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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  Fun To Drive - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By bjronca - March 16 - 7:10 am

  Best car I ever owned. You must buy the navigation system option. We got the Premium Package. Im glad we did. It came with all leather interior and heated seats which are great. Ill never buy another vehicle without heated seats and navigation system. The ride and handling is better than I expected.

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  American Quality believe it - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Bill M. - March 15 - 11:10 pm

  Only have 2000 miles on the truck but so far we love it, power is adequate, 6sp trans is great, mpg is 17, brakes have good feel and stop well, steering is responsive. The GPS and Senc are a wonder of technology. The heated and cooled seats are feature I will buy in all future cars/trucks. The new larger front doors make ingress and egress easier. With all the room in the back seat it seems like Ford could have done better with the rear seats. We looked at Dodges new truck and it was a close call but who knows if Dodge will make it, Ford seems sounder. Speaking of sound the Ford is quieter than my BMW. I am impressed at the value and quality Ford offered.

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  Overall a Great American SUV with Space - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Jay Zar - March 15 - 3:13 pm

  Overall, this SUV does what it was designed to do... haul loads with comfort and reliabilty. For the price, it is worth it. Some of the materials are cheap, but the build quality is done well. Space is great and the power is there. On the freeway I get 17 mpg. In the city I get 14 to 15. Hauling 800 lbs it could drop about 1mpg, but not on the freeway, still about 17 unless I am towing. I did install zenon bulbs and a better air filter, which did help. I use 87 octane. The sound system is excellent. The steering and brakes and turning handle as expected, solid, not sporty, but not sloppy. I have 20" wheels and the braking is great. I added my own back up camera, but the 2009s come with one.

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  My first SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Delirious1 - March 15 - 2:55 pm

  I used to drive muscle cars, and my last vehicle was a 95 Jeep Wrangler. I wanted/needed a SUV. I bought the 99 Expy a few months ago. I have only two complaints. The factory cd changer quit working and the transfer case seems to not want to come out of 4 hi. After a pricey estimate to "diagnose but not to repair the problem" from 4 different shops, I pulled the front driveshaft to temporarily save my vehicle from any major trans damage.

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  Great Buy! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jay - March 15 - 10:53 am

  This car has put the word fun back into driving especially for a family mid-size sedan. I love the way it handles. It has great pick and go. I normally lease cars and have leased 8 different cars (both domestic and foreign) over the last 12 years and this is by far the best vehicle I have driven in the mid-size category. Ford has made a great mid-size car and its about time. I purchased this vehicle and plan on keeping it.

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  I made the right choice. - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By anonymous - March 15 - 4:55 am

  I have owned this vehicle since it was new. It has been outstanding in reliability. When I purchased this truck I had one thing in mind and that was long term ownership. This truck has not let me down. Compared to todays newer trucks and cars with so many creature comforts yes this truck looks a little aged, but I do not plan to give this thing up for anything. As long as it runs and is reliable I will drive it daily. Even when I finally do purchase a new vehicle I will probably keep this as a second car. Of course this is not a vehicle for everyone but for a person who mostly drives alone this is great. 195,000 and still runs great with no rust. Has never seen road salt.

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  Free - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By chillz - March 14 - 4:36 pm

  Rides comfortably. when first taking off has a loud noise, doesnt take off fast enough.

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  almost 200,000 miles ORIGINAL ENGINE - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By kruzer - March 14 - 2:15 pm

  Everything is ORIGINAL never been replaced, except for the radiator (once). The car near 200,000 miles mark and I am going for 250,000 miles :) This was the best model and quality workmanship of all T-birds made. I get almost 29 MPG on open hwy but average is 26 MPG on hwy. Sweet :)

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  FIRST VEHICLE - 1991 Ford F-150
  By cullenchavis - March 14 - 10:56 am

  I just got this truck yesterday and i love it.It gets up to speed fast i can feel the power as soon as i start it.The gear screen where you see weather your in drive reverse etc is weird and doesnt show too good.But it has a huge cab and we fit 4 peopole in it yesterday

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  Have your cake and eat it too! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Green Onion - March 14 - 10:48 am

  We ordered ours Labor Day of 05 and picked it up in Nov. Power, handling, MPG, looks are all amazing. At first, the MPG was awful but its only temporary. After the break in period, Ive seen as high as 26 MPG (at avg. 77 MPH) and regularly get 23-24 MPG on my commute (1/3 city 2/3rds Hwy). I suspect, it could go as high as 30 MPG on a long trip and a moderate 65mph but dont think I never put my foot in it. Plenty have tried but no one has beat me in stop light drags. Handling is surprising for solid rear axle, but would prefer a proper independent rear suspension. There are downsides, heavy doors, squeaks & rattles from dash but this is one of the most pleasurable cars on the road!