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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  Great Value - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Salem Boy - September 29 - 1:16 pm

  Just bought a new 08 Ranger XLT Reg. Cab with 4cyl automatic. With the current $3000 rebate, nothing else could come close to the price. Even with GMs employee pricing, a similar equiped Colorado was $1500 more. The chome trim on the XLT and the chrome wheels that my Ranger has make it a sharp looking truck. I couldnt find a used truck that didnt have a ton of miles for much less than I paid for this truck new. With the great gas milage 19 / 24 this truck should do everything I need it to do, which is drive back and forth to work and to haul the occational home project supplies.

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  Love the 5 door hatchback for hauling - 2005 Ford Focus
  By CJ - September 29 - 1:05 am

  Just adore the 5 door hatchback. I can move most anything, yet it is a classy car and much bigger on the inside than it seems. Great mileage and reliability with over 50K on engine. With the rear lights being so large yet sleek, I never worry about tailgaters anymore. They either stay back or go around once you hit them a couple times. Only problem is the additional CD holder handle broke on me.

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  A++ - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Brooker - September 28 - 5:15 pm

  My husband and I test drove many crossover SUVs when we were searching for a new car and when we happened upon the Edge, it was love at first site. Its roomy enough for my husband, who is a large guy, to sit in either the front or back comfortably and the panaramic sunroof is great. But most importantly, its fun to drive! Keep producing this king of vehicle Ford, you hit a homerun with this one!

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  Great Little Wagon for Price!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Lisa Pelz - September 27 - 9:38 pm

  Love this vehicle! Handles well with awesome gas mileage! Holds all of my sons sporting equipment as one of the reasons why I have purchased this vehicle. Love the sunroof and the multi disc player. I bought extra, the net for groceries and the cargo cover for the back so you can hide your valuables. Handles great! Fits me like a glove. No where to put your purse but in the back seat. Unfortunately had one accident in it and we were all safe! Awesome!

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Stainton - September 27 - 1:53 pm

  Fun, fast, good fuel economy and runs on regular gas and gets a lot of high fives.

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  The AWD is great - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By matt - September 27 - 12:37 pm

  Love the car ,bought it because of the AWD,car is very functionable and lots of space ,comfortable to drive. Had a Lincoln LS before and the finish and quality is right up there. Really like the storage compartment in the dash and media controls on the steering wheel.Fold down passeneger seat makes it very easy for carrying longer items. The AWD is awesome, freeway mileage is 32 -35 mpg, city mileage as low as 16 mpg with mild driving. Installed rear back-up sensors (offered in 2008) as rear visability is poor. I would definitely recommend this. I would absolutely buy another one.

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  GREAT SUV IN ITS CLASS - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Shak - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive purchased the car, I felt so secured and superior with driving the car. Ive had good comments from on lookers and good phrases from friends who rode in it. The ride is similar to riding a luxury sedan and it has given me a good driving view in relations to seeing everything in and out of the car from the drivers chair. The only thing that Im concerned about is the gas consumption. Or its just an unfortunate time when gas prices soared up.

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  Mustang GT Premium - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Hutchens - September 27 - 10:00 am

  It is fast and furious!

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  Love my truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By level65 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The 03Ford Harley-Davidson 100th anniversary edition F-150 is one bad truck...period!! The supercharger screams Im not just another F-150 and the only truck badder is my big brother the "Lightning". The truck turns heads from the ages of 5 to 100. Not only does it look good but it can work if the need arises. I installed a hitch and occasionally pull a 14 trailer with no problem.I was actually shopping for a lightning but saw the Harley model and forgot all about the Lightning.If you want a BAD truck with power,looks and room all in one package buy the Harley-Davidson F-150.

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  Great Car and Great Value! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Maude - September 27 - 8:30 am

  The Ford 500 provides a wonderful driving experience -- with no nonsense, no hassle performance and agility. Its surprisingly comfortable, is peppy and is just the right size. The roomy interior as well as the trunk space is a surprise and a delight. Forget what the reviewers say about the exterior styling. If may not be "flashy" but it made a splash with me (and my wallet!).