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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  great vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By kelialau - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I feel safe for my kids when they are in it. and the ride is great.

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  awesome truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By rhthunder - October 12 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck

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  mine - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By 56 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  this was and is a beautifull car. if i had enough money to buy any car id want it would only be a brand new ford ranger. I love fords and the ranger is deffinently my favorite of the fords. thank you very much

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  shockingly satisfied - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By atrain - October 11 - 6:57 am

  Ive put 20,000+ miles on the car and it has been flawless. Ive never owned a car with a CVT transmission before so i was concerned but not anymore. The transmission is amazingly smooth. I routinely get 500+ miles on a ~11 gallon tank in the summer months. The mpgs drop some in the winter because the defrost/heat causes the gas engine to run more often but its still in the low 40s. If it wasnt for all of the hills in the Portland area I would exceeding the 50mpg mark no problem. I have the base S model and its really all you need.

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  THE BEST - 2005 Ford GT
  By me - October 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS AN AWSOME CAR

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  First Ford Truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By aeccal47 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  So far I am very happy with my ford Truck. I have been a foreign truck owner and was very reluctant to switch to the full size ford vs tondra...cant beat the incentives. Two problems, fuel tank guage and leaky differential (covered by warranty) other than that excellent. I recently go 23mpg on trip to Virginia. Great in snow with off road package 4x4 and powerful 5.4L V8.

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  first time expedition owner - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kennythornhill - October 11 - 2:00 am

  we started having problems at 1600 miles with the hydrolic motor mount going out then there is the problem with the excessive brake dust. then at 13,000 miles the rear end had to be rebuilt and then most recently at 14,000 miles.

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  Hints to Ford Motor Co. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By torquay - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. My overall opinion of this SUV is very positive. I use this vehicle in my business and tow a 14 ft cargo trailer frequently with great ease. Basicly this is my mobile office.

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  One-Dimensional Boy-Racer - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - October 10 - 8:46 pm

  After reading the raves here and on some other sites, I sprung for this vehicle without even a test drive. Boy! That was a mistake! Now Im stuck with it until I can save up for another vehicle. In a nutshell: Interior noise off-the-chart. Weird "What gear am I in?" transmission...the list could go on, but I dont have enough room.

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  Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By BHagar - October 10 - 8:00 pm

  Just recently purchased a Fusion. Traded in a truck for fuel mileage. Family loves the new car and I love the savings. I would recommend this car to anyone.