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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  old to new - 2009 Ford F-150
  By homer simpson - April 30 - 8:45 pm

  Well my 1985,302,fi, finally went to help some concrete from falling down (sadness). But alass i have found another truck to love for 300000 miles. The power when punched with the H.O. 4.6 is surprizing. It will cause ur wallet to empty at the tire store. The inside is a great update from my old tank. the sound from the 6 cd sirrus radio is beautiful. the seats are comfortable and the room is big enough for a dead body with the back seats up. the outside styling is another reason to buy this truck. the new styled tailgate that weighs half of the 85s and the chrome grill is an eye catcher. The new alloy wheels are another great update. I compare it to my 85 but the wife drives an 05 4dr.

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  A jewel - 2009 Ford Focus
  By writing4u - April 30 - 4:43 pm

  My new 2009 Focus SEL is an amazing little car. I had a 2006 Fusion SEL, and my lease just expired, so I bought the Focus SEL. Quieter than the 2.3 Fusion, more responsive, not as stiff, super ride, just as comfortable, amazing trunk, crisper, more fun to drive. I have had: Mercedes, Volkswagen, Honda, Volvo, Dodge, Austin, Wolsely, Pontiac, Renault, Mitsubishi. The two recent Ford experiences/products have been the best by far. I am impressed!

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  Mile high ride - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ray Salinas - April 30 - 4:27 pm

  The Escape is easy to drive and the AUTO AWD with bigger tires handles well in snow and off-road driving in the Colorado mountains. Very responsive steering and braking - I avoided an accident when another car blindly merged into my lane and I had to react quickly by braking and steering away from the other driver to avoid a collision. Escape is very responsive. Large cargo space for our two dogs but would prefer a rear power window. Small SUV with roomy interior and powerful V6.

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  All trucks compromise this one does best - 2009 Ford F-150
  By CWD in AR - April 30 - 2:50 pm

  The new 6-speed automatic takes a little getting used to, since the first 3 gears are spaced so close together (3rd gear by 20 mph). But it allows for better fuel mileage and towing, so its worth it. Yes, as the other reviews have mentioned the stationary head rest takes some getting used to, but its rarely an issue. Very smooth ride, quiet, and stylish. The Lariat interior (spring for the captains chairs with the floor shift) is very, very nice. There are so many little features that add to the comfort of this truck that youll still be discovering (and appreciating) them a few weeks in. Give it a test drive, youll be surprised how nice it is.

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  She loves it ! - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Jeff - April 30 - 2:46 pm

  Solid, safe and smooth ride with room for the dog, golf clubs and lots of girlfriends. What else could a gal want. Best Ford interior I have ever experienced and not one problem so far. Better than I can say for the X- 5 I am driving. Ford really has raised the bar with the Expedition and I paid less for it that my last Explorer (2003)!

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  Absolutely wonderful little car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By lovemyfocus - April 30 - 1:54 pm

  First, I want to thank everyone who put a review for this car online... when I was looking, I really wanted a hatch (Honda Fit). However, after driving the Fit, I was very disappointed and decided to keep looking. We drove home past a Ford dealership, and I remembered all the rave reviews of the Focus (I wanted something small for gas mileage). They had 3 Focus-es on the lot, and we test drove the SES. I absolutely loved the car - it handles better than the Fit, turns more smoothly, accelerates faster, and is very easy to drive and understand. (Sadly, no hatchback or "magic" seats - figured those were not things Id actually use on a daily basis.) 1 year later & I still LOVE this car!

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  fun and fast - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By cole - April 30 - 1:47 pm

  I bought the car for $200. Ive put another $300 in it, mostly cosmetic. I love this car. runs strong after 250000 miles, and still looks great. Plenty of power, faster than a 2009 challenger, will probably go anther 50,000 with regular oil changes. Im like tony stewart in the commercial where he stares at the car all day.

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  Go Escape! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By rockyford - April 30 - 12:55 pm

  We purchased our Escape after evaluating seven other manufacturers/models in the same compact SUV class. It has been a great car, averaging 27 mpg. Runs like a top on cross-country trips, and easy to park in the city. Snow driving has been even and controlled for a vehicle of this small size and weight. Brakes and steering are very responsive. We purchased this car on the internet, MSRP 27300, but cost to us was only 22000. Best bang for the bucks.

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  Cant go wrong with American Muscle - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Riddick - April 30 - 3:16 am

  Girlfriend and I recently purchased the GT with less then 70,000 miles. Engine runs as good as anyone I have ever driven. The power is NICE! Dont have to worry about passing traffic or getting on the freeway. Its nice knowing those 300 pounds of torque are ready on tap anytime you need them. The car looks great with the top down and sure is a head turner where ever we go. For a 2002 model this car can almost kick the living crap out of any other car on the road when it comes to racing. 260 horse power and 302 pounds of torque well you get the picture. 0-60 in 5.4 secs and a quater mile time of 14.00 at 101 miles an hour, well that sure beats most imports by a mile even in 2009.

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  Very good car - 2009 Ford Escape
  By MArineCorpsAT - April 29 - 12:04 pm

  This is my second escape (we currrently have an 06 XLT as well). This car a a wonderful upgrade from previous models and I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking for a nice SUV.