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:

• 

  Frightning Lightning - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bopat - February 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun you can have driving a truck. Its a looker for sure The quaility is there, so is performance great truck

• 

  Lovin Every Minute Of It - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Happy New Owner - February 24 - 5:06 pm

  Im loving the ride. Its very smooth on gravel roads. Its trail capability is very good. I have no complaints about the mileage. Approximately 580km/tank city driving, that all depends on your driving habits. Just love driving it

• 

  A perfect fit - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lorraine M. - February 24 - 4:23 pm

  This was the ideal choice for me, a one car owner. It gives me the style and comfort I want along with large capacity trunk space and room for long items. It works well for me as a good handling and driving machine with a homeowners cargo hold. I enjoy driving my 500 and it has performed as well as I expected.

• 

  A car of class - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By shane wheeler - February 24 - 4:16 pm

  Know it is a car you can trust, depend on and ride not just in comfort but class, I will take this car over any high end luxury car any day. Exceptional design, Ford put a great deal of research and design into this car and gave it to the public at a hell of a great cost.

• 

  My 3.9L - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By whitefeather85 - February 24 - 10:02 am

  We had a choice between a few beautiful stangs and bought this 04 40th anniversary edition. Fully loaded with a Mach stereo system. I upgraded the air filter, plugs and oil which made a major difference. I run at least 25-28 mpg, even going 80+mph. It handles very well, drove through a wy. winter storm and stuck to the road. Gotta love my 3.9L!

• 

  Love it - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Rick - February 24 - 9:46 am

  Getting rid of her Camaro, my wife needed a family car. We looked at the pricey Camry, Prius, Accord and Mazdas out there and landed on the Fusion. Mainly for the styling, room, and price tag. We bought it used with 10,800 miles on it. She does a 60/40 HWY/City driving that yields great mileage. Constantly getting 25 mpg in the city and 31-37 mpg on the highway. A recent 200 mile road trip yielded 34.8 mpg at 75 mph with A/C on and 4 people plus luggage in the vehicle. We really love the mp3 input jack that allows for unlimited music tunes through our trips. She drives 25 miles one way to work and gets an average of 30.6 mpg with her city/hwy driving.

• 

  F150 Excellent Quality - 2006 Ford F-150
  By johnchik - February 23 - 7:56 pm

  Never thought I could be happy with a full size pickup. The F150 is a work horse that is sturdy, fun to drive and extremely comfortable.

• 

  Cool Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Colt - February 23 - 2:20 pm

  Very Cool Truck

• 

  Best Explorer I ever had - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Doug - February 23 - 9:02 am

  This is my 4th Explorer that I have had since 1995. It is the best one yet, not that the others were problems. I bought it with 10000 miles on it and it now has 141000 miles and is going strong. I try to change the oil every 4000 miles and take care of it. My brakes lasted 75000 miles and the tires were changed at 90000 miles. At 131000 miles I got a tune up and changed the transmission fluid. A wheel bearing went out at 135000 miles. Other than that everything else in the car is the same as when I bought it. This SUV seems like it will run forever. I keep thinking of getting another 2004 with less miles, but this Explorer has been so good, I dont think I will. 21mpg on the highway

• 

  2005 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dawn Burrell - February 22 - 4:56 pm

  The Escape Hybrid is excellent on gas, fun to drive, and awesome in snowy weather. Overall, I like the cars performance, and was surprised when I floored it how fast it accelerated. I bought the car and will have it for the next 5 years and will definitely buy the 2010 model.