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 me some Ford Truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Mark - August 13 - 10:41 am

  I laughed when I read that another guys wife sounded off about buying American. My wife did too as I was considering the Tundra or Tacoma but never got to the dealer. I did test drive Dodge, GMC and Ford. In every category from deal to doors I like the Ford at least a little better. GMC was a strong consideration and felt more refined but I wasnt looking for refined. I was looking for some big & bad truck and I found it in my black XLT 4X4.

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  So far Im impressed !! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By gqlefty - August 13 - 10:26 am

  Thanks to web-sites like this one, my selection process was easier to make. We downsized from driving an Expedition for the last 10 years. Havent had it long but so far this SEL has made the change an easy one and my wife loves it. Especially the GAS bill !! My son drives a 99 V6 Stang and it has been bullet- proof. So I lean towards driving another Ford product. Ford has done their home work on this one and has a winner for a small car. Ford must be reading these reviews because my SEL has 3 headrests in the back seat(2 would be enough) and an inside trunk release which earlier models lacked. Will report back in about 20K miles to update my review. All for under $19K, Im very impressed

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  WOW!!!!!!!!! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By John - August 12 - 9:08 pm

  I have owned Fords for the past 30 years and I must say this is by far the best one. Among those Fords was a Lincoln Town Car signature series loaded and theis Taurus has it beat by a mile. Gas mileage is great (29 hwy 22 city). There is more room in this car then in the conversion van I use to own. Comfort is beyond reproach. I always buy used cars about one or two years old and add on extended warranty. I do not think (hope) I will need my 100,000 mile warranty on this vehicle. It is just great. Ford you need to bottle this up and keep it on the shelf for future models. Now is I could only figure out how to put a SHO engine from a 2010 into this 2008 I will be happy.

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  The best American compact out there. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By srcej6 - August 12 - 6:09 pm

  Ive been extremely pleased with my 09 Focus SE coupe. I chose the 5spd because I personally cant stand to drive a car that doesnt have a lot of torque paired with an automatic. With that said the clutch uptake is very smooth and the pedals are well spaced for heel toe downshifting. The shifter itself could be shorter but the detents for the gears are positive. The car rides like a midsize sedan, very quiet and smooth. Its leagues above my friends 08 Cobalt in ride quality and noise control. While its no drag racer it definitely is entertaining in the twisties, with the 4wheel independent suspension. Not only does it soak up bumps mid corner with ease but it is also very forgiving.

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  Dream machine - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By chrisma - August 12 - 3:20 pm

  Retro to the bone! Brings back memories of riding in my Dads old Stang. Excellent handling, good sounds (both exhaust and Shaker 500), love the front end. Love this car!

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  My Baby - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By YOLY - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my baby, i have driven various types of SUVs. This is the "reliable" car. Room for 5 and back bed excellent for moving furniture. Great for material if into construction. Love it.

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  my new love - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sspanton - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 3 kids ages 6, 2.5 and 3 months old i am able to put all car seats in the second row with out over lapping placing the kids in the car is easy as well as taking them out the power fold seats are very handy when going on outings i can lower one side and still have room for 2 friends or the other side and have room for one other person i only have a problem putting the strollers in the back of the 3rd row the space is limited but i do have a very big stroller which would give me problems in a minivan as well however with the power seats i am able to place the seats up just a bit and fit every thing in fine. i love this truck.

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  What an improvement - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kdeanjack - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 1997 Explorer and the new 2004 is greatly refined jexcept for the seats. The 97 model has power seats that are longer and have power lumbar. I feel as if I backed up with seat comfort but it has a better ride and shifts smoothly and has as good acceleration as my sons GMC Envoy that has 60 more horses than my 210 HP V6.

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  My First Truck and what a Good Choice ! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By paris77 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Well after reviewing the other American made choices for 1/2 tons, this new Ford F 150 Lariat Supercrew 4WD wins hands down.I am lucky to own this as my first truck which was purchased to haul a horse trailer and general utility use. The ride is incredible and the power is fine for a 2 horse trailer. I plan to have this for many years and am quite happy I chose the Ford.

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  Ford Trucks - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Chris55 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Ford F-150. My first one I had ten years. And in those ten years, the only repairs besides regular maintenance was a battery at 130 thousand miles, and a water pump at 140 thousand. I sold the truck ten years after I bought it with 165 thousand miles on it. It still ran great, and looked good, I do wax it every four months. The only reason I sold the truck, I wanted the extended cab.