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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  Love the Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Shanna - April 20 - 8:43 pm

  I traded an 03 Mustang for my Fusion, and I am very happy I made the decision. I love all the interior room, the look of the exterior; all around I love the car. At first when I bought the car I only planned on keeping the car until the bumper to bumper warranty was up but I have already changed my mind. I am going to keep it or trade it in for a newer model. Only thing bad I have to say is the view out the rear window.

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  747 Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By k. brown - April 20 - 11:46 am

  I was looking for a new SUV that would give better gas mileage and performance than my Jeep Cherokee. I found it in my new Limited Escape. The 6 is really snappy and I get 20+ miles in combo driving. For a less expensive SUV I got a great deal and am very satisfied.

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  F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BDAVIS - April 20 - 10:00 am

  My new F-150 is the quitest pickup truck i have ever been in, The ride of this vehicle is excellent the best of any 4 wheel drive i have driven. The V-8 engine is the only overhead cam engine offered by an AMERICAM truck builder. Ford also has a better computersystem than any automobile manufacture. I am a proponent of BUY AMERICAN so the only choice i had was Ford or Chevrolet and Ford beats Chevrolet hands down.

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  Undesided Dodge or Ford (Ford won) - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Happy Ford Guy - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1989 F-150, When I traded it in it had 283,000 miles on it with nothing more than nomal maint. M y son purchased a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 reg. cab with a Hemi. I used it one weekend for a 700 mile trip to decide if I wanted to buy one, I was not impressed buy the ride, build or the "Hemi". I decided to look again at the F-150. I wasnt impressed buy the misleading rebate game I puchased the truck and I really like it. I hope I get the life out of this truck aswell as the 1989. The truck seems more like a car in ride comfort, style and perfomance, as nice to drive as my Lincoln LS. Glad I bought it. Anthony Lombardo

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  Expedition---Couldnt want more - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Grandmaof2 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition. My 1997 was such a pleasant change from driving Suburbans for 19 years. So much more comfortable. The 2003 was a disappointment due to the Advance Trac not being what wed hoped for. This 2004 is not quite 3 weeks old but I love it. We had a good idea about the gas mileage so that isnt a problem.

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  A Breath of Fresh Air From Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By RFree - April 20 - 2:23 am

  This car knocked my wife off her feet for the look and she had no brand preference while we were shopping. This review comes from her husband - a long time Ford owner. We purchased the 4 cylinder, 5 speed automatic which came out later in 2006. We love the vehicle! It is definitely an eye-catcher. It drives as well as any competitor car of the 5 others we drove. The front grill is the seller and the slick interior is awesome. Good engine pickup and stop handling, very tight turning and huge truck space. Pop down seats in the rear with arm/beverage holder a plus. This car drove as good or in some cases, better than any of the competitors. Overall, we are very pleased.

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  Poor Build Quality / Attractive Wrappper - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By edge4syn - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Poor build quality. About to go in the shop for the fifth time. One sensor after another has gone bad. Rim had a defect and was replaced. Gas mileage is nowhere near stated mileage. Trans has already begun slipping. Good looking, nice driving truck with powerful 4.0 engine. The interior was designed for the active crowd, yet every time the seats get wet or damp they develop stains. The interior door handles are plastic and have begun peeling. I have been a ford guy my entire life, and I would say theres a good chance Ill never buy another Ford.

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  Mustang - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang - April 20 - 1:38 am

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  2007 Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By rhowar1 - April 19 - 2:10 am

  We got our 2007 Ford 500 3 yrs ago. The tranny went out 1000 miles from home. The seat heaters quit working, the rubber moulding is coming off, the engine control module is out, the battery wont hold a charge, the transmission pan needed replaced, the reverse sensors are out and the trunk wont open most of the time. Fremont Motors in Riverton, Wyoming sure saw me coming. They knew the car was a heap, but they spit and polished it until I got it off the lot. I wish I still had my 1967 Galaxy. It was a much better car. Why cant Ford make them like that anymore?

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  Great Car! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By SUV MOM - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Ever since we bought our 2000 Expedition XLT, it has been superb! It is a very smooth ride and does not wobble like our previous Explorer. There is lots of room and the 3rd row seat is a great feature. The car seems like it was built well and is a very sharp design outside. The inside design is very nice as well. Although, i would recommend leather seating because the cloth interior isnt as comfortable as the leather. Our previous Explorer was a really nice car, it had leather and a sunroof, and we sometimes miss the comfort in that car. The engine is also very soft and not loud. Overall its an awesome car and i would recommend it to any SUV family.