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:

• 

  5.0 - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By isaias5885 - February 12 - 9:17 pm

  This was supposed to my project car. I own a 2005 Scion Tc also. Since I bought the Mustang I havent driven the Tc. This 5.0 is amazing. Just a full tune up and I was having the time of my life. Im never selling this car.

• 

  Original Owner, Great Value Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Bad da Bingg - February 12 - 8:56 pm

  I bought the 4.6 L V8 4x4 XLT when our kids were just small enough to fit easily in the extended cab. Now that theyre grown and gone, the truck keeps on doing truck duty. Those are boat hauling, camping, motorcycle transport and skiing. This truck has needed brakes and shocks but nothing else beyond routine maintenance. I look at newer trucks and laugh at the pricing and fuel efficiency, my truck still compares nicely.

• 

  Have you driven a Ford lately? - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Tough? - February 11 - 10:34 am

  I was skeptical to buy a Ford at first, but the salesman convinced me that Fords are built as well if not better than ever.and for the first "3 years or 36000 miles" we loved our truck. Got lots of compliments and it was fun to drive, other than the squeeky brakes. Then mile 36001 came along. Alternator, wheel hub. I do not abuse my truck. It is kept clean and has only been off road 2 or 3 times. I didnt think alternators went bad anymore. Not only do they go bad but they cost a bunch! I thought ok...$100?...nope $500!..Wheel hub...ok....$100....nope $300. Cant wait to see whats next...I am afraid to drive my Ford lately! Hate to see a U.S. company struggle...but "Quality is job 1"

• 

  Love at First Drive - 2007 Ford Edge
  By judymac - February 11 - 8:34 am

  Fell in love with this car the first time I drove it. Unfortunately did not wait for the 2008 model (would have loved to have Sync). Mileage is good for the size controls are relatively easy plenty of space for myself and family. Drives well on mountain roads. Mileage averages around 20 mpg with most of my driving done on mountain roads and city streets.

• 

  F150 - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Frosty - February 10 - 4:02 pm

  This truck was the cleanest I have seen, average mileage, and in great condition. I am fully happy with this truck.

• 

  My Ranger is no more - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By heeler - February 10 - 12:56 pm

  This was my second Ranger. My first was a 1992 single cab XLT with a then 100 h.p. weak 2.3 engine with a 5 speed manual. Very good truck for what it was. Bought my 02 at the end of the model year and paid 14,000 before tax for a loaded supercab. Very reliable truck that in its life only needed front brakes at 73k,two serpentine belts,two batteries,and finally at 92k the power steering pump started leaking and was replaced. Oh yea and at 65k one of the rear turn signal bulbs burned out. Usually would get 18-19 mpgs going to and from work and 21 mpg with the cruise set on 77 mph. The 3.0 liter engine coupled with the 5 speed auto is great. Last week I totaled her. So sad.

• 

  Its Fords flagship for a reason - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Frank - February 10 - 8:57 am

  Although this its technically my mothers car, I do most of the driving and this car is amazing! I had a 92 Taurus and this car is light years beyond it. The engine is smooth and powerful (you cant hear it running, I have to look at the tach to make sure sometimes). Very good fit and finish as well, interior is comfortable but my only gripe for the whole car is that the drivers side needs more room for your feet side to side. AWD is great, I was driving through snow banks, where my old FWD got hung up every time, with ease. No wheel slippage that I could even detect. Perhaps the best thing is the "command seating". You sit high and can see almost like youre in a pickup, its great!

• 

  Passed up Lincoln Navigator - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By LW - February 9 - 11:18 pm

  I am happy with my vehicle. It was used and purchased for less than $5K. I wanted a Lincoln Navigator, but settled for the Expedition. I found that I made the best decision! Gas mileage is not that bad. If you buy a 2002 Expedition, just make sure it is mechanically sound. My truck is definitely Ford tough.

• 

  Great Vehicle!!! First Ford Ever Owned!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Kiese - February 9 - 9:46 pm

  We recently purchased our Edge and couldnt be happier. We are averaging what i feel to be a good mpg of 20+ mpgs with close to 50/50 mixed driving and a wife who has a lead foot. Family feels extremely safe inside our Edge and has more room than they know what to do with. First Ford vehicle either of us has owned and we just might be owning more in the future. Very Happy Ford, Keep up the great work!

• 

  Try it youll like it - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Mark - February 9 - 4:34 am

  Live in the snowbelt of Northern Ohio. Needed a new car, test drove everything in this class with the exception of the Fusion. Decided to buy an Impala but the deal was not to my liking. Went to the local Ford dealer and test drove the AWD SEL and bought it as soon as I returned from the test drive. Mind you I bought it during a snow storm and was very impressed with the AWD system. I drive 70 mi a day and love driving this car. Great seats,audio and climate control. Averaging 26 mpg on highway and 22 in city and I am an aggressive driver.The interior absolutely beats all otheer cars in this class. Love the seat warmers!