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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  New car - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By mike Gossett - September 20 - 12:28 pm

  Leg room not great for taller person ... ride is a bit hard ... blind spots make some situations more difficult, but the camera and blind spot technology certainly helps ...overall would purchase again ...

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  Sporty 02 Sport - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By NOLIE - September 20 - 10:00 am

  A step upward from previous (Grand Cherokee).Fun and easy to drive,Park. Must get Limited-slip Diff. Too much Torque for 1 drive wheel. Average 20- MPG mixed driving. 14-16MPG pulling 19`Boat.

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  my escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By crazybuzz - September 20 - 10:00 am

  so far no problems

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  Am I the only one with a problem? - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Trouble - September 19 - 9:36 pm

  The Ford Freestyle has given me nothing but grief beginning 2 weeks after the purchase of my car. I have already had the transmission and electrical wiring replaced within 1 month of the purchase of my vehicle. The car doors dont shut properly, many time the car wont start, or will shut off when placed in gear shortly after start up. Car constantly hesitates. Grinding noises when I cut the wheel.

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  Happy Camper - 2002 Ford F-150
  By andy cwi - September 19 - 6:40 pm

  Ive driven Fords primarily for almost 20 years now after a bad experience with GM standing behind a Chevy lemon. I have for the past 10 years owned a pickup (2 Rangers and now the 150). This truck is all that I could hope for except of course for the fuel economy. If the economy doesnt go completely south or gas becomes extinct, this will be the last pickup Ill need. Driving comfort, dependability, durability low maintenance costs, hauling capacities and dealer customer service are all part of the package.

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Miller - September 19 - 4:56 pm

  Only had it for about a month, can see it will be a great car that will help with the budget due to gas mileage. Pretty sporty inside and out. Enjoy driving it.

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  Awesome car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tonya - September 19 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my Focus brand new in 2003, it now has almost 77,000 miles on it and still going strong. Only thing I have had to have done is an all wheel alignment because of the roads I live on. The tires are a little expensive but I think Ford made a right choice with the tire size due to my experience with the Aspire the lower profile tires were a wise choice. I love this car, gets great gas mileage and drive good. It has been very reliable and couldnt have asked for a better car.

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  Mustang GT - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Mattt - September 19 - 8:50 am

  Great.

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  A Modern Classic - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By JHawk - September 19 - 1:26 am

  I used to own a classic Mustang convertible. This car is just like it except: this car has better steering (no dead spot in the steering), doesnt shake going over bumps, has a great radio, top doesnt leak, cowl doesnt leak (no more wet carpet), windows dont rattle, and yes, the gauges all work. All in all, this car has all the great styling I remember with none of the bad things I had tried to forget!

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  Fuel Efficient Ranger Does the Job! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By ranger rick - September 18 - 9:51 pm

  Ok i admit it I love big trucks. In fact I almost bought a Sierra work truck for $11,900 this summer but couldnt get past the 17 mpg Id be getting. So I went to the Ford Dealer and looked at the Rangers. I bought an XLT long bed 4 cylinder 5 speed model and its been great. Great on gas, great on performance and great on usefulness. The 2.3 liter motor is torqued down well and the size of the bed for a compact truck is great. A real 7 foot long bed tops Toyota and Chevy. The exterior of the Ranger is a timeless well executed design. It is a truck so you do feel bumps, however tooling around town getting 28 mpg is fine with me. The inside is nothing new but there has been some updates.