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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  badass truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By cmfligtnig - October 6 - 2:00 am

  man i got my truck a few months ago and i am loving it, before i hated to drive but now i love driving its soo much fun! if you dont have one i sugjest you get one as soon as posible, youll love every bit of it.

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  Always Stylin - 2002 Ford F-150
  By lyn-n-lyle - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck and had it lowered 3" in the front and 4" in the back. I am handicapped so it makes it easier to get in & out of. The ride is still pretty decent. Had it custom pinstiped and nerf bars added. It is a looker! Some guy in a new chevy followed me down the street & kept giving eye up & down the truck. At the light I looked over and he gave me the thumbs up. How often does a chevy man do that?

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  2001 GT Coupe-5-speed - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By bunky - October 6 - 2:00 am

  A serious driving car. 5-speed, silver stallion!Fast, corners like a dream. Love this car.Sturdy, fast and safe.Handsome, like a Mustang should be. Wonderful music. I rate this car an A. Making driving fun!

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  rangers are great - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By joe d - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck. i bought it with 57000 miles, and it now has 138000 and is going strong. i can do everything in it or with it. i can haul cargo, move, pull a boat, or bring along friends. it is fun to drive and handles great in tight areas.

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  Descent Truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By SSsuperchargedEi - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger has the 2.3 4cyl w/100hp and it is unbearably SLLLLLOOOOOOOW. But, it has been a great truck to drive and has proven good off road capabilities.

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  Stick it - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Josh Shipcoff - October 6 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 cobra is obviously the best buy on the market putting out 425 horses at the flywheel and chevy stomping performance. Oh and youll get the ladies.

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  VERY Happy - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By davesc - October 5 - 7:25 am

  We purchased the C-Max last Sunday, 6 days ago. I am very impressed. Went golfing with 4 guys, fitting clubs in was a challenge, where we drove 200 miles round trip. Had the air conditioner on for the trip home and had the cruise control set at 65 most of the trip and got 40.5 MPG. Around town consistently get 40-45 MPG. Acceleration is great and a solid car. Electronics takes some getting use to but lots of capabilites. One of the best cars I have ever purchased.

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  1999 Mustang Gt - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By AJMD69 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal for 10k from a friend when its worth about 12. Only 45,000 miles, awesome car only problem is trying to keep tread on the tires longer...

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  Evaluation of a Mustang from an Owner - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Alisha19 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my Mustang for two months, but I am definitely in love! Beside the fact that the Mustang is fun to drive, it has an amazing looking body style. Young or old, if you are looking for a fun, sporty, attractive car, a Mustang is the right choice for you!

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  Best vehicle yet - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Canons Cottage - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Now living in winter snow country, I needed a solid 4wd vehicle. I got it in the Escape Limited. The vehicle is loaded with all the options I can imagine. Having purchased it 800 miles from home (it pays to have a reliable car dealer with whom I know I will be given the best options), I drove through desert, up and down mountains, winding rural roads, and a thunder storm. It handled perfectly. I also considered a Land Rover Freelander and even a preowned certified Lexus RX300. This was best value for the price, and I couldnt be happier.