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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  Feeling High End Green - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Andy Rosamilia - June 29 - 7:30 am

  It is everything I wanted and I feel so good about helping the environment. The mileage is still improving at 29.8 MPG. I have 4x4 for winter and offroad driving and the features are top shelf.

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  XLT Premium in VA - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cade - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the ride, but I wish the gas mileage was better. The Upgraded Radio and CD deck is great. I really like the options (al Ford would put on it). I think Ford should put a Climaye Control that is Automatic, like in the Sables and Tarus.

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  New F150 Rocks - 2004 Ford F-150
  By learjet - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I test drove every make of full sized trucks on the market, and the new 2004 F150 blows them all away. I have always been a Chevy person, however I just really dont like their new body design. And after test driving the new Ford, there was no comparison. They really did a good job designing this vehicle and I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for a new full sized truck.

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  I Like It - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ralo - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Suv and I really, really like it. It doesnt drive like your typical SUV because of the suspension. Combine that with all the other features and Id recommend an Explorer to anyone looking for a fun, reliable SUV.

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  Way to go Ford! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By TC - June 28 - 11:56 pm

  I was first introduced to the Ford Fusion when renting a car via Hertz last year. I was given a 2009 V6 SE model. I was blown away by the performance, comfort and overall build quality of the vehicle. I was so impressed that the 2010 Fusion ended up on a short list of possibilities as a replacement car for my wife. We test drove, and purchased on the spot, a 2010 Sport AWD model. This car is an absolute delight to drive; it is fast, smooth, comfortable and build quality (fit & finish) is excellent. This car will no doubt be a hit for Ford. Anyone currently driving or shopping for an import should take a close look at the Fusion.

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  Who Makes a Better Truck? No One. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Don - June 28 - 11:33 pm

  First off, kudos to Ford on this interior. Anyone who complains about it needs to sit in a 10 year old Dodge and see how far trucks have come. The FX4 has an off road suspension, but on road manners do not suffer. Ive been very impressed with how this F-150 rides. Ford has raised the bar for trucks with this effort.

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  My favorite car ever. - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Judy81350 - June 28 - 9:23 am

  The 06 Mustang we just bought on 4/22/06 was the best investment Ive made in a long time. We had an 04 and traded it in for this 06. I love the handling ability and the power of this V6. It has that old car feel to it. Drives like one too, only smoother. The stylish interior is so close to the old 67 that it just makes me want to sigh every time I step into it. I got the Tungsten Grey with the Charcoal leather interior. The Shaker500 stereo system and the Pony package just put icing on the cake. I recommend everyone to go out and test drive one of these beauties. DO IT!

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  2008 Ford Escape - Excellent Value - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ingrid - June 27 - 4:23 pm

  It is with pleasure that I drive an SUV that is fuel efficient. I drove for 12 hours in one day and did not feel uncomfortable at all as the interior seats provide good support for my back and there is plenty of leg room in this vehicle. The Sirius satellite radio is very enjoyable. The size of the moonroof that Ford is using is excellent and makes a driver feel that they can actually enjoy having a vehicle with a moonroof. The Escape is excellent value for the dollar on both the vehicles price, equipment, and the fuel economy a driver will get.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Adam - June 26 - 7:23 pm

  What a great truck! The quality of the 2004 Ford F-150 is outstanding. I know that Im driving a truck because of its aggressive stance and ride height, but sometimes the quietness and comfortable ride have me thinking Im riding in a luxury sedan (i.e. Crown Victoria). The only downside is the sluggish feel of the throttle when accelerating. They say its because of the trucks weight, but the 5 star frontal crash rating should cancel that negative out. If I had it to do over again, I would buy mine with the 5.4 liter instead of the 4.6 liter. Overall this is a great truck!

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  Issues! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Corey - June 26 - 12:33 pm

  I wasnt even looking at Ford. Thought I would look at the Explorer and ended up driving it off the lot. I was initially very impressed with car, still am sort of. It has just had too many problems. Transmission is horrible. It keeps shifting as I decellerate to a stop. Very jerky tranny. Ford said they were aware of the problem, but didnt have a fix. They eventually "reprogrammed" the transmission, which worked for a while, but its acting very jerky again. Have had issues, gear shifter, and exterior lights too. I may have just gotten a bad one, nonetheless Im not buying another Ford.