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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  After 44,000 Miles... - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By MANHUNTER - April 22 - 10:24 am

  After 44,000 miles and 3 1/2 years, we still own our "Big X" land yacht. Yes, its big and no, its not a politically- correct hybrid sub-compact, but what a vehicle. In my experience, the hype about the gas mileage in the V-10 is misinformation Ive been averaging 10 to 11 mpg in town and 15.4 on the highway. The ONLY problems Ive had with this vehicle are with the brakes. Ive had the brakes done twice in 3 1/2 years it hasnt been to the shop for anything else, other than oil and filter changes.

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  keeps on going and going and going - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By checkemoutgood - April 22 - 7:12 am

  bought it with 256 miles on it now it has 207,000 no problems what so ever just tires brakes etc common maintence we use it for rural mail delivery dones not use oil still runs and drives like the day we bought it never a tranny problem we will keep it till she dies and that may be some time away we used Honda CRV we had 2 of them because they have no console we set in the senter had to reove cup holder we still use a CRV in winter because of the 4/wd drive and Indiana snow storms, This Tarus has been great starts in sub 0 temps and goes great in snow as long as its not real deep way to go Ford

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  I like this car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert - April 22 - 6:36 am

  The longer we own this car, the more we like it. We had one problem with abnormal brake wear and Ford took car of it even though it wasnt a warranty item. Handling is very good for such a large car (especially in snow with AWD), ride is excellent and gas mileage has been more than surprising. We got 31 mpg on a recent trip through Arizona and New Mexico. Average mpg in our local hilly/mountain area is 19 city and 26 highway (better than EPA estimate.)

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  1st new car purchase at 18 :] - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By megan09 - April 21 - 2:22 pm

  I bought this car brand new this month. Im eighteen & was thoroughly afraid of the whole picking what I want process. The fusion has it all & I will definately be stickin to FORD vehicles for a long while.

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  My 03 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Tom Dombrowski - April 21 - 12:40 pm

  In 14 years of owning my Ranger it only let me down once, thats because the fuel pump died when I got to work. Had to have it towed to the dealer the truck was already 10 years old and built in N.J.

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  Best truck ever owned - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ben - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Right now my truck has almost 300,000 miles and I cant say enough good things about it. It has held up so well in basically every aspect. Truck definetly does not drive like a high mileage vehicle. I got the truck with a blown up motor and it still drove! Even with a blown motor! Put rebuilt motor in now truck is amazing. Best vehicle Ive ever driven in super deep snow. It will not get stuck, even when I try getting it stuck. I towed with this truck like a dream and its great. Even trailerling with deep snow is easy. Truck has never broke down on me or previous owner. Love it!

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  Great for school parking lots - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Brent - April 20 - 10:06 pm

  I bought my car with with 54k miles on in February 09 and I drive it to school everyday, I love how it just turns easily and can fit into small spaces that big vehicles cant. Great first time car.

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  Good so far - 2008 Ford Escape
  By A.B. - April 20 - 6:54 pm

  While I have had mine for only a week I can say I am in love with it.The reviews say it is slow 0-60,I say its not "race day",Acceleration suites me just fine.Other reviews state not enough power but those are the ones that bought it with a 4- cylinder..Cmon people,you dont buy this kind of vehicle with a 4-cylinder and expect the same power as a 6- cylinder..it wont happen.The sacrifice is the better mileage for less power.Personally,a 4-cylinder should stay where it belongs...in "sardine cans". Just one wish here,driver seat needs more/softer cushion for better comfort,But its not that bad.For those who want it to ride like a car,then buy a car,not an SUV. ~GO FORD~ A.B.

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  FORD U.S.A. superior - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Chad - April 20 - 3:55 pm

  First off absolutley great car inside and out. The features are great love the navigation, Sync is so cool , ambient lighting is a neat feature. 18 inch wheels with sport suspension great handling. Safety is key 5 star across the boards beat that imports!!! The audiophile is very good sound system for factory.

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  Very good bargain - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By cecild - April 20 - 12:16 pm

  Use it to deliver pizzas 30 hours a week for almost 2 years. Almost all miles city driving. Despite me having the 4 cylinder and 2wd I did alot of stupid things every weekend in the mud with the truck and it refused to break down. The interior may be akward for someone over about 6 feet tall. Could get better mileage for a 4 cyl. but is not bad. Surprisingly powerful for a 4 cylinder but will not blow anyone off the road by any means. I also use it to tow a small john boat once or twice a week in the summer and will load the bed to the top in ice/hot dogs for work and still performed well. Would suggest this truck to anyone who wants a small pick up for work or play. Trucks a good bargain.