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 Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By dolejnic - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, needs a bigger gas tank and pads on the armrests. Besides that it is an awesome SUV. Had a jeep b 4 this and this is much better in the snow.

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  You cant beat a Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By RangerRick - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my third brand new Ranger... I went to my Ford dealer and decided to jump on the bandwagon with the great incentives... I didnt NEED a new Ranger, but with over $6000 off sticker and low % financing, it was a steal! I got a Reg cab and was surprised that it is ROOMY!! (I am 62") Notice on the 2001 - 2003s how there is additional cab space between the door and bed - about 4 inches - just enough to make a reg cab have enought room. With the V6 / stick shift the truck is downright fast!

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  Robert Meeks - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Robert A. Meeks - August 23 - 8:23 am

  This is a great truck, and the value is there. It handles very well at road speeds, and is predictable in mountain driving. I did add a fiberglass tonneau cover, which improves riding quality and fuel economy somewhat. It turns heads where ever I drive it. This is a great truck. It handles well.

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  Life is good - at least so far! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By wesleyd - August 23 - 1:06 am

  Bought our v8 Eddie Bauer Explorer about 3 months ago - just coming up on 3,000 miles - We love it - great handling for an suv, especially considering that my previous vehicle was a saab 9-3. Holds lots, rides well

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  2005 F150 SuperCab 4x4 4.6L - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick - August 22 - 1:50 pm

  Ive owned 3 Audis in the past and this truck trumps them in ride comfort and quietness. Ive put 3,000 miles on it so far (Michigan winter) and am amazed on how stable it rode in snowy/icy conditions. No squeaks or rattles of any kind either. Ford spent a lot of money on developing this truck and it shows.

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  Love This Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim Whalen - August 22 - 7:00 am

  Have 20,000 miles on car. It is large, safe and economical. Six speed auto transmission gives performance that is more than adequate but not a roadburner. City 23 mpg, highway 27-29 mpg on regular gas. Very happy with car.

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  Great used truck for the money - 2011 Ford Expedition
  By Bill - August 22 - 12:32 am

  Great handling and smooth ride in town and on the road. All the features on this particular vehicle are great.

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  A year away from a grand slam - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By toolsboy - August 21 - 11:46 pm

  This car exceeds expectations in almost every way. I live in Los Angeles, which presents perfect driving conditions for hybrid owners (the only benefit of LAs traffic). In my last two "trips", I got 42.5 mpg (on a 300 mile trip) and 45 mpg (most current). The handling is fantastic and the car, especially compared to other hybrids, has guts and great handling. The visibility/sight lines, as other reviewers have pointed out, are incredible. Even though I am over 63", I still have several inches of head room, the seat is relatively high (car is easy to get in/out of). There plenty of room for three adults in the second row. MyFord Touch is great after a period of acclimation.

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  Fun to drive! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By lorri - August 21 - 11:03 pm

  I enjoy driving my focus ZX5 SE so much! It handles very well, it holds the road and turns evenly. I also like the exterior, its sporty & classy at the same time.

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Badexperience - August 21 - 7:56 am

  I Purchased my Freestyle on 17 November, and to date Ive been able to drive for ~24 days! The rest of the time itÂ’s been either in for repairs or waiting for parts to be "pulled off the line". So far Ive had the front wheel bearings replaced (@ 600 miles), transmission replaced (@ 900 miles), and the car still makes horrible grinding and/or clicking noises when cornering and breaking. Worst yet, when braking in turns this car occasionally pulls wildly to the right. Great job on styling, terrible job on reliability and ability to diagnose and fix problems. Not what I expected for $35K, Ford can keep my Freestyle. Hopefully I got one of a few lemons!