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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  No trouble - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 3M West - October 22 - 2:00 am

  89,000 trouble free miles. We live 100 miles from nowhere and to travel 135 miles for shopping is common, this SUV has never let us down. Mpg is 18.5 and we drive 75 to 80 mph also pull a 18 ft enclosed trailer on occasions with no problems. The wife would like for me to get a new truck but this one will get new tires and keep going a few more years!

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  Feisty Fiesta!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Goodfellas76 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a very COOL little ride. Wanted to downsize from V6 for better MPG. Bought SES with cloth heated seats, heated mirrors, etc and the dual-clutch tranny. Heats up REAL quick. Interior is best in class better grade materials than more expensive car. Handles great and has plenty of pick-up (though, havent driven with more than two people in it, yet). Also not driving it to get a ton of fun out of it (being conservative for higher MPG). Automatic is really good but sort of feels like its slipping sometimes. Looks great on the outside in the Blue metallic! Not sure about MPG yet or reliability (have only had a couple days) BUT Ford has been on a roll! No worries!

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  Excellent - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Andre Levesque - October 21 - 2:00 am

  My first American car. I had 3 SUVs : Toyota 4 runner and 2 Honda cr-v. My escape is the most fun to drive. Very solid. Great on gas. I love it. I like the "truck" look. I hope Ford will keep the trick look in coming years. I hate SUVs looking like a car on high heels. Bravo Ford.

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  It just wont stop - 1993 Ford F-250
  By Richard - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I love the power and braking, added try Y headers and it became a whole new engine and better mpg. I get 12 on the fwy and 9 in town. This is a daily driver that tows occasionally (10 mpg towing) and off roads on the weekend. Capt. chairs are good but armrests are to high for me (I am a tall guy). Got the manual shifted transfer case so the solenoid wouldnt fail me in the mud (experience from the dealership I worked at). Installed manual locking 4x4 hubs. I have had this truck airborne off roading before and broke steering box but was still able to drive home and then to work to put new one in. I have never messed with the A/C system and it still blows cold, not so great in southern California traffic.

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  BAD! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By spr5pt0 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is the King of Muscle Cars at the moment! Ive put in a Corsa Exhaust with x-pipe and K&N drop filter and it sounds really good. The next thing is to get Bamba tuner then maybe a ford supercharger! This mustang is going to do great on the track.

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  Ford Fusion SE V6 Select Shift Automatic - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I am pleased with my 2010 Ford Fusion SE with V6, select shift automatic, appearance package, and sync system. It handles great, has more than enough power, and gets better mileage than expected. In mostly suburban driving I average 23.5 MPG. One complaint would be that the transmission could shift smoother, especially from second to third. It shifts a little like a stick even in fully automatic and after a recall to adjust the shift controller. Another complaint would be rear visibility. The trunk is deep reducing height of rear window, making it hard to see when backing up, even for someone of average height.

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  Undisputed King of SUVs - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By esperi - October 17 - 2:00 am

  There is not a single thing to complain about. Rides like a car. Holds 8 adults COMFORTABLY, with room for plenty of luggage. 7.3 diesel gets 18 mpg loaded up on the highway for a 9000 lb vehicle. Even has 6 cup holders available for the driver, if you forget to clean it out like I do! If you want something bigger, buy a Mack!

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  Enjoy my Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Robert S. - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Mercedes for the Edge, with no regrets. I considered a Mercedes SUV but that is like a Rolex clock radio, you just dont need it! I had owned several Fords in the past, Explorer, Ranger, Taurus, all were great. The ride on the edge is not as refined as the Mercedes, but it is darn close, $30K less makes it even more comfortable. The sync system is a step above anything else I tested. I recently took the Edge on 3,500 mile trip out west and enjoyed every minute of the drive, fuel economy was better than predicted. The dealership has been on par, or better, than my high end import experiences. Ford has really stepped up and delivered again.

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  Great Truck for the price - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Tonman - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this truck with only 25,000 miles on it for under 10,000. I love the 5 speed manual and sitting up high. I have owned Ford trucks all my life and will always by fords.

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  T burnin - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By tbirdn - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 4.6 that i added a cold air intake with the chip, sensors, shift kit, magna flow exhaust, suspension, and i got to say it has never let me down and is a blast to drive. Watch out all you little turbo Hondas, Im coming. lol