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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  Nice Car! - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Ralph - June 29 - 6:15 pm

  I grew up with Ford trucks and station wagons. I currently own a 1997 F350 crew cab. The Edge is a totally new experience for me and my family. I cant get my wife out of the car, shes always on the road! My kids who normally think that their parents are "old" love it! Their computer Geek friends love SNYC and the other features. We love the ride.

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  New 07 - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dave Bransky - June 29 - 6:50 am

  Traded a 99 F-150 for this vehicle. So far I am very pleased with the Sport Trac. The Sport Trac has a glass smooth ride with outstanding handling, and the motor is extremely quiet. I am not really sure how the fuel mileage is going to be, I have only owned the truck for a week, but compared to the Triton 5.4, anything is better.

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  Great Improvement - 2009 Ford F-150
  By draymond - June 28 - 8:55 pm

  After 2 weeks of ownership I couldnt be happier with my decision. My previous truck was a 2002 F150 and the 2009 is light years ahead in refinement. I couldnt believe how quiet the truck is, allmost as quiet as my wifes Toyota Highlander. The sync system is awesome, hook up your Zune and everything is voice activated. I was concerned about the gas mileage coming from a 6cylinder to a V8, believe it or not Im averaging close to 19mpg in mixed driving vs 15mpg with my old 6 cylinder. Build quality seems good no issues so far. Very happy with my decision. Would highly recommend a test drive for anyone trying to make a decision. Forgot to mention I received 5K in rebates when I purchased.

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  built ford tough - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By built for tough - June 28 - 2:48 pm

  This truck is built for tough it tows a 9,000+ pound boat and trailer w/o any problems. Only have had one problem and that was a bad senor but besides that the truck has been nothing but great. Bought the truck with 44,000 miles and now it has 65,000 miles. The exterior has held up great and so has the interior with some wear on the front bottom of the leather seats but its not bad. Would defenitely but another expedition.

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  GREAT BUY!!!!! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By JM - June 28 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned a 2000 Cadillac Eldorado in the past and MY 2009 Ford Fusion is a more smooth and fun to drive car! I recommend a Ford Fusion to any and everyone!!!!

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  built ford tough - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By king ranch - June 28 - 2:30 pm

  Overall the truck has been great and has stood up to the built ford tough. The interior and the exterior have held up very well. Only 2 minor problems and one was cause by the dealer not putting the clamp back on the radiator hose causing the hose to detach while driving and the other issue was a phaser that was covered by the extended warranty. Bought the truck with 22,000 miles and it now has 55,000 miles. The truck drives like a luxury car and has a great turning radius. This truck has turned out great comapared to our other truck a 04 chevy tahoe which has been in the dealer more close to 20 times for repairs alone the latest problem with that truck is the speedometer dont work anymore.

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  Excellent choice - 2007 Ford Focus
  By burger - June 28 - 5:00 am

  I had a 2000 Focus and traded it in on a van for the wife and kids. I was looking for another small car. I drove Kia, Toyota, Nissan, and of course the Focus. I really enjoyed the 2000 Focus and when I drove the new ones that was it. They have really done a lot of improvements. Im 63" and 250 lbs. It has a lot of room for a tall person. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  I love every square inch! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - June 27 - 8:24 pm

  I test drove many mid-size sedans and the Fusion blew me away! I was hesitant to look into Ford, but Im very glad I did because my car is fantastic! From the sexy exterior design that demands to be recognized on the road, to the sleek fully loaded interior, this car has it all! It drives like a dream, looks like a concept car, feels like a luxury sedan, and costs half as much! I have been averaging about 28.5 MPG through mixed driving and I have a very heavy lead foot. I have the 4 cylinder, but the power behind it feels like a V6. I plan on keeping this car for a very long time, and I would recommend the Fusion to anyone!

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  sofar so good - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By charles zambito - June 27 - 7:35 pm

  i reluctently traded in my 2005 ford freestyle awd with cvt transmission after 37,000 miles. i hate to admit it but the 2009 taurus with fwd rides more comfortabaly than i expected and is superquiet on highway travel. local mpg at around 16 and 26-28 on the highway. The 3.5 engine is an improvement over the 3.0 of the Freestyle. Interior is tastefully done and the heated leather seats are fabulous. I would recommend this vehicle without any hesitation at all.

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  Great for Dogs and Kids and Friends - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By freestylin - June 27 - 3:33 pm

  I bought in 1/2008 w/12k miles. I have only put 12k miles on it but I love it. Kids take it on long trips with friends and love it. Great hwy mileage. Short commute (and lead foot) keeps mpg quite low. Capital Ford/Raleigh just replaced front/rear brakes for free. I love them, too! When was the last time you said that about your dealer service? I have no complaints about the power. Performs well in NC mountains.