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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  First Week - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By atyger7 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive! Stunning looks. I bought the first one in our area and everyone is asking me about it! Fuel economy better than listed on first trip. Only complaints are loud turn signals, no lumbar support on SEL and no ashtray! (They expect smokers to loose a cup holder, although this car does have 8!) Was driving a 50th Anniv Edit. Olds 88 and I still feel like Im driving a luxury car. Guys at the car wash thought it was a Lexus!! I was looking at small SUVs because I wanted a place for my sons bike and was thrilled when I saw this and found I didnt have to go to the SUV to get the space. His BMX 20" bike fits in the trunk! Would definately recommend anyone needing space drive it!

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  first domestic in years - 2004 Ford F-150
  By broncos - June 7 - 10:00 am

  so far very pleased, good solid build, good designing, has good reviews

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  Toyota Man turned FORD MAN - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mike Watt - June 7 - 10:00 am

  What a truck, WOW, exterior design is great. Interior ? you dont even realize you are in a truck. Comfort, response, performance is second to none. I have driven toyata all my life. But they became stale. FORD has stepped it up. I hope I feel the same way as I do about my Ford Truck in 5 years as I do about Toyota where relieabilty and resale si concerned

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  Have it all - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By boatndive - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck for those who want to be able to carry some small loads for home use. The back window also goes down to accomodate lumber. A great towing capacity of 5000lbs for my boat, room for 4 with regular size rear doors. Suspension can be improved by adding sway bar underneth. Minimal cost. Very happy with truck except for door handles in 2002 model. The paint chips easily. Plenty of power from v-6 with truck being lighter than regular f- 150.

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  Good for the money - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By afrank - June 7 - 4:10 am

  I skeptically purchased my Fusion SEL in June of 2006. I have gotten a lot more than I expected from the car-the only things I would change are the stereo (no iPod jack) and add a bit more power under the hood. Other than that, great car and very comfortable seats.

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  Ford Fusion SE 2.0 Ecoboost Turbo, FWD, Awesome! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Fan - June 7 - 1:51 am

  I love this car, got it loaded up with the Luxury Package w/18-inch alloy wheels, Technology/Nav Package, and 2.0 liter Ecoboost turbo, for under $27K including tax, tag, and title after rebates. I simply couldnt find comparable equipment and performance at this price point for any other midsize sedan. I imagine you can get it even cheaper now with the new 2017s hitting the lots. Gas mileage is great if you drive sensibly, but mashing on the pedal to go into boost is too fun sometimes. Very quick car, and comfortable on potholed DC metro area streets. It handles all bumps well. Highway driving really opens up the gas mileage, get over 30 mpg easily at 75 mph. I drove and like the Mazda6 and Honda Accord, but the Ford just ended up being the best blend of performance, luxury, and technology. I think the Ford interior is of better quality than the Honda Accord EX-L, and the Fusion is just simply better to look at. The Mazda6 is underpowered, though the chassis is tuned well. We already own one Kia, so I opted not to go the Kia Optima SX Turbo/Hyundai Sonata Sport route. Neither one of those got good performance reviews for the turbo models. I love this Ford, and get compliments all the time. Folks tell me it looks like a 4-door Mustang. My kids think its cool. I did upgrade the headlights, as the stock halogens were pretty weak. The owners manual shows you how to replace the bulbs, its easier than it looks. Overall awesome car at a reasonable price.

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  I Luv My Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By joel pedigo - June 6 - 3:30 pm

  I had been looking at this style truck for about a year. The cargo doors on my single cab are the stuff, very handy on the job site. This truck makes Chevy lovers drool. I love it.

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  Why I bought a 2005 CV - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Michael Darnell - June 6 - 6:03 am

  I have been looking for a good rear wheel drive vehicle to buy for two years. Now in 2005 I found the CV LX Sport as the best option for a growing family, with lots of trunk room. Several website list owners of CV/GM that drive them more than ten years and they have over a 100,000 miles on the car. I just want a good riding vehicle and I have found it with this vehicle. I wanted a vehicle that I can drive for more than 15 years or more and I feel this car will last that long. To me the fact the car only has 240 horsepower engine.

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  Amazing - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By k2bladerunner - June 5 - 5:43 am

  I love this veichle its amazing.

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  Retirement Sunday School Transportation - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Jerry S. - June 4 - 4:07 pm

  Our Escape is driven infrequently with less than 3000 miles on the odometer in one year. It is comfortable and gets great MPG for short runs and in the 30 MPG on trips of an hour or two. While I prefer a sedan or pickup for my personal vehicle, this vehicle is primarily driven by the Mrs. I would definitely recommend an Escape without reservations to anyone looking for a vehicle that is economical, attractive, and keeps up with the interstate speedsters. :o)