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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  Bullet Proof Engine! - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By Mel Turner - February 16 - 9:23 pm

  The only reason I do not have my Aerostar today is because some guy, angry at his wife, totaled it while parked in front of my house. That V6 engine was bulletproof. Buy using only synthetic oil, the engine took a licking and kept on ticking (215000 miles at death) At start up I would hear a ticking sound, but as the engine warmed up the ticking went away and it never interfered with the performance. I loved the interior design. I had to replace the transmission and AC at 70K, but my extended warranty covered that beast. It was absolutely a blast and pleasure to drive on long trips.

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  Good Buy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jay - February 16 - 11:17 am

  Ill be sad to see mine go. Ive had BMWs, Camaros, and Vettes, and this is by far my favorite car to date. Very reliable so far with only one problem (fuel gauge sensor) but otherwise a perfect all around car. Not too fast (yes there is such a thing), but more than fast enough to get you in trouble on any road.

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  7 years of good expeditions - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rob Ross - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is our fourth expedition, and we would never buy another different full-size SUV. They have been great-trouble free, and the best full sizer out there. have used/driven all of the others including the Suburban etc-they do not compare well

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  Scotts review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Greatskott1 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck ever built. Ive owned or my company has owned 5 different trucks in the past 15 years and this one makes the rest of them, including my 2001 F-250 Powerstroke Diesel 4x4 to shame in quality and design. It makes my Chevys look like crap. If you want a REAL truck, buy the F-150.

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  MY BABY! - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Tony - February 16 - 9:40 am

  I recently bought a 2000 Crown Vic and I am in love with the car. Smoothest ride around, powerful V8, and comfort and quality to boot. This was an obvious upgrade from my beat-up 88 Buick Century and i dont regret it one bit. Complain about style all you want, Im 20 and I think this is a sharp car for being a "geriatric" car. It is far from it.

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  Former Yukon XL Owner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By mineola1 - February 16 - 6:00 am

  My wife drives all the new cars. I love the way the car drives and the gas economy is great. It feels and rides just as substantial as my old Yukon on the highways. Im gonna buy another Freestyle in January and keep this one for me!

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  Try It You Will Love It - 2006 Ford F-150
  By REBEL - February 16 - 1:53 am

  We just purchased another FX4 because we loved the 2002 we had. We find that the vehicle rides as nice as any car and we need it to tow our 27 foot trailer with all our toys, whether its snow mobiles or 4 wheelers. There is plenty of power and the gas mileage is decent. The interior is roomy because we have the super crew model and everything is easily accessible from the drivers seat.

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  Im lovin it - 2009 Ford F-150
  By timbo - February 16 - 1:00 am

  Beyond the beautiful re-designed interior and exterior, this truck rides like a Cadillac. The inside is huge with its extra 6" theyve added to to the cab. Much more space that my Escape. It looks burly, and it hauls. I havent towed anything yet but I look forward to it. I can tell this thing is a beast but is easy on gas considering the size of it. I look forward to years of ownership on this baby. I seriously love it

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  After 6000 miles - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Marlin - February 15 - 11:56 pm

  Was looking for gas mileage (priority) in a sporty fun car. Considered the Honda Fit, Civic, Toyota Corolla all with the sport package option. When I looked at the Focus it didnt fit me well. The salesman directed me to the midsized Fusion, I knew it was my car! The only hesitation was the advertised MPG. I drive rural, highway and city about 60 miles a day. Now after 6000 miles I get about 27.5 MPG combined driving. Highway alone about 31.5 MPG. I am very happy with the Fusion. It looks good and it is fun to drive.

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  Old Reliable - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Charles Black - February 15 - 7:39 pm

  I purchased my Expedition 3 years used with 33000 miles. It now has 125000 on it and I have not had any problems with it. Ive taken many family trips all over without any issues. I wish that all the vehicles Ive owned were as trouble free as this one. I have no plans to replace it and hope it continues to run forever.