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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  I like it, I love it, cant get enough of it! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Adaasanchez@yahoo.com - November 22 - 2:10 am

  It had always been a dream of mine to own a truck. When I stepped into the F-150 I knew this was my truck. We bought the v8 version with 385hp and 387 ft lbs of torque. We recently went on a trip and averaged 22mpg. As a father, I love the great crash ratings. My family is protected. It is a great overall truck.

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  Love my little truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JCJsMom - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive never personally owned a truck/SUV BUT I would do it again in a heart beat. I love this little truck with a huge heart. Has everything I wanted on a truck..except the size and bulkiness. I can carry what I need to and still have the inside room for 4-5 people. The rear air and radio with ear phone plug in is great for the kids..BUT I love my little truck just to drive!

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  Fun - 2004 Ford Focus
  By E.Ruppert - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little car. Lots of fun to drive, handles great, and has a surprising amount of power. It gets up and merges to freeway speed without any problem. The Focus has better overall quality than most of the other comparable cars I test drove before deciding to purchase..

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  ESCAPE EXCELLENT - 2004 Ford Escape
  By MC CLLAREN - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This auto is built strong like a truck but handels next to a car. Mileage is excellent [sometimes 30 mpg].Small engine will rev up for take off from stoplight. Power good for driving but not for pulling. Get bigger engine for this job. Good for small family [4 people].Price is excellent.

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  Would never buy any other vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By fantasy shoppe - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We have had 4 of these and loved each and every one!! I would never own any other kind.

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  My Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By sherryg99 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford!

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  Very Fun - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Rachmaninoff - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The Mustang is everything I expected and a little more. For performance, the V6 had great response and power. The interior was all leather and was very comfirtable on those long drives. This is a great car and is a great summer car and a great car overall.

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  Built to last - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By speedracer16 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I had always wanted a Mustang for as long as I could remember as soon as I started talking.... In March I found one and fell in love and it has got to be the best purchase I have ever made. I love driving it. The minute I put my foot on the gas pedal I feel the need for speed. It turns heads no matter where im driving. This is a great automobile!

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  Great Truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By DKOVACHJR - November 22 - 1:37 am

  I just bought my 2nd 93 explorer the first I trade for a sedan and missed my truck finally after 2 yrs of trying to find one that i could afford with money being tight i found one i use mine for haul the family and responding to fire calls the 4.0 does a decent job getting to the station when the tones drop even though she may not be fast the tourque makes up for it I have pulled plenty of down trees out of the roadway and have no doubt that what i hook up to she will pull it. Beware if the 4x4 is not used the power motor for it sticks and you may need to replace it or have someone hold the button and you get under your truck with a hammer and knock on the motor

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  I love my Ford Focus! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By DeeDido - November 21 - 7:44 pm

  I love the color. the moonroof, SYNC, leather seats, alloy wheels, ac, cruise, ipod port, stereo rocks compared to the subaru i got rid of, 5 cup holders, fog lights, the design of the dashboard console is cool, trunk light, automatically dimming rear view mirror. It has a smooth ride. I sounds cool when you start it up. It came with oil changes for life. It looks cool. folding rear seats. All of things make this car better than average for a small car. Oh yeah and 35 mpg!