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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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By K.Bomb - November 27 - 8:15 am

  I road tested several trucks, and liked the Chevrolet, but after driving the Ford truck, I was sold!!! Great ride quality, nice interior, attractive exterior, smooth handling. Glad I opted for the bigger 5.4 engine!

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  Awesome Truck! - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Walker - November 27 - 3:36 am

  The Limited Edition F-150 is my first truck and I am absolutely amazed with it. It has no upgrades except the BF Goodrich All Terrain Tires. In my opinion it is very tough. I have used it to climb very steep mud and dirt hills with no problems at all, and almost completely submerged my engine in muddy water and it continues to preform. I have pulled other trucks out of deep that I was able to get through with ease. I would not trade this truck for anything... well maybe the 2009 Edition but that is it. I love my Ford.

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  Beautiful! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Penu - November 26 - 5:18 pm

  Vapor Silver, leather, sport package, what a looker! Just awesome. Im not crazy about the green dash lights, and the jurys still out on the Sync system. My ipod has 8k songs, and will that be read into the system OK? And so far Im not as crazy about Sirius as I thought I would. Otherwise, I love this car. Easy on the gas Im getting 22 MPG. It looks great just sitting in my garage!

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  GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By ESTANG - November 25 - 9:06 pm

  This is my 5th Mustang Ive owned. 2nd pony in the garage is a 1970 coupe. Traded in a 2004 Mach 1 for a 2007 GT. Much more comfortable for this mid-age guy. Recommend adding heat option to both front seats. Adds several inches to the seats base, which makes a big difference. Added HD to my Shaker 1000 radio. Wow what a difference in sound quality. Minor mods thus far. Cold air intake and flowmaster exhaust. Definitely needs retune for better response, but overall, a great car.

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  The Land Of The Free & Home Of The Beast - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By ExcursionDiesel - November 25 - 10:59 am

  Dont know why this vehicle was discontinued. I would continue to by this car until I cant drive anymore. I got it for 18k because the dealership couldnt move it, 35k miles mint condition turbo diesel. Have put on 5k miles in 2 months and love it - diesel could be cheaper. Very comfortable, great visibility and overall very safe. Mileage can be better and diesel requires some extra care like plugging in at night when its cold and $200 oil changes (15q) but like I said I would buy many more. Hate Ford love the Excursion and we are 3 people in total and have all the space and comfort in the world, as well as room to pick up my 7 siblings when they fly in for a weekend rain, snow, or shine.

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  Love It! Lots of fun! - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Scott - November 25 - 1:04 am

  I couldnt believe the trunk space and ride of this compact car!

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  Little RV - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Living Big - November 24 - 9:24 pm

  Our Excursion is our road trip king. There isnt anywhere we wouldnt take our Excursion. Whether were trekking across the country on vacations or running around town, this is our vehicle of choice. With room for everything and the kitchen sink, no one and nothing gets left behind. We love the captains chairs second row seats and the full cargo space. This SUV has everything and goes everywhere. Our Midwestern winters are non-events for us. This beast rolls big and yet is nible around town. If you want utility, room, and awesome looks, look no further. Weve ran almost 43,000 trouble free. If you run out of room in the Excursion, you can tow your house behind it too.

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  Great truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By mike - November 24 - 9:22 pm

  I bought this truck over a GMC S-15 pickup at the same dealer and I loved the Ranger. I put some stiff gas shocks on it and the biggest tire I could fit on it without a lift kit. The truck has a fairly smooth ride and was comfortable for two adults, the extended cab was nice to have for carrying small things behind the seat but not very practical for kids to sit in. Everytime I turned the key it started, the Ranger was the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. My only complaint was when I got caight up in a 36 car pileup during a whiteout from blowing snow my airbags didnt deploy, and because of this I lost some teeth and had some other impact injuries because of it. Truck got destroyed

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  My 91 Ford - 1991 Ford F-150
  By POSEY - November 24 - 8:17 pm

  My 1991 Ford F-150 has the 4.9L straight 6. It was given to me from my uncle with 85,000 miles on it. It now has 187,000. I have not changed the oil since i got it and it still runs very strong. Im not too big on the transmissions on the 91 Ford since my reverse went out.

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  Merry Christmas to Me - 2009 Ford Flex
  By clteach1 - November 24 - 4:33 pm

  I love this car. My husband and I were Christmas shopping and stopped to test drive a Flex just for the heck of it. We had no intention of buying one. We were just very curious as it looked so different. We were immediately sold. It is so comfortable. We had a Christmas trip planned from NH to Kentucky with our 5 kids and were a little leary of making such a trip in an unfamiliar car. It turned out to be our best trip ever. The kids didnt complain once and driving it was such a pleasure. It certainly made a 27 hour trip a lot less stressful. I think this was my best Christmas present ever.