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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  It is fun to - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ginger1001 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The day I saw this vehicle on the lot of our local dealership, I just knew it had to come home with me, and it did. I absolutely love to drive it. I can see better since I am sitting up higher and that makes me feel safer and more secure.

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  Love my car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By chuckangerstein - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have only had one problem with my Ford Focus ZX3, the check engine light stays on, Ive had it fixed multiple times and it just comes right back on. Other than that its been great. Ive driven it all over California. It handled the curves and turns on narrow Highway 1 like a $30,000 sports car and it can haul so much stuff its amazing. Its the perfect blend of utility and fun for me.

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  Eddie Bauer Explorer Comments - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By John Jimson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchased third row seating and find it comfortable even in such a short wheelbase vehicle. A fine value in a relative low priced truck.

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  2004 F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By lennyp - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I think Ford has improved the F150 over in both design and performance. The ride seams to be smoother than the previous design.

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  Best Damn Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JoeMon0001 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Lightning and i love every minute i am in it. The truck is amazingly fast and fun to drive. It has incredable pulling power. When ever you want the power you know it;s there

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  Just an awesome CUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Dave - December 15 - 1:13 am

  This is a great vehicle. Do not make the mistake of buying the Edge without the Vista roof. I keep the sunshade open on sunny days and the tinting of the panels is still sufficent as to not bake in the seats. The VR alone gives you the feeling of a much larger interior. Very easy exit/entry and provides great visibility (height) for those who are used to the view from an SUV. Brake, headrest and liftgate concerns from other reviews are non- existant. I will admit that there is a glare reflecting the dash onto the windshield when driving from my Camel interior, but you have to be looking for it to notice.

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  Excellent vehicle for trailer towing et - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Dennis Miller - December 14 - 6:32 pm

  I have found this to be an excellent vehicle. Interior is as new. Very limited repairs aside from a couple of brake jobs. Michelin tires put on by Ford for free are still serving me. Tows a 4,000 lb. trailer no problem..in the mountains. AWD has proven to be terrific. Have passed stalled/stuck buses, cars, SUVs many times in the mountains. Everything works! 11 years old.

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  Great overall - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By travis - December 14 - 4:55 pm

  Im in the army so I drive long distances a lot along with living in a heavy snow state and pull several trailers. OK so it doesnt get the best gas mileage but how many of the people giving theirs a bad rating bought it for the mileage over the power and comfort you get out of it. I agree that the 3rd seat is bulky but its great to have and its easy enough to take out. I have the 5.4 triton and Ive owned 2 GMC Jimmys, a Chevy 1500 350s, and a Dodge Ram and it outdoes them all by far. It has far more torque, towing power and I drive through fields a lot where I work pulling over twice its own weight and never been stuck yet. I would say its the best vehicle in its class with out a doubt. Great!

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  Bullitt Brings Back Muscle Car Basics - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Craig Brown - December 13 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned a few Mustangs and typically leave the exterior plain and spend the time and effort on modifying the engine and suspension. My wife and I both saw a 2008 Bullitt in the Highland Green and were immediately drawn to the cars understated simplicity of styling that made the cars we loved as teenagers such classics. Then I drove one! The changes are subtle from the 2006 GT I have been driving for 3 years, but the suspension is firmer and the shifter is more precise. The power difference negligible over the GT, but the car just looks and sounds right. If you grew up driving V-8 muscle cars in the 60s and 70s (or wanted to and couldnt afford to), this is your car!

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  Lookin Good - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Granny - December 12 - 9:28 pm

  We joined the "buy American" movement and purchased an Edge just after a good working over by the local Toyota dealer. Wow, I am impressed with the ease of maneuverability, the sound system, the sun roofs, and the seats base-length- finally a seat that extends out far enough and doesnt cut off the circulation in ones legs. The second row seating is also unusually comfortable for this type car. Only had it a week, but so far, its outstanding.