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 my new Focus SE Sedan - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ldw6559 - April 7 - 5:37 am

  I just picked up my New Focus Sedan in Sterling Metallis Grey with a 5 speed manual tranny and the 203A package. Including 2500 in rebates final price 15,775.00. I cant imagine another car with all these features , ( look up 203A package) for a better price and it handles and drives better than my wifes 28,000.00 Camry. This car is comfortable, stylish, well made and an absolute blast to drive. The interior is well laid out and very comfortable. The ride is excellent and very quiet. Try one before you purchase a simular size car and Im betting youll choose the Focus. Looks alone inside and out have that European feel and remember most of this car was designed in Germany and built in Mich.

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  Totally Awesome! - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Rodney Wooten - April 7 - 3:09 am

  My 2015 Ford Edge Turbo 4 cylinder AWD is truly an amazing vehicle both from a styling and performance perspective.

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  TheTank - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Wifes Expedition - April 7 - 3:00 am

  When I bought this vehicle I though that the interiors will hold up better. I will suggest that if you plan to buy one these tanks that you buy the factorys extended warranty, as repair for these car are expensive. There has been problems with the engines in the past. Such as Blown head gasket and transmissions going bad as early as 16,000 miles of use.

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  1997 Ford Ranger 2 DR XLT SB - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Officer_ndogg - April 7 - 3:00 am

  This is a good truck as long as you dont need a lot of power or room. The 4Cyl engine is weak and provides slow acceleration, though fuel economy is good. If you get the 4Cyl, get the 5- speed or it will be slower than a dump truck. This truck handles very well and rides decent, for a truck. The interior is very cramped, though heardroom shouldnt be a problem. Build quality is not bad, especially for a truck. Towing with the 4Cyl is out of the question. Not a bad truck for the everday commute, but for work duty it wouldnt be very usefull.

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  still lovin it! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By arnie_c - April 6 - 4:43 am

  The Sport Trac is all and more than we expected. We use it to haul a 16 bass boat around in the summer. The cap we put on lets us transport the dog during hunting season. Its an outdoorsmans dream!

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  I never expected to love it - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jocopapay - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I was driving a BMW 315 when I came across the Sport Trac. It was supposed to be for my husband but I loved driving it..now its mine! The back seat has so much room, even four adults can ride in comfort and there is plenty of room to haul just about anything. Sitting up so high makes me feel safer too.

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  Great looks, poor mileage - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Torreadorered - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Totally disgusted with mileage. Ranges from 10 mpg in town to 15-16 on hwy. Does much worse than my full size GMC with similar driving. Great ride, lots of good features. Wife even likes ride and accessories.

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  Ford F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By yoyoma - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The Ford F-150 is one the best trucks ever. Actually its the best truck ever. The ride is exactly what they say. The most quietst thing ever. And the exiterior is awsome, the lighting yellow could not get any better. Another thing the inside could notr give you any more room. It is just tremendous. The only thing that could change about it is the fuel economy, its not the best, but for know it will have to do.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Ford F-150
  By William ritter - April 6 - 2:00 am

  If I must complain, there is no protective molding on sides to prevent parking lot door damage. This should be standard and not aftermarket.

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  mine is a 2001 lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sliverbullit - April 6 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck but my biggest complaint is seat comfort and the lack of detail in the interior . carbon fiber trim would look nice . but no big deal