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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  Drive the Ford LAST! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By GOTOPLESS - April 14 - 10:26 am

  I have owned them all. The last was the Toyota Limited Tundra. Yea, it is nice, but....IT WAS NOT A FORD. Ford has built a great all around truck. Easy to drive, park, haul, pull, ect. Plenty of power, great improvement in transmission, descent gas mileage, backup camera is a must for the boat pullers. No hoopla. GREAT TRUCK!

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  I love my Focus - ex 250 truck owner - 2008 Ford Focus
  By BBro - April 14 - 6:53 am

  I had to do something, diesel fuel was over $4 a gallon and I was only visiting jobs to check them out for bidding, no more hauling materials so I couldnt justify spending the $ on fuel for the nive luxury big mans man truck. So my daughter was learning to drive and we went down to Ford and drove all the small to mid sixe vehicles and we loved the Focus and its been a year now that weve had it. If my daughter ends up taking it I will have to decide on getting a second Focus.

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  Handles Beautifully - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bonnie & Bart - April 14 - 6:00 am

  I drive on the winding roads through the Santa Cruz Mountains and the car responds wonderfully to all the twists and turns. Also, when going "over the hill" which is sea level to 1800 ft summit in 10 minutes the car is not sluggish at all. It also holds its own on the freeways in the Silicon Valley. Best of all, in traffic stalls, my Escape Hybrid burns no gas at all! We just sit there quietly waiting our turn. We are averaging 29.6 mph. Me and my dog, Bart, love this car!

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  Best Ford EVER! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Firemark - April 14 - 4:57 am

  Ive owned several Toyotas, just sold my O4 CrewCab Tundra. I was blown away with the quality and features of the Platinum F150. This holds up well past the first impression. Now have over 3,500 miles in 3 months and havent found any flaws. Interior room is cavernous and perfectly appointed. The reason I bought this was the rear floor space when you fold up the seats. New Tundras have NO floor space in back since seats only fold down. The Synch system took longer to learn than all other features. The blue- Tooth phone provides the best quality call ever, even vs the handset on the phone. Gas mileage exceeds my old Tundra, never less that 13.5 with best 15.5 on a highway trip.

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  First new car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Bart - April 13 - 8:39 pm

  Well I chose a Ford for my first new car, and my first manual transmission, and I have not once looked back. The tranny takes a little to break in but once it is you get seriously good fuel economy. The engine has some power, but it is found around 2000 rpm or so. The seats could be a little more comfortable, I dont know why they arent real cloth, instead some weird shiny cloth material. It is comfortable, so that works. Other than that Ford makes very reliable cars that get you where you want to go, treat them well and they will treat you well.

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  Why dont they build this again? - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By PennsyNut - April 13 - 1:20 pm

  Bought new. Excellent mpg/20+ avg for 12 yrs. Lots of rattles. Huge space. Im 65" and have no problem getting in or out, excellent driving position. A/Cs still work fine. Parts are getting harder to find. Great on highway at less than 70. More, like 80, and get excessive wind noise. But for normal driving around town and up to 65 mph or so, is absolutely great. Starts every time. Would buy a new one if it were available.

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  Love my Escape, but has issues! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By JLF - April 12 - 7:09 pm

  Ive had my 08 Escape since June 07. On average it gets 20 MPG, which is suitable for me. Now, for the issues... first problem was at 24,000 miles, the tires needed to be replaced due to cupping noise despite the fact that I rotated them 3 times. Next, the water pump went at 27,000 miles. At 30,000 miles it was in the shop again for a transmission coolant leak. Also had to replace the black trim by the door windows, coating peels off. Other issues: seat fabric spots--like theyve been spilled on a lot, but havent!-looks nasty and old. Also, annoying rattle somewhere in back. I think that covers it!! Still, overall I love it! Lease is up in a year and I dont want to give it back!

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  Highly Recommended! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - April 12 - 6:58 pm

  After looking at Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, & Chevy alternatives I chose the Fusion. Ive been driving the car for nearly a month. No regrets so far whatsoever. This car is fun to drive! My commute is 45 minutes each way so Ive got to know the car pretty well. With the V6 I regularly get 28 mpg, and with the sync system and sirius radio Im entertained like Ive never been.

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  Great Truck - Zero Problems - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Big D - April 12 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this truck new for my son for school and work. He has over 140,000 miles on it now and not a single trip to the Service Dept except to change the fluids. Has exceeded all expectations. When they say Built Ford Tough, its true!

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  Great Car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Phillip Smith - April 12 - 11:33 am

  My wifes new Fusion is the best riding Ford with the least road noise Ive ever ridden in. Ive always been a Ford man but thought the Fords always had too much road noise but the new Fusion does not. Got the V6 with more than enough power. Gas mileage runs about 26 in the city and was 28.5 when new on the highway; should be around 30 or better now on the highway. Very tight made and a pleasure to drive.