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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  very happy with this truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By pandabear - April 6 - 8:53 am

  This is my first purchased pick up after previously owning an 05 mustang, and i will never be able to drive another car again. I have the 5.4. And driving it proper i manage about 16 and a 1/2 mpg. This is the smoothest truck Ive ever set foot in. But it can also be an aggressive monster off road. I love its looks, inside and out. I love the shifter in the middle it looks good and is in a perfect arm reaching area. It is pretty powerful. I havent had the pleasure of testing out its great tow capacity yet. Overall I love it.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Cocotinne - April 5 - 7:59 pm

  Over all, this is the best car I ever owned once the back seats are folded, the trunk is so big, people dont believe what I put in it. I need space in the back and this car is perfect. I plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Crown Vic LX Sport The Only One - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tcox - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Crown Vic, the first being a 2001 base model. The 2001 was a fine car but in 2003 Ford redesigned the front suspension and frame as well as the door panels. The result is the best car I have ever owned. The ride and drive are truly incredible. The frame has no annoying vibration even over chopy pavement. The LX SPORT has very large and comfortable seats with larger tires and a console. I bought mine for $24,990 and feel that it is one of the best new car values out there. The 2004 LX drives very nice also, you can order the handling package on it for just $640. Finely the base model is in my opinion the best new car value out there. With

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  3rd Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Andy Franco - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Expedition. Had a 98 & 01. None ever require repair other than recalls (lug nut 98 & seatbelt 01). As much as we loved the first two, the 04 is more than 2x better. My wife loves driving it as much (or more) than her BMW 328 convertible. On recent trip from Dallas to Vegas, got 16mpg going (against the wind) and almost 18 on return. The only thing we miss is the cupholders in the dash which must have been sacrificed for the in-dash CD changer. Ford seems to have thought of everything. We especially like sliding center rear seat for granchildrens car seat. My wife doesnt like not being able to see outside temp.

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  Love this car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By HARB - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Smaller on the outside, yet bigger on the inside compared to other cars in this category, both domestic and foreign. With a few options, this car gave me all I needed, at a very low price. I like the fact that a low mileage lease was offered.

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  One month in on the new C-MAX - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By m8rix - April 4 - 5:46 pm

  Our lease came due on our Prius and Toyota did not have product so we went looking and were surprised by the options we had. We drove the C-MAX and were quite surprised by its features and performance. Overall it is 5 stars. On the test drive we put it thru its paces, rather harshly [I think to the salespersons surprise] but there was not a thing we could find fault with. If I had to list a deficiency, Id have to list the SYNC system. Like all Microsoft products, it is better on the drawing board. A proper manual [digital would be good] of all the commands and how they fit together would be good.

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  A Beauty and A Beast - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Sol - April 4 - 1:13 pm

  I have always been a huge fan of the Mustang, specifically, Shelby editions. This car gives you more bangs for your bucks. I fell in-love with this car the moment I saw the hood down (while sitting on a dealers show room). Performance overall is grea. Drive is smooth. This car is definitely a keeper!

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  Best Car Ever Driven - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Craig Kessler - April 4 - 9:56 am

  All you have to do is drive this car and feel how well it responds to you and the road to understand how great this car is. I went in to buy a suv and saw this on showroom floor and asked to drive it and bought it. Its a well thought out car with many options for storage inside to make your commute to wherever a fun and safe experience and easy on your wallet too for that drive in the countryside on the weekends. Take it for a test drive then you will understand.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By mlg - April 3 - 7:14 am

  After auto accident with 2002 Chrysler 300M, obtained the 2009 Taurus as a rental. Fell in love immediately!! Test drove all other American-made sedans in this class along with a few 7- passenger crossovers. Nothing compared in interior room, fuel economy, features, and price! Three adults fit very comfortable with 41" leg room in back seat, quiet and smooth ride, classy appearence, loaded with features, get 28.9mpg on interstate @70mph using cruise.

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  Love my Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Heather - April 3 - 1:36 am

  I traded a 98 GT for a new 06. Best decision I made. I absolutely love this car. Ive had many vehicles, but this tops them all! If you want one GET ONE!