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 Truck Owned - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Sass - June 21 - 6:58 am

  I purchased the vehicle in September of 93 and it is still running strong. I drive 70 miles everyday and haul my dogs on the weekend, so the truck gets little down time. The vehicle is scheduled for its first brake job in one week and has logged over 208,000 miles, mostly highway. The original exhaust system has a small rattle where the catalatic converter broke a weld on the shield last week, so the vehicle has costed well below the average. Outside of the normal oil changes and tire replacements, this truck has been major repair free, and Iam excited about that aspect.

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  I love my FX4 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By OBX-FX4 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger in one year. I chose the FX4 since i really needed the 4wd, and it seemed like a tough truck. As an auto customizer i was looking for a truck to haul engines and to use as a daily driver, and to have a warranty! This truck is great, its perfect as it is as far as ride height and capability. I have done no exterior modifications for the first time on any car, however i did replace the air filter with a high flow and shell out the intake air box. Very happy with the truck.

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RB - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fine auto, superb handling and ride. Great interior for my 6 ft frame with plenty of space for other riders and luggage. Terrific engine producing quick response and good highway speeds without effort. Very good mileage both around town and highway driving.The new edge design with a europian flair is outstanding. An overall excellent value for the price.

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  O3 Expedition - A Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FordGuy - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchaed a 2003 4x4 XLT 5.4 on dec 31st of 2002. We have had the vehicle for around one month. I am extremely pleased so far. The truck handles like a vehicle half it size, it almost feels light. pressed hard into corners it has very little body roll. The build quilty is solid. Acceleration is good while braking is excellent, but the interior is really where this vehicle shines. It is massive, comforatble and extremely versatile. The fold flat 3rd row seat was the deciding factor over the Tahoe I was looking at. It puts the U in utility. If you are looking at full sized SUVs you owe it to yourself to give this truck a look - it is a gem.

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  O3 Expedition - A Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By fordguy - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchaed a 2003 4x4 XLT 5.4 on dec 31st of 2002. We have had the vehicle for around one month. I am extremely pleased so far. The truck handles like a vehicle half it size, it almost feels light. pressed hard into corners it has very little body roll. The build quilty is solid. Acceleration is good while braking is excellent, but the interior is really where this vehicle shines. It is massive, comforatble and extremely versatile. The fold flat 3rd row seat was the deciding factor over the Tahoe I was looking at. It puts the U in utility. If you are looking at full sized SUVs you owe it to yourself to give this truck a look - it is a gem.

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  So Far, So Good.... - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Evan - June 21 - 12:22 am

  Purchased this Car from my mother who owned it since 2001. Before this though I drove the car on a somewhat regular basis, when I owned a 1995 Mitsubishi Galant. This is my second Taurus (the first was a 1992 GL 3.8 Essex). I like that this body style really opened the interior up. The rear has so much room for passengers and cargo and its a sedan! Im am tall and am most comfortable. The 3.0 vulcan doesnt produce as much torque as the 3.8 did, which is a downer considering how heavy this baby is, but it still has ample passing power and can merge into traffic on the freeway. Transmission can be fumbly at moderate speeds so I try to go easy on it. Design still looks good after 13 years.

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  Excellent Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Eddie - June 20 - 11:20 pm

  I have to say that I am 100% satisfied with this car. All around I think Ford put together a well built machine, from the way it drives to all the standard features in the SE model and up. When people ask me about the car and if I like it I highly recommend it. I test drove Hondas, Hyundais, Toyotas, and it all came down to bang for my buck, this car was the best, i drive over 750 miles a week so i wanted something fun to drive and to be reliable over the years, every review i said that it was a great car, and so far, i agree. Good job ford

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  Great Little Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Ellen - June 20 - 6:14 pm

  I love my new Focus. We rode to the beach which is about 600 miles round trip and I got 42 MPH. I drive 84 miles per day round trip to work and back and normally get 35 MPG highway miles. The only complaint I have is there isnt a button to open the trunk which I thought was unheard of and the arm rest for the driver is back too far. The last thing is there isnt an interior light in the back seat so its really dark back there at night when you are trying to look for something. Other than that it is a wonderful compact car.

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  Nice Car/Sporty - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By NIU2006 - June 20 - 4:08 pm

  I bought the 09 Fusion back in May and got the 0% financing and Im extremely happy with this car. It has a smooth drive and for the price, gives me options that Honda, Toyota, and Nissan couldnt match. V6 has great pick up, especially for getting on the highway. The sync is great too that hooks up to my cell phone. Clarity on the other end of the phone is really good too, no complaints from who Im talking to. Not to mention this car turns heads and people from my office are shocked that it is a Ford. Overall Im extremely happy and no problems so far with with 2,500 miles on it. The only negative would be city MPGs (18), but that goes with the V6. I highly recommend the Fusion.

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  Love this car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Love this car - June 20 - 12:47 pm

  Just hit 55,000 miles with no major problems. Love taking this car on weekend road trips or even drove cross country a couple of times. Second row seat gets stuck sometimes. Love how the third row seat flips up or down depending on what i am hauling. 3.0 engine is just good enough, but a little more would have been nice.