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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  You need to drive this truck, - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Kevin - July 19 - 9:07 pm

  I was skeptical about the 09s because Im not a big fan of the front ends, so I test drove the Dodge Ram 1500 for the weekend. Loved the look of the truck but the back drivers window squeeked going up and down. The drivers door grinded opening and closing and the volume button came off, all in a matter of 3 days. I cant imagine what else would go wrong with it in time. The Chevrolet looked good, but the truck is nowhere near as big in the inside as it looks on the outside. The interior build quality was about a 5. I test drove the 09 F150 and wanted the Lariat, but couldnt afford it but the XLT "for the price" is a VERY nice truck, quiet, gas mileage is GREAT and the 4.6 ltr runs good.

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  #1 SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Greg G. - July 19 - 5:59 pm

  I bought my Expedition with 112,xxx miles on it and now has 130,xxx. I have not had any mechanical problems with it. The only 2 Problems I have had with it is the rear a/c makes a Clunking noise and the Paint on the back hatch started peeling off with is common my friend has a 2008 Expedition EL and hers is starting to bubble now to. I owned a 02 Mercury Mountaineer before this and the expedition beets it hands down. Feels much safer, and with being 16 years old my mom feels better about it to. Ride is very Smooth, parking is easy, driving is fun, I have been loooking to buy a new suv with less miles but have not found anything I like better, I will keep the expedition to good to give up!!!!

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  Used Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joanne Johnson - July 19 - 5:53 pm

  Bought car used with 22,000 miles 03/28/05. Have driven 12,000 miles, no problems. Great on gas. Heat comes off engine without heater on when turned to heat. Fast and efficient car with style.

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  03 ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By avgtom - July 19 - 5:48 pm

  The 03 Ford Ranger is a compact truck, so do not compare it to a full size or wish it had a crew cab with a 8 foot bed. If these are the things you are looking for then the ranger is not the truck for you as a matter of fact no compact truck is right for you. I am so tired of reading review after review saying the truck is to small, wish it had a V8, wish it had a crew cab, or that it had a larger towing and load capacity. The truck is a great truck for a compact. It does alright on fuel and I have hauled my fair share of loads without any problems. The truck is comfortable if your not 7 ft tall and weigh 400lb.

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  2,000 mile review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By RockvilleMan - July 19 - 2:30 pm

  No problems to report on my 4x2 XLT, the only option I decided on was the side impact airbags. It has been responding like a charm. No glitches yet. The lower entry has paid off. No complaints from the mother in law regarding how high it is. She gets in and out without complaints and no need for running boards.

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  Great Car for the Midwest - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Eric - July 19 - 10:23 am

  We traded from a 2004 Ford Freestar Limited to this, WOW! We get 24-26 MPG mostly freeway miles, which is a huge improvement. We love the fact the kids can watch the DVD with headphones while we listen to tunes. SYNC is great with the hands free it just freaks you out the first time you get a call. Living in Wisconsin this drives great in the winter weather, snow, and ice storms. The memory seat set is great. It is a spendy car but you get a ton of options. 17K miles and no problems!

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Ford Focus
  By d.b. - July 19 - 2:16 am

  For the price this is a great vehicle. My family needed a second vehicle that was good on gas because of ever rising fuel prices. This vehicle is good on fuel and runs wonderful. It even has sync for hands free tasks. Also see for yourself how big the trunk is.

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  Cant be killed - 1998 Ford Escort
  By jaxson - July 18 - 6:21 pm

  This car is ridiculous. Got this in 11/01 used from some dude who wanted a car with cruise control. Had 56K miles on it, almost 8 years later I have 143K on it. No problems at all with this thing. Runs as smooth as it did the day i took it over. Oil is always clean, probably dont even have to get an oil change every 5k miles. I still have to replace the timing belt. The tie rods had to be occasionally replaced every now and then. But thats it. I wish this thing would die already so I can feel justifed to get a new car already!

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  174000 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By lchandler - July 18 - 10:51 am

  My car has 174000 and it still runs. This is great I know people that did drive Hunda Toyota Dodge and other makers and their cars did not last as long.

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  A complete pleasure to own and drive - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Dennis - July 18 - 9:16 am

  Since 1999 My wife and I have owned 3 Honda Accords, 1 Toyota Camry and I can confidently say the Fusion is the most comfortable, best handling and performing of them all. I would not think twice to make this purchase again. Our other car is due for replacement next year and we will be closely looking at another Fusion as well as the new Taurus.