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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  2009 f150 King Ranch 4WD WNC - 2009 Ford F-150
  By WNC Design Truck Usr - March 20 - 10:48 pm

  I carefully reviewed all of the hoopla surrounding Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Ford F150 2009. I ordered the new 2009 F150 King Ranch, to be custom built at Fords Dearborn factory. I will take delivery in about a month. The test drive was great this is one solid vehicle. Not a dragster like the Tundra, but who cares? The Ford wont twist and rack like any of the other 1/2 ton trucks in its class when going over dirt roads and I can tow more than the others. Also, the box is higher, which means I can fit more stuff into it and the exclusive rear step help me get into the box without crunching my knees on the tailgate. More later after I get it.

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  FABULOUS CAR - 2008 Ford Edge
  By CAROLE - March 20 - 9:52 pm

  The body style was the first thing that caught my eye before I bought a Ford Edge. The overall shape is very pleasing.The height was also a factor for me because I have trouble getting in and out of vehicles that are too low. . The interior suits my needs perfectly. I find everything is close at hand and easy to read. The seats are totally comfortable, theres plenty of head and foot room. Storage and cargo space is great too.The music system (6 CD changer, AM/FM radio and MP3 option are very adequate and easy to use. I have yet to look for an option and find that its missing.The drive-ability is fabulous. Very smooth and easy to park and maneuver.The AWD was a life saver this winter too!

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  Front Driver seat very Uncomfortable - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By S. Vannoy - March 20 - 8:53 pm

  First Be ready to re-place the Throttle body Air intake Bet - 9,000- 13,000 mile mine went out in the middle of traffic at 10,000 mile Ive read that several other owners parts went out also on the 2016 Explorer. Ive had 6 other explorers over the years and my wife has had 3 and the driver seat on the 2016 is the most uncomfortable that we have every had, beside that we love the explorer .

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  love it! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By ryan - March 20 - 4:47 pm

  my first new vehice! beautiful. the big 3 sure make their trucks well. excellent fit and finish. great ride, sync, crazy amounts of space. i see complaints about power on these f150s however the truck gets along just fine for me (4.6 3v). if you want a sport truck you may be dissappointed, but youre the average joe that goes from a to b and needs maybe some passing power for the highway will do just fine.

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  Love this car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By msihrer - March 19 - 11:14 pm

  Best car Ive owned. Handles nicely on dry ground, looks sporty and has great music/stereo features.

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  the best - 1996 Ford Escort
  By patas - March 19 - 10:50 pm

  this car are the best on gas,cheap parts easy to fix i love my ford escort i dont need i new car

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  2005 Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By big_big_jon - March 19 - 1:53 pm

  I never really liked Fords but this Taurus is great the only way it could be better would be if it had the DOHC 24 valve. it gets great gas milage. Im gettig about 26 mpg which is better than I expected out of it. Ive had no major problems with it. I love the car.

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  Bought an American Car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Mike Klaber - March 18 - 7:31 pm

  After 32 years I thought it was time to try another American car. Ive been driving Toyota, Honda, and Lexus all these years. Since Fords quality has improved significantly over the past few years, I thought I would take a serious look and drive one. Well, I was impressed and bought the SEL pretty well loaded including 18 inch wheels. The V6 and 6-speed auto are very smooth and Im averaging 22 MPG after six weeks of driving half city, half freeway. The sport tuned suspension makes handling very acceptable and the car has a very solid feel. In summary, this is a very nice car and a great value. It also feels good to drive a car made by an American company.

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  Great CUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Oklaoma Edge - March 18 - 2:56 pm

  I like the way this car handles, rides and looks. Great for someone like me commuting in from the Burbs every day.

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  nothing touches the excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By jackhart - March 18 - 2:29 pm

  I traded in an 06 Tahoe at the end of my lease for a used 05 Excursion turbodiesel. It has more room for my kids, dogs and luggage, and the diesel option sealed the deal, since it can tow anything and gets better mileage than the gas version. If you need the room, nothing beats the Excursion. I am more than pleased with this vehicle, and even with 50K on the odometer, it still runs and looks like new. Too bad they dont make this truck anymore, because even a few years old, the truck is still a winner.