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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  2003 Ranger 2wd Extended cab Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Lucas - July 31 - 4:10 pm

  Great truck. My last truck was a 1990 Ford Ranger extended cab 2wd, which I drove for 230000 miles with only minor repairs (regular wear and tear). I have been quite pleased with this Ranger as well though I miss the 29 mph highway and 23 city the with the old ranger(average 18 city and 25 hwy with this model). I am glad to see an American built quality truck is still on the road.

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  1990 Ford ranger 2wd ext cab - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Lucas - July 31 - 4:03 pm

  Great truck. 225,000 miles and only normal wear and tear repairs needed (brakes, oil changes, tires, tune ups and the like).

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  Extremely happy with the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mary - July 31 - 3:46 pm

  My husband had to trade in his F150 when we had our son -- we were planning on buying an Explorer but fell in love with the Freestyle. It is great for families and extremely roomy (would definitely recommend the bucket seats for the second row instead of bench seating for easier access to the third row). It is a great car/SUV mix. You sit higher than a car but a tad lower than an SUV. Very easy handling and is a smooth drive because of the transmission. We have been extremely happy with the Freestyle!

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  Great purchase - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Todd - July 31 - 2:00 pm

  All I can say is that the price is right, the look is right, the ride is right and the fuel efficiency is right for this SUV. I also got the entertainment package and moon and tune package along with the standard upgrades on the limited version. Just a great SUV and I highly recommend this to anyone. Not sure why the Editors have an average rating of 6.9 but the consumers have a 9.1 rating...in this case believe the consumers!

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  Great Truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By 577nitroexpress - July 31 - 11:41 am

  Ive had it for 10years now and it has been the best truck Ive ever owned. No real issues, only typical wear items such as shocks, ball joints, rotors, pads, belts. I haul a camper into some very remote Colorado back country hunting, and have never been left stranded...or been stuck. 4 chains on the tires 4x4 and this truck will go through 3 feet of snow!

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  Love It! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Nancy - July 30 - 3:10 pm

  Bought this car used, but spent a lot of time researching before buying Fusion.Wanted leg room, head room, gas mileage, room for two teenage boys and 6 year old in back.Got it all! with a great price, too! I have NEVER regretted getting this car. Would not hesitate to purchase another.

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  Love the Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jane Nemitz - July 30 - 11:45 am

  I owned a Ford Windstar and as I now have 2 grandchildren, wanted a car with a bench seat for the second area so as to be able to accommodate the child seats as well as accommodate the parents. Has lots of room, is zippy, and love the style. I can find my car in any parking lot (right now). Head room as well as leg room is fantastic both in the front and second row. Car is quiet on the highway.

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  Love My Stang - Low Miles Too! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By DPDIAMOND - July 29 - 8:59 pm

  I use my California Special GT as a toy, weekend car.. I only have 970 miles, its will be 3 years old in December 09. Only work has been oil change, and the front strut "clunker", which is a technical bulletin warranty work...I need to drive her more, car sits too much.. Love to take her out on Sunday, and let my pony run...

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  Awesome! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Alex - July 29 - 7:56 pm

  Ive got my Mustang less than two weeks ago, but Im having such a blast driving it. The acceleration is superb and drives comfortable in the big city since it isnt so big. I live in L.A. and drove around Santa Monica and Beverly Hills where you see pricey Ferraris, BMWs and Mercedes galore, but this 30k car caught all the attention. I also love the Shaker 1000.

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  Mustang Sally - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Lynne Knightstep - July 29 - 3:56 pm

  My daughter and son-in-law bought this car for me, brand-new as a gift in 2000. I love this car and have lots of fun driving it. It has never had anything go wrong with it in the 9 years that I have owned it. It is a beautiful black convertible, very sleek and sporty. This is my second Mustang (owned the first model in 1965) and I highly recommend them.