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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  Good strong truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By teeetertotter - August 10 - 4:26 pm

  Bought this truck because my other 150 has over 300,000 miles on it and I needed a new one. The engine on this truck is very strong. I dont really care for the electronic throttle control. Its rated at towing 9900 lbs but Ive pulled over 14,000 and it pulled it really well. Ive compared this truck with the GM truck and this truck seems to be better built. For example on my Suburban the doors are welded to the body and the weld has started to crack. Where as the Ford is bolted to the body frame. The transmission seems to be a little lose and that is supposed to be normal but it is a little annoying. Overall this is a great truck that has a good engine and is really a real truck.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Barbara S. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I always owned passenger cars so buying an SUV made me a little nervous, but this SUV is small and drives just like a car, one other advantage is that it is very roomy and comfortable. Takes bumps well and drives smooth and quiet. The tires are my only real complaint, the cheesy cheap tires that the manufacturers put on their cars always disapoint me, but that is just the way it is. Of course its a gas guzzler what do you expect from an SUV?

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  Ford Explorer XLT 03 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dcbrat - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Noticed fluid leak after one month of driving, turned out to be the rack and pinion. Part has to be ordered/return to shop to replace. They said it was a human error upon assembly and this happens. I hope this isnt going to be a lemon.

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  Best gas mileage is at 60 mph - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Tom P. - August 10 - 12:18 am

  I drive this car 100 miles a day. My best gas mileage is at 60 mph. 40.1 mpg at that speed with the A/C off and 37.6 with it on. This car gets 33 mpg at 80 mph withthe A/C on and mpg increase as you slow down. Ive owened this car since it was new. I bought it with 6 miles on it I have put 149,994 miles on this car and it has yet to leave me walking. It is a small car and has very good looks for a small car. Its roomy in side and not bad on long trips. Ive driven it will 3 other adults in for over 4 hours. The trunk is very big for a car of this size. The rearseat folds down and Ive put 4 8ft 4x4 in side the car. I do not know why Ford quit making them with gas prices as high as they are.

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  Bullitt Mustangs, too Cool! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Denver Bullitt - August 9 - 11:52 pm

  It is so hard to wipe the smile off my face when I get out and lock up the car. I love driving the Bullitt, amazing power, great exhaust note, and great handling. The look and feel of this car are really something, I had an 86 SVO and performance, transmission, and the overall driving experience has been improved so much. Thanks for the homerun Bullitt design team and everyone at Ford.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By bucfan11 - August 9 - 8:59 pm

  Great truck, I bought it as a work truck. (base model) Could not be happier. Im so glad I didnt spend the extra money for "features" not needed. The truck has been flawless.

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  Expected more - 2007 Ford Edge
  By lauln - August 9 - 5:22 pm

  Have had the vehicle just over a year. Like the space, styling, ride, color (redfire),and handling. Feels great to drive. But a lot of cheap plastic. Unprotected metal seat glides have sharp edges. Seatbelt detectors balatantly visible. From day 1 it has drifted/pulled to the left. Taken in numerous times, told thats just the way it is. Helicopter effect takes some getting used to even with front windows open. Deep console is OK but you need to take everything out to get to the lower layer. Cloth seats seem "utilitarian", like my old cheap truck. Hate dark interiors so I like the stone color. Lincolns very is overkill. Wonder what a Mercury version would have been like.

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  12 months after ownership driving Uber - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jjtexcali - August 9 - 5:10 pm

  I put a lot of miles on it under a wide variety of conditions. I live in Southern California, so the only thing I cannot attest to would be significant changes in weather. I bought this car with a rated MPG of 47/47. Ford sent me a check for $750 when they corrected the ratings. For the amount I drive, this did not cover the amount in savings I had anticipated, but I guess its better than nothing. Its a beautiful car with a minimal amount of problems. It feels like a boat and takes some getting used to its size. The departure angles on inclines/declines is not good due to the air dam. My front paint has already began to wear on the front bumper from so much driving.

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  Perfect Pick - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Pete - August 8 - 4:00 pm

  My new car purchase was a reat experience. I enjoyed every bit of the process thanks to my salesperson. I own an 09 limited 2wd..everybody falls in love with the interior. it is very stylish and sexy.

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  A great car for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Anonymous - August 8 - 11:36 am

  I love my Ford Focus! The brakes do squeal, which Ive heard many times is normal in a Focus. Had them replaced at about 15,000 miles, and havent been a problem since then. Also, had a problem with the tie-rod, as well as a rough idle. But, once these problems were fixed, the car has been great! I drive my wifes Toyota Camry too, and my car is so much nicer! Its at the just right comfort level, so I dont fall asleep on long road trips. Also, it speeds up nicely. Has a couple dings, but I love my car, and will run it into the ground. Bought it new, and been driving it for 5 years now. I love the fact that I get 5 more mpg on highways than my wife, so we regularly take my car to Washington