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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  Awesome truck! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Moms Ride - October 14 - 11:26 pm

  I love this truck! Not only does it look good, but it handles great too, in all kinds of weather and all kinds of terrain. Parking is a breeze, because it turns on a dime. The 4 doors help to make family living convenient, as well as shopping, with the fold down seats. I will definitely buy another!

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  One well built and fun to drive car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By RGS - October 14 - 5:23 pm

  Have had my Fusion for 3.5 years and only problem was a safety interlock system gone haywire fixed under warranty. I got it with every option they offer. . Get mid 20s around town and sometimes over 30 mph on highway driving under 65 mph. People who ride with me comment about how nice its appointed and how smooth it rides.

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  Proud American - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mark - October 14 - 4:26 pm

  I have always driven Fords. This one is the best! Power, ride, and quality. Truck is my dailey driver and gas mileage is okay for a big truck.(avg 17)Ford dealers here are great, back up the product. People need to do the research, Americans still and do build the best vechiles.

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  Little issues, Great truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Wade - October 14 - 11:38 am

  I have had this truck since January 08. The power is deceiving. I hauled my 600 pound bike from Texas to Wyoming without ever feeling the weight. The truck just towed away. The little issues I have are the wiper cowel coming off for the 5th time, shake in the steering wheel above 50mph, rattle in the dash, and a strange vibration that happens sporadically. Had all of these issues addressed at the dealer. They continue to irritate me. For such a great driving truck, Ford should really adress these issues. It is my understanding that these are fixed for the new 2009 model.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Ken - October 13 - 5:36 pm

  Bought this new in 2001 and now use it as a second car. Much more fun to drive than my Camry. Takes the Western Pa hills and curves with ease. Very reliable. Only had to replace the spark plug wires after about 70,000 miles.

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  Simply Amazing !! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Kat - October 13 - 3:20 pm

  Our first Mustang --> A 2010 GT Premium, black on black, with Aluminium Machine bright 19 inch wheels, HID light, navigation, rear camera ok, ok one word it is a - masterpiece (had to wait for 7.5 weeks to get one). Have owned Hondas and Toyotas earlier, Hondas are good, Toyotas are crap (bad experience and hence the opinion). Bottomline, never knew Fords were that good, wasted few years of my life by not driving one earlier. My highschooler is eagerly waiting to get his license and drive it. My 4 year olds just wants to be dropped off to school in the Mustang. Power, the roaring sound, head turner, great handling, the super cool indicators enough said I must say, it is --> Simply Amazing!!

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  Gotta Love Your Work Horse - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Cortez777CJ - October 12 - 9:43 pm

  Well I bought this truck back in 2006 before I Joined the Marine Corps and used it for pleasure and work Id have to say drivin back and forth over the years has defiantly thrown some miles on it 250k but it still purrs like the day I bought It I pulled more then 2& a half tons with it and had no problem what so ever Used it as my own business truck and took my date to prom So Ive never had one problem just regular maintenance and a lot of TLC

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  Great truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Tim - October 12 - 1:57 pm

  I purchased this truck because I have to haul a large boat. I had a Chevy Tahoe that just didnt haul it well. This truck is awesome for hauling and room. Ive had people who have never been in a large truck comment on how much room and comfortable both front and back seats are. The Lariat package is nice with all the toys. It rides nice for a truck and handles better than the suv I had. The standard tires are bad, Im going to replace those before winter. I little more HP would be ok too

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  Best SUV I have owned - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By R Williams - October 11 - 5:13 pm

  We made the mistake of purchasing a new 07 Wrangler and what a mistake, sold it quick and found this Expedition with 4WD cheap with only 31k miles. Had to replace the Contrac tires because it sat for over a year until gas came down. I purchased it to tow cars that I purchase on craiglist. I have even pulled a 36 foot motorhome (15,000 pounds) to a garage with no problems.I have put about 12k miles on it now and I love it. Passes everything but the gas stations. The new tires make it really comfortable. Did not want 4X4 but they gave this thing away when closing the dealership. I will put over 200,000 miles on this like all my other Fords one with over 435,000 miles. Do your own maintnance.

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  A great American Car! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Focus - October 11 - 11:23 am

  I love my focus I purchased it used with only 6k on and in 1st year I put on 35K. Great fuel economy I am getting city/hwy combined milage of 35MPG I am not driving like a a snail. I like that it is a PZEV partial zero emission vehicle. It took Honda and Toyota 1 to 2 years to bring the PZEV to market. The Focus has been PZEV since 2005 here in CA.. The 2.0 PZEV motor is a terrific motor, I have had zero problems.