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 Ford F-150 Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By My Ford F-150 - August 7 - 8:23 am

  I had driven my brother Ford F-250 Lariat and I was so surprised that a truck could handle so easily along with comfort plus quietness. When the time came for me to purchase another vehicle, Ford F-150 Lariat was my choice of trucks I had been looking at.In fact, my Ford truck handles more easily than my car. My Ford F-150 is very good on gas, example, I live in Georgia and I took a trip to Jacksonville, North Carolina, approximately 390 miles and it didnt used a full tank of gasoline. It still had 134 miles to go before the big "E". Great on gas, especially now with gas prices over the hill. I wouldnt trade my F-150 for any other truck, just love driving it too much. You Check one out.

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  I REALLY want to love it, but... - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mikejbam - August 7 - 3:56 am

  This was both my first new car and my first Ford. The dealership was awesome and made the buying of the vehicle both fun and easy. As for the Freestyle, I wouldnt change a thing about it. The power is adequate for me and the ride is better than anything else Ive driven. Interior is very comfortable and the stereo and DVD system are lots of fun and sound great. My only problem with the vehicle so far is that we havent had much time to drive since the rear end failed at just over 200 miles and its been back at the dealership being repaired. Oh well ... thats what the warranty is for I guess. Probably should have listened to my parents and gone for the Subaru. :)

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  Ford Quality - 2010 Ford F-150
  By GMM - August 6 - 9:10 pm

  The 2010 Ford F-150 is by far the best truck that I have owned and driven. Everything Ford has said about this truck is on the money. I bought the XLT with the 5.4, 3.73 gear and max tow package with tow mirrows, sync, and rearview camera. With only 1500 miles on the truck I am getting 16 to 17.5 mpg on the highway and 14 to 16 mpg in town. It is the quitest truck I have driven and has a excellent ride. I have towed with this truck and so far the truck has performed great with excellent power.

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  very much so worth your money - 1993 Ford Escort
  By larieaux - August 6 - 12:24 pm

  I just bought the car for $700 about two months ago and did I ever get a deal! It had 129k on it but it drove like a dream, heck the air even worked (at first anyway). I drive it everywhere although I really wish my air hadnt died. But other than that the car is rust free, clean and everything else works its a good running car with no problems and theres about 132k on it now. Great gas mileage which is good since gas is nearly $4 a gallon. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for something cheap to grip.

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  Complete Satisfaction - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Dave Martin - August 6 - 10:50 am

  We have had this vehicle for five weeks, have 1050 miles on it. We are averaging 20.7 miles per gallon. My wife fell in love, first with the color (Merlot), second with the lite beige interior, third the ease of getting in and out. It is very quiet, and we have had many compliments on the 2006 Freestyle. P.S.I love it too.

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  Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By LINDA - August 6 - 1:10 am

  I love driving my Fusion. Its comfortable, dependable and very classy. I have more people stop and ask about my car than any other Ive owned.

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  2000 Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Jim - August 5 - 11:15 am

  This has definitely been the best all-around vehicle I have ever owned. visibility is great, turning radius is unbelievable (it sure beats our Olds 98 and Buick LeSabre), air-adjusted lumbar support in seat works great and its a joy to drive on long trips.

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  A man & his horse - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Derek - August 5 - 3:16 am

  The best car Ive owned! I ordered it with all the options I wanted and it was well worth the wait. I just love the sound of the engine and I havent even added the performance exhaust yet. Just thinking about it makes me want to go out and drive it again and again.

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  Great 2nd Car - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Daddys3angles - August 4 - 11:33 pm

  This is a great family vehicle if you have more than 4 members. It has lots of storage room and with the DVD system keeps the kids quiet all day and night on those long family trips. Could be better on gas. If gas was cheaper we would drive it all of the time. The heated and air conditioned seats are nice. Power 3rd row is a nice feature when loading and unloading. Would buy another if gas was cheaper or Ford made one in a hybrid like the Escape. But think they lost on the next buy because of gas.

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  Great Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Gety - August 4 - 6:35 pm

  Love the truck overall, exterior design is great looking, like the interior, nice horsepower and torque for the little hauling I do. Get about 17 mpg in town never tested it on HWY but Im guessing its about 20-22 mpg. My uncle claims he gets 24 mpg with the 4.0 but I dont believe it.