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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  Suprised - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By TAM - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I am a Gm man and when I drove the Explorer, I was hooked. It drives great, the V8 is powerful and reliable and it loves gas. The interior is laid out convienently. I will buy another Ford Explorer the next time around.

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  F-150 King of the Ranch - 2015 Ford F-150
  By F150 King - August 14 - 1:47 am

  This is my first time owning a Ford F-150 and I wish I would have gotten into a F-150 much sooner. Ive owned both Chevy and Dodge over the years and can say without hesitation that the 2015 Ford F-150 is an awesome truck! It provides a very comfortable ride, while still giving the feeling of being in a truck. The 5.0L engine (same one that is in the Mustang) is powerful and enhances the ride with a nice throaty sound from the exhaust. I have used it towing a horse trailer. It is hard to remember that you have something attached to the truck, it tows that easily. In fact, my wife enjoyed driving the truck while towing the trailer, normally she avoids driving while towing. My truck comes with the 6 speed automatic that can be driven as a manual and includes both a Tow and Sport function. You know you are in Sport, with quicker shifts from the transmission and the increase horse power right out of first gear. The technology of the truck is amazing and can be a bit overwhelming, I have to refer back to the manual on occasion. However, I am using all of the features available on this truck, which provides so much convenience. An example is the tow settings that allow you to hook up a trailer and set the brake control, while it knows what type of trailer you have connected. You then can save the trailer settings and the truck will remember it each time you hook it up. I purchased this truck in Beaumont, TX at Kinsel Ford and drove it back 1200 miles, with my horse trailer, back to Wisconsin. It was a fantastic drive back without any issues. The dealership provided me with the best experience in buying my 2015 King Ranch overall and above any other vehicle I have purchased. I had to utilize their service department before leaving and they provided great customer service and speed in getting the issue taken care of.

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  My third Ford Fusion, and I love it! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By SimplyChad - August 13 - 9:26 pm

  This is my third Fusion. I had a 2014 Fusion SE. I traded it for a 2016 2.0 turbo with the appearance package. I love this car! The engine is way better, its more powerful and quiet, it feels like driving a V6. The 18" black alloy wheels, rear spoiler and fog lights do make the car look nicer. I honestly recommend to get the car with the 1.5T or the 2.0T engine, because its a better ride than the 2.5. Make sure you get all the features you want on the car so you have no regrets. The cash back incentives were unbelievable on this car.

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  Ranger Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Racing - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Awesome little truck! It hasnt let me down since 1985 when I got my first one, and now I have my new one.

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  Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By laddy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned 2002 Edge 4door before this one. This time I purchased the extended cab without the 4 doors. Huge mistake! I highly recommend the 4 door when purchasing the extended cab.

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  5.0 Forever - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By twowheeler - August 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for those that want to go fast, for cheap. Many aftermarket mods available to turn it into a compentent open track racer to 1/4 mile dragster that turns 10s! All for $10K +/-. Excellent MPG on the highway 22-24 mpg -if I keep my foot out of it. I bought this car new in 91 and I still have it. What does that tell you?

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  dajamazzs Stang - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By dajamazz - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Other than Idling a little rough, this car gives a lot of bang for the buck. 260Hp V8, is plenty of power for most people.

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  Never AGAIN - 1996 Ford Escort
  By jghg - August 13 - 2:00 am

  WOW...I see people writing good things about the escort....SHOCKED....The WORST car I have ever owned. I did the maintance, took care of it and what happened problem after problem after problem. Until the engine went with 85,000 miles. Talked with mechanics and was told that is just how the ford engine is made not to last!!!

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  Great rig!! - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Mavrick - August 13 - 2:00 am

  What a great vehicle. I spent all of last spring and summer with the top off. The 5.8 has been excellent. I have pulled lots of weight with my bronco and it still has never hickupped. Very well thought out rig.

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  Passable but not the best - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rjh - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket leaked requiring complete re-do, fortunately at Fords expense as it happened one month before their extended warranty on this known problem would have expired. Dont buy this year unless this problem has been taken care of and then still be leary. Ride was ok and not unpleasant though not as good as my previous 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan. Brakes require more attention than on other vehicles Ive owned including losing brake fluid even after complete brake job. Shakes, leaks and noises of undetermined natures (probably suspension and engine) left me unsettled on the reliablity of the vehicle.