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:

• 

  this car is awsome - 2007 Ford Focus
  By skibum - July 1 - 8:45 pm

  Im a skier so I take this car everywhere. I get 30+ MPG in the winter and I regulary get 33-35 in the summer. I added a roof rack and a tully so I can load it up to go camping. The sound system with the subwoofer is great. Only complaint I have is the road noise from the stock tires.

• 

  Buy American - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Buy american - July 1 - 5:52 pm

  Cannot understand why reports run this truck down. It is a well made and inexpensive truck to run. You dont buy these trucks for heavy loads. Looked into a Toyato Tacoma and felt it was a rip off. Standard cap in stick shift only which forces the comsumer to buy bigger and about $4000 in price. Have owned 3 Fords since 1980 and have had dependable service.

• 

  The right pick if you need a small truck - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Joe - July 1 - 5:07 pm

  Ive put 4,000 miles on my 4cyl. maunal. Am getting 28mpg pretty consistently. It does bounce a lot but has excellent handling and surprisingly good acceleration, at least when empty. I can easily park in really tight spaces and its easier to get into the garage than my Aztec was. Front seat is very comfortable with easy access even for my handicapped sister. Not a good choice if you routinely have more than one passenger even with the jump seat. If you really want/need a small truck for light loads that gets good mileage and can take a lot of abuse this cant be beat. The only truly small truck remaining. Ford should market it as such, it would have a niche of its own these days.

• 

  Absolutely Amazing! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By ctreff - July 1 - 8:46 am

  Just picked up a Kona Blue GT this week, and I am absolutely amazed. The car handles like a dream and has power to spare. Only have a couple hundred miles on it so far, but so far so good! I looked at this, the Camero and the Challenger...IMO the Mustang is much more refined than any of them. It may lack in the power department, but it still have plenty of gitty-up in her. The gas millage is actually very good for a V8, I am getting about 21 mixed highway and city, so no complaints there.

• 

  Great buy for the money - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - June 30 - 10:05 pm

  I have had this car for about a year now. Great pickup with the v6 and good power. Would suggest to anyone who wants an import. It just is not worth the extra money when this car is so much less and preforms just as well if not better. As for the interior not being stiched leather, get over it. its a ford, not a lincoln. No problems whatsoever. Car tells me when to get my oil changed, low tire pressure, low gas, etc. It has a very smart on board computer.

• 

  very satisfired - 2006 Ford Escape
  By rwc - June 30 - 9:14 pm

  Wife has a rav4 and this suv is very comparable, v6 has plenty of power and gets decent gas mileage. I would purchase this vehicle again in a heart beat.

• 

  More extras than we have ever had - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Dave - June 30 - 8:34 pm

  Just bought it. Never had so many extras as we have always been conservative, just the necesseties. Lightinng package is great and the sun visor has a universal garage door opener which we had never seen before. Sync is great, car runs smooth and quiet and we got a long stare from a passing car as we left the dealership.

• 

  Powerful, Reliable, and Great Looking - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Fordtrucks#1 - June 30 - 4:32 pm

  Ive put 10,0000 miles on my F-150 FX4 in the 7 months since I got it. I wanted a reliable truck to take to college, & I am sure this truck will get me through college and then some, which I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. The 5.4l V8 has great power along with good gas mileage for a truck(I avg. 15-17 mpg.) Its very sharp, and I have got lots of compliments on its looks at my high school. I am at 87k miles and no problems whatsoever. The interior and exterior are the sharpest of any truck I,ve seen, and the ride is very smooth to. I am very pleased with my truck, and my next truck will definately be a Ford.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Me - June 30 - 2:46 pm

  (Note: I have the automatic transmission which isnt listed as an option) Dont listen to people complaining about how this vehicle is Mexico this vehicle simply exudes build quality there are no squeaks or rattles over rough pavement, and no misaligned panels. Acceleration is good enough for highway usage. The car is quiet on the highway however, the engine gets a bit loud during acceleration. The car has a Good and balanced ride considering the short wheelbase You may think the trunk is useless and small but, it has a larger internal volume than the civic and corolla. All in all I can see why this is the second best selling new car in Europe

• 

  all around great truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By johnie tyler - June 30 - 1:33 pm

  i bought my 1990 f150 lariat with the 5.8 (351) windser it is the best truck i ever drove has lots of power fully loaded. Everything is stock fixing to put a throtle body spacer and cold air intake on in. Truck is quick at getting to speed and great for pulling boats and campers and you cant eveb tell its back there most the time smooth riding and will roast them for about a block all stock if anyone wants a great truck i would get one of these there is only 12% of these trucks made with the 351 in it best old truck you will ever drive.