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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  My first truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Dustin West - September 3 - 8:42 am

  My dad gave me this truck as my first vehicle and I love it its big roomy and great for pulling I put 33" tires on it and pulled a 6klb. Trailer threw mud no problem Im not real fond or the 15 mpg but if you want a truck for pulling or just something that would work for work put money into the gas and there you go my truck has 5.0l 302ci with e40d trans with manual 4x4 thats great when you start to slide on icy roads just pull it back and almost instantly you got traction never got stuck!, I will honestly say I wanted to trade this truck for a Honda civic but nope I am keeping this truck until I die yes everyone its that good I also recommend changing the stereo or maybe the speakers!

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  BEST F-150 EVER - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Steve and Lori - September 3 - 4:50 am

  This is our second F-150 and by far the best. Great, smooth ride, powerful engine, and nimble handling. We purchased the extra cab and have enough room for three car seats in the back. No problems what so ever. Fuel economy not bad either.

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  Very pleased with our new vehicle - 2010 Ford Edge
  By TomK - September 2 - 10:16 pm

  Traded 2000 Ford Windstar with 160,000 miles during Cash For Clunkers program qualifying for $3,500 & $3,500 in Ford Incentives total $7,000 off the price. Already averaging 22mpg mostly city driving with very little time above 45mph. Can not wait to see what mpg averages on the first all highway trip. Very smooth and quiet ride with plenty of room for 4 or 5 adults. Decided to shop the internet for Ford ESP Premium extended warranty and found $895 for 60 months/100,000 miles coverage rather than purchase at dealership for $1,795. Purchased top of line $300 GPS on my own vs spending $1,695 as installed option from Ford which also lets me remove it and use it when I rent.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By yuwan - September 1 - 9:20 pm

  While I only have 2,000 miles, the build quality is excellent, design and styling exception for US designed car and general thought behind car is above the rest, including Toyota and Honda. Have every option but navigation, however, there are a couple of design changes needed. The area visible once trunk is opened becomes a catch all for dust, dirt, etc. here in the desert. A better/redesigned seal on trunk is warranted. Plastic louvers are below windshield wipers needs to be improved, as it is a catch all as well. Headlight illumination could be improved and gas mileage is very poor in city stop and go driving (less than 20mpg); however, highway is approaching 30mpg.

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  Best SUV we have owned yet! - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Daniel - September 1 - 10:39 am

  This is our second Edge, and the improvements are outstanding from the first generation. Engine is powerful and quiet. Fit and finish rivals vehicles that cost $20,000 more. The fuel economy has improved also. We were looking at Mercedes and BMW as an option, and we choose the Edge!

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  good fuel efficency and lots of space - 2003 Ford Focus
  By fordddddd - August 31 - 2:18 pm

  I bought my car as a rebuilt vehicle over a year ago. It had 12K miles on it. Now it has 36000 miles and i have not yet had a problem with it. I get around 27 mpg average (city and highway). I love this car because it gives good fuel economy and can haul a lot of stuff. I use it to take my dogs to training and i can hold 3 crates with the rear seats folded down (500, 400 and a 300 crate).

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  Very Happy With Decision To Buy Ford - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Doris G. - August 31 - 8:24 am

  This is my first suv and the only difference i noticed from driving the car was I sat taller and the passing power in the truck felt a little slower. Other than that I love this vehicle. The handle and braking is great, the ride and turns are smooth, the gas tank and mileage are the same and my previous car, and the look is so versatile that I feel so feminine just being next to it, yet when I see a man in it, the look it totally masculine. The only thing I wish my car had is the new "Ford" front grill.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By cbce1pjb - August 30 - 9:37 am

  I bought a used 07 Sel FWD In April 09 with 21,000 miles. I can not find anything I do not like. This vehicle has great interior room,and the footprint is the the same as the 98 Taurus wagon with 150K miles on it that I retired. It is the easiest car I have ever changed oil on. The gas mileage is outstanding. 21/22 normal everyday driving. With 5 adults on the Interstate at 70 mph the computer indicated 28mpg. I did not believe that number and did my own calculation and the result was 27.The third row seat is fine as long as your not going too far. The front and second row seats are great. No mechanical problems , but I have not driven that many miles.Enough power for me.

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  Great - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By clint - August 30 - 7:26 am

  I think that this is a great car overall.

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  You must have a F150! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By truckman - August 29 - 8:24 pm

  My F150 has 16,500 miles now. I cant say enough good words for it. I just want to say: everyone must have this truck! This truck has a 18-19 combined MPG so far. It can do everything what a sedan or SUV does. It seats 6 people. more room. more comfortable. It can do many things a sedan, SUV, mini-van cant do. You understand what I meant. I go hunting, fishing. I help people move their heavy, large stuff. I buy stuff for my house and garden. etc. Everyone must buy a F150. Only F150!