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 FX 4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By C-man - July 6 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS AMAZING. GREAT HANDLING, MORE POWER THAN YOU WILL EVER NEED, THE BREAKS ARE PURE PERFECTION, AND MY GIRLFRIEND THINKS ITS HOT TOO. c

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  Love It - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By sigvold juliussen - July 6 - 12:13 am

  Just bought this 7 year old car and drives like a dream. Great gas mileage, I just put over 700 biway miles on it. I got 26mpg on Alaskas mountain roads (my Focus only gets 30 pmg) I get 18 mpg in city driving and my Focus only got 20 mpg. Im 64" and 280 lbs and my hips no longer hurt. I guess Im to big for the Focus. Well worth the extra 10% in gas.

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  Great Truck... - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Wally - July 5 - 1:15 pm

  Ford has really done there homework on this one. I traded in my 2007 Dodge Ram for my new 2009 F-150 the only thing I miss is the hemi engine. Other than the lack of a little power over the hemi this truck is light years better than the Dodge in every other way. This truck is fun to drive! The power from the new 5.4 is nothing to laugh at though. This will serve me just fine. The only thing I notice is the inside door panels push you in the truck to keep you away from the windows so as in an accident your not in the way of the side curtain air bags. This makes it just a little uncomfortable however nothing you couldnt get use to. Look around at this truck, youll find a lot of neat things!

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  Second car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mike - July 5 - 12:16 pm

  So far my wife really loves this car. It is very easy to drive (fun) with a great turning radius for tight parking spots and has very very good brakes.

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  07 Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By highdesertaz - July 5 - 8:03 am

  High performance, better than average fuel economy. Still a tight package on the interior, needs a little more shoulder and hip room. Handling is very good. Plenty of power on tap when you need it.

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  So far, great first car! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Kevin - July 4 - 11:37 am

  I bought my Taurus SE a yesterday days ago from a private seller for $1,500. Best buy I have ever made! The car runs like new even at 176,000 miles! its incredibly comfortable and a relaxed car that handles really well. I have drivin my sisters 94 Honda Accord, and the Taurus has better power and acceleration, and yet still manages to be smooth. I also love the stereo system! Great car!

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Terry - July 4 - 9:57 am

  Weve had this truck over 2 years and its a great truck. The 5.4 has plenty of power, we pull a 34 ft. camper with it, use it to haul my cars home on a car trailer when they break down, pull our boat, and we use it for hauling everything. The wife likes the adjustable peddles, the captain chairs are very comfortable. It now has 144,000 miles on it and I have no doubt it will go another 144K. Weve had no major issues with it. Also like the composite body panels as we live in the north east and they wont rust. Again good truck

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  96 Taurus LX - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By af - July 4 - 9:04 am

  This is a great car. The Duratec engine has more than enough power (the response is amazing when you put the hammer down), and the ride is very smooth, and the seats are very supportive and comfortable on a long drive. Being tall, this car fits me well. Unlike similar Japanese competitors, this car actually feels like it has substance to it. The steering is tight, the 4-wheel disc brakes are powerful and the doors close nicely. Its well built. The controls are well placed, and the standard casette non-JBL stereo is great. I dont know why people hate these cars so much. If you take care of it, it will last a long time. No problems so far...knock on wood.

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  finally ford does good - 2009 Ford Escape
  By jim k - July 4 - 5:46 am

  i just trade in nissian max with 160000 with no major problems.i wanted a suv. i tried rav 4 hated it if you are tall don t even try rav 4 rough ride and very compact. my buddy works at a dealer ship and told me to try 2009 escape he said no problems with it.he did say do not get 2008 model because of 4 speed trans no good 2009 has 6 speed. i tried it and loved it lots of room and getting 23 miles per gallon great for suv with awd. you will not be disappointed. i will give ford a chance don t let me down

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  Better Than Two Previous Towncars - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By James - July 3 - 10:31 pm

  Unlike the Towncars little or no road and wind noise. Most miles are annual trips between Florida and New Jersey. Loaded to the roof, it has more than adequate power. At 14,062 every aspect of it is dependable and holding up better than any other car I have owned.