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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  Stop thinking about it and just buy one! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Vinny F - February 22 - 1:15 pm

  I cant say enough good things about this truck. I love it. I parked it next to my friends 05 FX4 and mine was about 3 inches taller. This is a beefy truck. As big as it is, I get great gas mileage. I plan to install a K&N intake which should up my mileage another 10% or so. I took all of the truck leaders for a test drive, some had more flashy interiors and some had a softer ride, but Ford offered the best overall mix of refinement, capability, and fun. For the money, there is nothing better.

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  Fantastic - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Officer nimintz - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great machine ! mine looks just like CHP car

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  Fun for the whole family - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By FGaustin - February 22 - 10:00 am

  A lighter foot on the pedal and smoother acceleration for better gas mileage. On average Im getting about 13m/gal. On long halls about 16.5m/gal. A feeling of modest luxury with a sense of practicality, so an active family of five and the dog can travel in comfort on those sking, biking and camping trips. And dont forget the entertainment center so while the boys play Game Cube, their sister listens to her favorite tunes.

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  excellent ride - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By glenn - February 22 - 10:00 am

  lets just say when you need the power to go its there like in trafic you need to get out of walmart and the traffic is heavy and not alot of space between cars coming. well thats just to easy. bracking is excellent sterring is awsomelets just say it gets a 10.0 rating

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  Mikes Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MJS585 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the new 2005 Escape...it has good pickup and a newly revised, high quality interior. I would definitely recommend it to those in the market for a compact SUV.

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  Very Nice - 2005 Ford Escape
  By almarin - February 22 - 10:00 am

  It is a very nice looking vehicle and drives very comfortable. The interior is comfortable and is user friendly. I also like the intelligent 4WD system.

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  <3 my Fox - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Amy - February 22 - 8:59 am

  My 1990 LX convertible is my baby; Ive had her for about 4 years now. I get about 9 miles to the gallon with the top down (about 21-25 with it up). She needs constant cajoling and almost weekly repairs, but I have been able to do most of them with no training and very few tools, and theres nothing better than putzing on a car in the afternoon. I swear Ive replaced half that car by now, but parts are cheap and the repairs are usually easy (quarter windows are miserable, avoid at all costs). There are no atheists driving her in the rain, Ive skidded sideways through more lanes than I can count. The one airbag is a nice thought. The engine is so big it barely charges the battery during city driving, and I have to get her on the highway at 60MPH once a week for a 10-30 minutes to recharge her just so she starts up every morning .... I know, poor me. Compared to modern cars, the controls are spartan - and this is the LX, with cruise, power windows, mirrors and locks. But every time I start that 5.0 up and hear that roar I smile. Every time I leave jerks driving Hondas in the dust when the light turns green light I grin. Handling that car is epic (as long as the pavement is dry) and the sound and feel of that engine is amazing. I cant ever imagine driving something else, because this car makes me so happy. Fox 4 for life. Some tips for future owners: keep water and oil in the trunk ALWAYS, and learn how to check everything. ALWAYS get the car out on the highway for a little while a week; they just behave themselves better if you do that. Be prepared to replace pieces often. And enjoy that thing!

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  Ill never get rid of it! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Jennie - February 21 - 3:51 pm

  I bought this truck used in 1999 with 19k miles on it. Ten years and 85,000 miles later, I still love my Ranger. Its never left me stranded and its still fun to drive- despite the lack of technology I enjoyed with my Nissan 300ZX and 03 Acura TL. Performed well on my cross-country moves from San Diego to Philadelphia (though doesnt do well in snow). If youre on a budget, definitely consider this car. Its reliable, good MPG, safe, and a much better value than the competition.

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  Ford owner-cars and trucks - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Stoney - February 21 - 11:52 am

  My family and sons only use Fords and that goes back more than 40 years. The F150 seems to ride better and gets better gas mileage than the posted numbers. Could be the light foot to get more miles per gallon and no major repairs I recall.

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  You can look, but if you research, you will buy - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - February 21 - 1:51 am

  Look for reviews from owners , research the top 10 used cars list, rent one if you can and drive it for a 1-3 hour trip. Thats what I did over a year ago, 15,400 miles ago and I have no regrets. i have a 2015 SE, leather power seats, moon roof, etc. Two visits to the shop, one for a campaign and another for a front seat belt sticking. Love the car and my wife loves it as well. Traded a vehicle with a V/6 in for this 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. and there is no noticeable difference in power.