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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  Very satisfied - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Bru - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The F-150 Supercrew combines the best aspects of a light truck with a full size sedan. The styling is elegant, and equally adept parking at a fine hotel as it is hauling a load. It drives beautifully, is comfortable, and the engine is great. When driven at reasonable r.p.ms and\or speeds, the gas mileage is quite good! I couldnt be happier with my selection. Br

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  Total Lemon - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Scott Follenius - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 58,000 miles. In 10 months I put 9,000 miles on it, a nd had many problems. Have had several small things such as Cruise Control buttons on steering wheel melting, interior handle breaking. Transmission had to be rebuilt twice! $1800 Differential Gears had to be replaced at $800. This car has been in the shop for about a month of the 10 months I have owned it.

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  Great suv - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Penny Hays - March 21 - 10:12 pm

  We are enjoying it need to get a few rattles fix but over all comfort food!

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  Decent little ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Bigg E - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  Ive had my truck for about a year and so far so good. My only complaints are the harsh ride over anything but smooth highway. It definately rides like a truck. The short wheelbase makes it bounce all over the lane when you hit a bump. Overall, I like my truck. It was a great deal. 4x4 works good. I would recommend it to anyone that is single or does not plan to carry a lot of passengers. Good cargo room for its size. Has not given me any problems either.

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  Best All Around Vehicle - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By James21 - March 21 - 5:46 pm

  This is the second E350 V10 EXT van that Ive owned, although it is the first brand new one, my first was bought at an auction 2 years ago, I traded it to a friend at 65000K and it will be used as a work truck now. My new one is really unbelievable, i still have the V10, that is essential. I only got a 12passenger this time, but it is still great. Plus I got a 6- disc, very nice. Interior up front feels roomier, and still the same, best comfort as before. Great AC/Heat system. Got dual batts this time, for extra power. Got 4.10 Limited-slip rear, which will really help out in winter. Looking forward to testing that out. This truck is really the best all-around truck that Ive owned.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ryan - March 21 - 4:56 am

  Easily fits five adults, very pratical, seamless automatic four wheel drive, awsome towing power for a small truck, independent suspension gives a car like ride, rear sliding window is great for hauling a few 12 foot pieces of lumber, storage areas in the bed are perfect for tools, ropes, bungee cords etc. The Sport Trac gets decent mileage considering it is a four wheel drive with a V-8. An average tank gives 19 miles per gallon with a mix of highway and around town. I traded my 2002 Sport Trac for this one. It had 120,000 miles and all I did was tires at 70k and all 4 brakes at 90k plus oil changes.

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  First hybrid - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By dalesky - March 20 - 11:12 pm

  I am a recent buyer, having had the car for just a few weeks. So far, absolutely nothing about this car disappoints. Mileage is over 40 in town driving, and comfort is amazing. The seats are probably the most supportive in this category, and the handling is certainly the most crisp and confidence inspiring. Handles like nothing else in this class.

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff - March 18 - 6:53 pm

  Great Job Ford! My 4th month of ownership and nothing but positive things to say so far. Nice balance between fuel economy and power with the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder (definite improvement over the 2.3 liter available on last years model). The 6 speed automatic transmission is silky smooth. Trunk space is cavernous, and the interior is whisper quiet if not refined. Sync system is phenomenal. Test drove Camry and Accord also---no comparison, Fusion was better hands down in most areas. Great styling, get compliments all the time. Ford has done their homework. Would purchase again in a heartbeat.

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  Freestyle the perfect blend - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris - March 18 - 5:23 pm

  My wife and I had to find a family car - Mustangs just dont take car seats. The roominess inside is great, even 3rd row. Excellent cargo capacity while lacking that soccer-mom image. Our first choice. The Pacifica didnt even compare - overpriced, no room inside, seats didnt look like they went down. Every time we test drove the car it just felt right, even after driving a Honda Odyssey with all the creature comforts. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a family car.

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  Good truck but stiff suspension - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dutchdna - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad ride for a truck but the suspension is simply too stiff, I get shaken around quite a bit when driving on a not even so bad road. I test drove the Nissan King cab and I believe the ride is soo much better as well as the performance but the reason why I didnt want it is the constant engine and exhaust noise. The Ford is nice and quiet. Dissapointing is the fuel consumption, I dont get more then 350 miles out of my 26 gallon tank before the "low fuel" lights up. Overall, a good pacjage for the $$. I received a $7000 off MSRP!!