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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  Ford Tough - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Diane - August 25 - 10:06 pm

  Although we havent owned our truck very long, were sure it will more than serve our needs and satisfy us with all Ford has to offer.

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  Perfect replacement for gas guzzling SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kaehlerpie - August 25 - 9:16 pm

  Couldnt be happier with this crossover vehicle. Traveling with the family is more fun than ever.

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  Very Impressed! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Las Vegas Bob - August 25 - 7:05 pm

  Other than a throttle control recall this base model is everything I expected. Performance is very adequate (for a 70 year old), gas mileage is unbelievable (40 MPG on on a drive from Las Vegas to Detroit (I never go over 70 MPH) ride and handling is the best I have ever had. The standard equipment is beyond my expectations. I had 2 Malibus and they just didnt measure up to the Fusion in price or standard options. This Fusion is hands down the best value for the money in my 50 years of car ownership.

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  Fun,Fun, Fun! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dennis - August 25 - 6:31 pm

  This a wonderful coupe the drive. Build is top notch and love the fuel economy for a V8. (27-29mpg)! The sound system is fabulous as well. Like the large trunk for this size pony and the flip down back seats is a bonus too. The structure is sound, great road manners with some hop on turns when hitting a bump. Braking is top notch. Steering is easy and controlled. The car has much appeal.

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  Awesome truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By ROB - August 25 - 6:25 pm

  I bought this truck for my business. I use it all the time. I have driven it hard and not one time to the shop, no rattles no squeaks. This truck is awesome. I had a Toyota before this and had more squeaks and rattles in it than I care to mention, in the shop all the time. I will stick with American made all the way. This is the third in the fleet after the Toyota went bye bye. I now have a Ford, Dodge, and Silverado all trouble free. Good job. American made and that is all I will buy!

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  If it wasnt for the rust - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Greg - August 25 - 5:05 pm

  Great truck. Hauled great. K&N Air Intake, custome cat-back dual exhaust added. Gas miliage...well its a truck so what do you expect! If it wasnt for gas prices, I would still have it. The bottom of the doors are starting sto show rust. Concerns me. Sold it just recently for a silly low amount. Bought a Mazda6. I will own a truck again, and it will be a Ford.

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  Edge - Best find so far - 2008 Ford Edge
  By TASully - August 25 - 3:33 pm

  Just got an Edge Limited (no nav) and I am extremelly impressed with the car. Looks great and rides even better. Tons of room in the back seat and very comfortable seats. A/C and brakes seem fine to me, no problem at all so far. Sync is awesome - reception is better than mobile and convenient. Panoramic view is super-cool, kids love it! Its been a long time since Ive come home with a car without some buyers remorse - not this time!

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  A new face for Ford? - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Snake - August 25 - 3:01 pm

  When we bought this car I wavered a bit because it is a Ford but man have they changed on this car! For a mid- size car can this car move, looks like a perfect hybrid of mid-size and sports car. My wife loves the exterior look of the car and the lights. I would buy the Ford Fusion again in a hearbeat.

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  Best Expedition yet - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By R P MILLER - August 25 - 11:04 am

  My wife totaled 2004 E. Bauer in a head-on, good design saved her life, bought 2005 King Ranch 4WD with all options. I love the air suspension, it rides better than my supercrew which has a longer wheel base. My wife sells real estate and gets 14-15 mpg under the worst conditions, we have gotten 21.2 mpg from New Mexico to Dallas at 70 to 80 mph. I think the mpg is great considering the Expidition is 4 w/d and weighs 5600 lbs. w/3.73 ratio. This is our third Expidition and we would buy another one without hesitation

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  2003 SVT Cobra Coupe - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Cobra Dude - August 25 - 2:03 am

  I have owned a Cobra since 02 and it is the fastest street car under 42K. I professionally race this car and drive it on the street. It will run the 1/4 mile in the high 10"s on a performance tune and run high 11s on a street tune. It is awesome on the highway. I was given the name ZO6 Killer because I beat so many ZO6s at the track. It cruises and tracks well. My tune reached 650+ RWHP on the dyno. I have had many cars and this car is one of my best. I also have two late model Mercedes, and a 07 Chevy Malibu. I know a good thing when I see it. The 03 SVT Cobra is one of the best ever for the money.