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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  FOCUS ZX3 2000 KONA ED - 2000 Ford Focus
  By douguil - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I regret to have an automatic transmission on that car, it is much more fun and fast with a stick. Go with 16Â’Â’ wheels, it helps a lot the handling and maybe with 205/40/16 tires instead of 50s for a better stability when driving aggressively. I cannot wait that my Firestone Firehawk stock tires wear out, they are terrible.

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  The best small truck PERIOD - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By jtf - December 27 - 6:58 am

  This is my second ranger. There are 2 others rangers my family has (93&98).These trucks are tough and very reliable. The 2.3 DOHC and 5 spd are great choice 24mpg city and 27 highway and plenty of power( 3rd gear wheel spin). The other trucks have no rust and one has over 200,000 miles. I would have kept my 2001 ranger but I like the added interior space of the supercab.You cant buy a better small truck for the money... period

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  Nice Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dan M - December 26 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased the truck as a leftover 2005 about 2-1/2 months ago. Rebates/discounts were aggressive, making it a good value. I only have 1200 miles on it. The truck rides smooth, very quiet, great interior space, sufficient power. The truck is heavy, so the acceleration is only okay given it has 300 hp. However, I will use it to tow a 6,300 lb travel trailer, so additional mass in the truck helps keep the trailer from pushing the truck around. The rack and pinion steering is very good, it cruises the interstate with great on-center feel. Heated seats are nice in the north country. Moonroof is quiet when open or closed (unlike many other vehicles). If you like it, buy one!

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  Impressive Midsized Sedan - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By bansko - December 26 - 3:10 pm

  After 2,500 miles I still love to get behind the wheel. It handles beautifully and my mileage with the 4 cylinder, six speed manual is far better than what the EPA estimated. Im getting 36 MPG on the highway and over 30 MPG combined. The 2.5 liter motor has plenty of guts and is surprisingly quiet - I cant even hear it at idle. The seats are very comfortable on long drives and the trunk is quite roomy. This car also feels and sounds like its very tightly put together, with no squeaks or rattles that I can detect. Overall, its a top-notch car. Ford has a winner.

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  Sweet! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Allen M - December 25 - 8:53 pm

  We compared the Escape to the CRV, Rav 4, and the Mazda CX7. It was no contest. It offers more features, more power, smoother ride, and is easier to drive. The sync system is awesome! Plus, we got better financing and a better deal.

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  Never had a problem - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Lovetoescape - December 24 - 11:18 am

  Most of my driving is around a small town or long road trips. In either situation I have been pleased. The back seat is comfortable for passengers. The vehicle drives very nicely. I purchased my Escape as a brand new vehicle. I have 20,0000 miles and everything is like new. This vehicle performs beyond my expectations.

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  Most reliable car Ive owned so far - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By mgoodwin16 - December 24 - 10:31 am

  I picked this up in Sep 06.I really liked the styling and still do. Since getting my D.L. 26 yrs ago, Ive owned 6 Fords,1 Chevrolet,1 Buick, and 1 Pontiac. I had at least 2 issues with each of them. 11 with the Buick.I have not had a single issue with this car after 51k miles. The OEM tires wear quickly.Softer rubber,better handling,means quicker wear.Replaced with Michelins.I believe, due to the Mazda 6 underpinnings,Ive noticed little, if any, difference in handling with the tire swap.I purposely chose the manual.More engaging in my experience and the manual with the Fusion is just as good as 2 others I have owned. Being a sedan manual is a plus. Great looks, dependable,and fun.

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Derek Pickering - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The whole experience was an excellent one, from the sales staff right down to the maint. dept.

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  Chevy and Dodge Cant Even Compare - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bandit1 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This Truck Is great. I live in Montana and it handles awesome in the mountains, as well as the city driving.

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  The Best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bob Z - December 24 - 10:00 am

  It is the quietest riding, and the most comfortable I have ever been in... I handles the road more like a car than a truck....