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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  Harley Heaven - 2001 Ford F-150
  By BadRon - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This will be my third F150 and Ford finally got it right this time! The Harley F150 Crew Cab is a great looking truck and truly fun to drive. My wife keeps trying to steal it. The only draw back is when you go out for a drive you end up attracting a crowd.

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  Focus Review - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Terry - November 20 - 4:00 am

  I never thought I would get out of my F150. I bought this to save gas and it really does. I get around 35 on the hiway. Its a really fun car to drive so my truck sits in the drive most of the time now. Thanks Ford. Buy American!

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  Still Love it after two years. - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Alan - November 19 - 3:53 pm

  Two years and almost 30,000 miles later, Im still lovin my Lariat. The interior is great with the heated seats, auto dimming mirrors and the climate control. Ive been hunting in some pretty rugged terrain, climbed a couple of very steep hills off-road and it does very well in 4 wheel drive. Ive come back with Nevada Pin- Stripe down both sides and I just polish them out with Clear Coat Scratch Remover. My tires are about 1/2 worn, brakes have little wear and no problems. I cant gripe one bit about this truck its about as good as it gets. my wife loves it too. I have high hopes that my Lariat will be as good a vehicle as my 1984 Bronco II was after 10 years and 150,000 miles.

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  FORD FUSION - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By MASS - November 19 - 3:41 pm

  We took out ford on vacation last Sept. and drove 3700 miles. At 75 mph we were getting around 29 miles to the gallon. I never got a worry from riding. We use to have a Honda Accord EX and 600 mile trips were hard to handle on comfort. Great car Ford! My wife loves it.

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  "Good to Go" - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By GunnyDawg - November 18 - 7:37 pm

  Awesome Truck! Drives and tows excellent. Seat cooler/heater and AC/Heater work fast. I almost pi**ed my pants when I read the "No more Ford" review ) If you read this Tom, re-set your driver/key remote settings (1 and 2) to your personal preferences and the "Side Mirrors will always adjust when unlocking" to your settings,,,LoL.

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  A beautiful shift - 2010 Ford Focus
  By c - November 18 - 7:49 am

  Maybe a bit early to write a review, but after having driven a Mazda Miata, manual, for years, it was difficult to find a standard shift that would come close. Coming home to Ford is definitely a pleasure, as the shift is just perfect..what a fun car to drive. Everything fits right - like it was made for me. Thanks for a winner of a car.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By lani contreras - November 18 - 2:56 am

  I love my Freestyle. I love the AWD.The only complaint I have is that I wish it had a bit more pick up from the take off. The gas mileage is ok not great, but it sure is better than a SUV. Even though it isnt a SUV, it acts like one to me with the AWD. The interior is very comfortable. Very people friendly when it comes to having chldren under the age of ten. I feel very safe and comfortable in my Freestyle just by the fact I sit a bit higher in my car. It is a fun car to drive whether you have to drive far, or just around the corner. All around I feel safe, and I have fun driving my freestyle.

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  Must have! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By spydrix - November 18 - 12:04 am

  With my sights set on a Corvette, but the reality of needing a 5 passenger car, I decided to look around and see what was available. I was awe-struck after test driving the 2010 Taurus sho! There was no way that this car could have carried the same name as the Taurus that got me through college in the mid 90s! It was almost as hard to convince my wife to test drive a Taurus as it was to get her out of it once she did! I get comments left and right about the car! I love it! I beat my Father-in-laws mercedes cls 500 from 0-60, has much cooler and practical features, and paid $30,000 less! My gas mileage isnt so great but thats because I cant keep my foot off the gas! Good job Ford!

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  2nd One, and Loving It - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MYEXH8ME - November 17 - 5:49 pm

  This is my 2nd Eddie Bauer 4x4. I havent had a problem with this SUV, and I would recommend it to anyone. It has more torque than GMs, but less horsepower translated, tows more but wont win a light to light. Who wants to race something this big anyway? I have used it to tow 5 or 6 cars to the crusher...I couldnt tell they were even behind me. There is also plenty of ground clearance, incase you want to hop a curb or two. Tire Pressure Monitoring System really, really works too! Headlight illumination well above average...brights light up the horizon and foggers do their job. Powerfold 3rd row a plus, especially on rainy days when you need the extra room. DVD system great for kids!!

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  Lovin my ST so far - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JerichoJeff - November 17 - 11:30 am

  Bought our ST as a utility vehicle for around the house; we needed a truck with 4 drs and a real back seat. Our ST is exactly what we were looking for. It handles well, rides wonderfully, and is super comfortable inside, even in the back seat (Im 61", and can sit very comfortably in the back). Its a great looking vehicle too. Ive received continuous comments on it since getting it. The roof rails are great, and allowed me to attach my bike rack to the top in minutes. The tie downs in the back are excellent, as well as the composite bed. So far, the only thing weve had to be concerned about is the fuel economy. But really, its no better or worse on gas than any other truck. We love it!