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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  My best truck yet - 2005 Ford F-150
  By SpudsandSleever - November 8 - 8:36 am

  Ive been driving trucks for some decades and this is the best so far. Before this truck I had a GMC Sierra SLT. The Ford is as comfortable but much quieter. The suspension hauls loads easier than the GMC did and tows very easy but at a minor price of needing ballast when empty. The are two negatives so far. 1. Gas mileage with the 5.4 Triton is low but then you cant haul feed with a Prius. 2. The front brakes leave loads of dust on the wheels. Like my other Fords in the past, I need two 40 pound sandbags in the rear when empty so the rear end doesnt hop around on bumpy roads. I am not a rah rah Ford person but this is a very good truck so hats off to Ford.

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  Pushes dirt not just pavement! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By foobld - November 8 - 5:16 am

  My wife and I bought the low miles ST after we had another child and an ext cab truck wasnt big enough. I was hesitant at first but quickly fell in love with it soon after. I replaced the tires with All Terrain tires which made a big improvement off road. This truck is awesome on and off road, just remember its a truck and not a corvette so it doesnt ride on rails. We will keep this as long as the engine goes, and then prob swap out with another. Buy it you wont be sorry!

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  2010 SE 6M - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By gth743b - November 8 - 3:43 am

  I have been overly pleased and surprised by the 2010 Fusion. My mom has a 2006 S 5M and I was looking at a Fusion because of how much I like that car and was blown away by the improvement of the 2010 model. Everything about the car screams quality build, and all the things in the old fusion were addressed (loud, underpowered engine, needed exterior update, needed interior update, even better fuel economy) Ford has really hit the mark with this and definitely has a car that Americans can be proud of, in addition, to besting their Japanese competition.

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  Works for me! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By scott - November 7 - 6:29 pm

  I just wanted to comment that I have had my Focus for about 6 months. I have had no problems with the car (knock wood). I am 6 foot 4 and weigh about 360 lbs and have had no comfort problems. As a matter of fact it is one of the most comfortable new cars Ive been in lately. There is plenty of head room and my knees are not jammed into the dash or anything else. It is very fun to drive and the mileage is good.

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  The perfect Midsize pickup - Fun truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Len Durst - November 7 - 8:53 am

  I bought the yellow Ford Ranger with the super cab. It is my retirement present. It is so much fun to drive and has plenty of power. It is a solid midsize pickup truck. Great body and great engine. I had a Toyota truck before, but this is a real truck with great engineering and great lines. My wife loves the truck also. The Ford Ranger 4x is the perfect truck for man or woman drivers.

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  Escape Just Gets Better - 2008 Ford Escape
  By VV - November 7 - 4:03 am

  I traded in my Escape 2005 for the new styled 08. Escape just gets better, in comfort, ride, quiteness, handling, and style. I have the moon roof w/satellite Autophile Stereo and this is worth the upgrade. Concerned with the factory installed Continental Tires. Had them on 05 with alot of road noise. So far, this is no issue. This Escape is just fun to drive and own! No complaints with either the 05 and now the new 08. Thanks Ford!

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  Love the black Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Jaivanti - November 6 - 11:53 pm

  I have only owned this 2003 SES for a little more than a week. It is really fun to drive and has plenty of power to move when I need it to. I have only owned one other car, a 1993 Cougar, (graduation present), however I am really happy with the purchase of the Taurus. Its a great family car with a little sport too!

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  Like my Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Dennis - November 6 - 11:41 pm

  This is my 8th new Ford truck in the past 12 years. I have put approximately 650,000 miles on these trucks in the 12 years since my first. I am convinced that no other truck could or would have given me the service I got from these vehicles. Other than some initial adjustments under warranty I have not spent $1 in vehicle repairs (break downs, part failures). Shocks, tires and normal maintenance is all I have ever needed to do!

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  Reliable - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Tim - November 6 - 4:46 pm

  It is a reliable truck. 2.3L great gas mileage. I get 28 to 30 mpg! But it goes from 0-60 in a like 3 minutes. No power what so ever even though it is a 2wd. I cant figure out why it needs 8 spark plugs in a 4cylinder? It only has 98hp.

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  Ford Freestyle SEL - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By fordguy - November 6 - 4:10 pm

  This vehicle is mostly everything I expected. The cargo space is nearly the same as the Explorer I previously owned. The gas mileage, even without the AWD is a bit under what I expected. I get 21mpg mixed driving. The stereo speakers were atrocious and were the first thing I replaced. Quite a surprise in this day and age. I expected better. The engine is a bit under powered and would benefit from a bit more horsepower under the hood.