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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  THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER BOUGHT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By stangster - June 3 - 9:00 pm

  I cant say how much I absolutely love driving this car. I bought my 2006 Mustang GT in May of 2006 and could not be any happier with my purchase. You can immediately feel the power of the 4.6 liter engine and trust me this car gets everyones attention. I would recommend this car to anyone hands down!

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  Lovin it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Bronco7 - June 3 - 4:43 pm

  2006 Legend Lime GT, love every once of it and never tire of driving it at any speed. Great muscle car for under $30,000.

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  Sedan Thats Fun to Drive - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Big Jim - June 3 - 3:40 am

  The Ford Fusion is not the most refined or most powerful sedan, but it is adequately powered and handles better than any sedan in its class. If you are looking for a car that is fun to drive and looks great, you should at least give the all-wheel drive Fusion a test drive. This car responds to steering input instantly and it just sticks to the road. The Fusion not only handles great, but it also has a very comfortable ride. The interior is not flashy with a lot of gimmicks. It is a simple and straightforward design that I have always enjoyed from Ford. The seats are comfortable

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  Freestyle - Freewheel - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Mick Reeves - June 3 - 12:29 am

  I echo everyones comments here, but I have one piece of advice to up your fuel consumption. As Im from the UK but live in the USA and we have gas selling at almost $8 a gallon we have to find ways of driving to save or stretch gas as far as we can. So, first off, get a light foot. Second, dont race to the next set of lights if they are red. Third, Dont excelerate from a stop to fast, be gentle with the pedal, back off once you reach the speed you want. Forth, When you have a good hill to go down, knock the thing in to neutral and coast, slot it back into drive when you need to. Fifth, try to drive without using the brakes to much, braking costs energy. Last, use cruise, always, everywhere

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  Very Happy - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jonathan - June 2 - 11:48 pm

  I grinded over this decision for two months. I looked at Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Mazda,GM, VW,... I have never owned a Ford. I have owned all of the above. I think we made the right choice. We git unique styling, a functional interior, tons of space, decent mpg, and a great value for the vehicle at the price. My wife disliked the head rests, but they are are removable and or reversable. The adjustable pedals take care of the steering wheel telescoping issues. I am proud to buy American again!

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  best truck on the road - 2009 Ford F-150
  By klaatu - June 2 - 12:59 pm

  Having owned five F series ford trucks since my 66 long bed. I am glad i got this puppy. I had a bad experience with the T-word truck. they are not trucks, they, the toys are a joke. Ford trucks last in the long haul and can take highway punishment. The massive ford boxed frame is awsome, the equally massive suspension system is a joy to behold. the power of the 4.6L is going to get me a ticket if im not careful. so get yourself a radar detector, and use it. the cruise control is flawless. Yes, as some have said, the head rests stink, just pop em out and turn em around, problem solved. the middle 40-20-40 seat in the front, bugged me so i took it out ( 4 13mm bolts).

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  164000 miles and still kickin - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Ncbmxpro - June 2 - 7:50 am

  I bought my truck new in 2001. I have 164,000 miles on it and it still runs like a champ. Besides oil changes, tires, fuel and air filters, and some light bulbs I have only needed to replace the spark plugs and wires, and distribution cap. Not too bad for an 8 year old truck. And I havent babied this thing either. I have had body damage repaired three times and replaced a rim after hitting a curb at 50mph when the truck was only 2 years old.

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  Love my Escape! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By D in Arkansas - June 1 - 12:51 pm

  I wanted a truck from another manufacture, but due to cost and gas prices we focused on small SUVs. Id driven an F150 before and loved it, so we looked at the Escape. The one negative was KBBs prediction about resale value (but I keep cars a long time so not a big deal). I was impressed by the safety ratings (my number one priority), and liked the safety features available. The SYNC system is great, itÂ’s easy to see all the way around the vehicle (no blind spots and easy to back up). At 60 mph I get 31 mpg, at 80 mph 25mpg not bad for an SUV. Its well designed and wonderful to drive (I enjoy my commute now!). A great vehicle and a good value (we got it below invoice). I love my Escape!

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  ford f150 lariat 4wd stepside fully load - 1997 Ford F-150
  By optimotoke - June 1 - 11:51 am

  love love love this truck

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  Ford F-150 Lariat Rocks! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By marcos - June 1 - 8:50 am

  This truck has everything Ive wanted in a truck. I had a 2000 F-150 4x4 and it fells like I went from a lumber wagon to a Mercedes in term of ride quality. There are so many positive attributes with this truck I couldnt list them all. The only complaint is power. It seems a bit weaker than my old truck which also had the 5.4 V8. A chip and few other mods will take care of that issue for me though. Overall, a great truck. Baught it instead of the Nissan Titan. Like the Titan and its 180 degree swingout doors, but the Ford felt better to me. The Audiophile stereo in the F-150 is very good for a factory system. Hope this helps prospective buyers.