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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  Impressive Vehicle - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Eric C. - April 12 - 6:45 pm

  This is a great car. Handles well for a large vehicle. The cabin is quiet and feels like a you are in a luxury vehicle. The seats are very comfortable, especially on long rides. Everything is well laid out. The engine is quiet and not underpowered. Averaged close to 30 mpg on the hwy traveling @ 65-70 mph.

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  F150 best truck on the market - 2005 Ford F-150
  By James - April 12 - 2:14 pm

  The F150 Lariat supercab has been very reliable with no cost of repairs to date (which is good because Ive been rough with it at times). It rides smooth for a truck while still being able to haul everything a normal person would ever want. Although it may not have the acceleration of competing models, it is definitely built to withstand the abuse of a what I expect a truck to take.

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  BOOM! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By 4x4 2010 - April 12 - 9:34 am

  Best truck Ive ever owned. I am 6,3 and the four door is so roomy I can sit in the back and relax and have plenty of room, I love the heated seats and the SYNC system transmission shifts often but that means better gas mileage, I can tow my 9,000 lb trailer like its nothing, , the 5.4 is really powerful but Im looking forward to the new 6 litre v8! This is a beautiful truck inside and out and handles seamless ly I average about 20 mpg!

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  Towing that Trailer - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Trailer Towing - April 11 - 9:56 pm

  We are serious campers. We tow a 30 foot, 8000 pound 5th. wheel camper behind our F150, with the 5.4 engine. I does a great job and we still get 10 m.p.g. out of it. We have taken short trip and long trips and usually go camping at leadt ten times a year. Never had any problems with anything in 3 years. I highly recommend this truck to people needing a reliable, good riding truck to tow a camper.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jagriner71 - April 11 - 9:53 pm

  The salesman said, "you either love the exterior or you hate it." Well, I happen to love it. I decided I liked it from a TV commercial and then fell in love at the car lot. The inside of the car is what sets it WAY beyond anything else. We test drove all the other brands, but kept coming back to the Flex for the navigation, panoramic roof, and Sync. I am so spoiled now that I cant stand to ride in another car. Kids love the car also. It is almost like a real life sized toy.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Doug Mc - April 11 - 9:51 am

  This is the 2nd new Ford F150 I have owned. The first was a 1990 model and I drove it for 11 years and it had 200,000 miles on it when I traded it in. I have had this one for almost 9 years now and its up to 180,000 miles and still running great. It has had normal maintenance plus a couple of little hiccups along the way, but overall a great truck and fun to drive. I have the V6 model and since I dont do any heavy towing, it is fine and the acceleration is great. I love sitting up high and seeing the road.

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  Great Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Ceos Expedition - April 10 - 1:35 pm

  Great vehicle purchased it with 5 miles on it. Every single mile is accounted for. Have had some minor issues with it. Stock radio was overheating and shutting off so they had to install some type of fan behind it. A/C system had to be replaced under warranty. Since these issues back in 02-03 havent had any other problems with it. Have driven 3 times to Guadalajara, Mexico about 3500 mile round trip without any worries.

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  Excellent Ride & Value - 2010 Ford Edge
  By St Louie - April 9 - 1:48 pm

  Had this vehicle for a month now and couldnt be happier. Ride is excellent and interior is great. Had 4 previous Eddie Bauer Explorers and wanted something with a better ride. The vista roof is tremendous and the Sync system is great. Looked at other GM crossovers and this beats them all including the Buick. Mazda CX9 and Nissan Murano cant compare to the roominess and ride of this vehicle.

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  Outstanding - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Mark - April 9 - 8:40 am

  I am a police officer and find this vehicle to be as responsive as my patrol car.

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  SHO must go on - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By able - April 9 - 6:54 am

  Had this vehicle two weeks now and love this car. I didnt know how I would adapt since I had came out of a 2007 Yukon SLT fully loaded. I must say I have been pleasantly surprised with the ride speed and handling. I have been stopped by at least 10 people asking if they can see the interior and the usual response is this is not a Taurus.