now thinking of customizing it too(just a little). While the Ranger doesnt have the initial pickup that my dime(S-10) does it is strong and can pull way more than my dime ever thought about. I like the Rangers styling and is very fun to drive. I wish it got a little better gas mileage but you cant have everything. There really is no comparison so I am glad I own both.

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  Were pleased in Clifton, Virginia! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dave and Ann - November 7 - 1:23 am

  Our 2005 Lariat is a well built luxury full size pick up without the Lincoln LT price. We note excellent workmanship with no rattles, loose trim, or mechanical problems after 4,000 miles. We receive lots of positive comments from friends, neighbors, and strangers. The 2005 has improved safety and structural integrity over our two previous F-150s a 1997 and a 2001. The 2005 has more power for towing than our previous 2001 5.4. The 2005 has excellent driveability and is very comfortable on long trips. You are only reminded that you are driving a full size truck when you stop to fill the gas tank (14-19mpg range), but with the need to occasionally pull a horse trailer there is no better option!

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  Ford Edge SEL Plus - 2007 Ford Edge
  By J-P - November 6 - 1:42 pm

  Now over 6 months with the Ford Edge and nothing wrong to report. The car works fine and very pleasant to drive. Do not look for super fast acceleration but on long drive you will appreciate the confort, space and nagivation system.

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  Stick to Imports - 2005 Ford Focus
  By may - November 6 - 1:20 pm

  this was my first new vehicle. in less than 2 weeks it was in service. then it was in service every other week for one issue or another. my personal vehicle was in service for a rattling noise in rear area transmission probs rear hatch not locking dome light turning on whenever it felt like it... i wont go into my experience with the service department. in short, my car was back at the dealership longer than me driving. filed lemon lawsuit ford could not buy back- so they issued a settlement check. although it is a spacious vehicle, do not buy- resale value blows not to mention reliability. if you do buy, make sure you get gap insurance!! many service depts still cant fix hatch probs.