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:

• 

  Love My Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By rick88240 - August 10 - 10:25 pm

  I love the way the car handles. It is stylish and sporty looking. I have the light sage Fusion and it is a beautiful car. The car gets 21 mpg in town and on the highway I set the cruise at 60 and get just a little over 36 mpg. The trunk is large which is good for long extended trips. The interior is well designed and the seating is comfortable. The price was fantastic for such an amazing car

• 

  00 Taurus SES - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By RD - August 9 - 7:14 am

  Bought a low mileage, SES with duratec engine. Cant say enough about the car. Build quality is excellent. Duratec engine is strong & powerful. I had a Sable before this SES, with Vulcan engine and theres no comparison. Clean, bold lines with none of the nanny features that are present todays vehicle. Straight forward and reliable is this SES, you can find many bargains on used Taurus & Sables.

• 

  Current & future Ford owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By EddieL - August 8 - 11:23 pm

  Well I have to say I am very pleased with this SUV. I have owned it for year and a half now. I bought it with 52k now 69k. I had one problem with the rear wheel bearings which was covered in the warranty. It drives great, tons of power, very roomy. I go fishing a lot and I can go anywhere off road in any conditions. I will say that the p series tires stink with this SUV in 4x4. The all terrain tires are the way to go. As for the gas mileage I think it does great. I went to visit my brother 400 mles from me and I filled up when we left and again about 100 miles from his house. I have allways been a GM guy and I am used to seeing 60- 80 dollars at the pump to fill up. I will buy a Ford again

• 

  Great Improvment - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Rob - August 8 - 10:33 pm

  Let me start off by saying I had a 2007 Ford Focus and put 23,000 miles on it and thought it was a great car. Then the 2008 Focus came out, test drove it and it was mine. This car drives very well, and a noticeable difference from 07 to 08 in both performance and handling. You also sit high up in the seat, and have great viewing angles. Another noticeable difference in the 08 is that its very quiet. Highway speeds of about 70-75 the car has barley any road noise. All in all this car feels like a much more expensive car when driving and looks really great too. I would definitely recommend a test drive!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By fordboy1954 - August 8 - 6:23 am

  Love driving around in my Mustang. The ride is a little harsh but then again it is a sports car. Very responsive handling and performance for a V6. Gas mileage is good considering my right foot is heavy. Got the interior upgrade and it looks great. Love the retro look since I always wanted a 69 Mustang. I have the Pony package and have tinted the windows and put the Roush quarter window covers on it looks impressive. Bottom line is it is fun to drive and doesnt cost an arm and leg. New Challenger might be more powerful but when you drive in Vegas you can only go so fast to the next red light.

• 

  Dream Come True! - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Lowell - August 7 - 3:27 pm

  Always loved the early T-Birds but never was able to own one. Slip a Goldie Oldie in the CD player of my 2002 Bird and go cruising and I step back to my youth! Just a great car and I find something neat that I hadnt noticed before just about every time I drive it. Im not the type of person who draws a lot of attention but this car sure does! The Thunderbird Blue with two tone interior & white hardtop is the perfect combination to take you back to the fifties. You would think that only older people would appreciate the retro look but you hardly ever pass a teenager who doesnt holler "Nice Car"! Shes my baby!

• 

  Sync B Gone - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By 2008 Ford Fusion - August 7 - 12:46 am

  This is my 2nd Ford Fusion. I loved my 06 Fusion so much, then Ford came out with the Vapor Silver Color. I fell in love. I swore Id never go back to a domestic car, but the Fusion has been the most well built car Ive owned. Excellent handling, cornering, not bad on gas, killer looks with the upgraded pkg. Lots of compliments. Would recommend to 1st time and all other buyers.

• 

  Ford is the best - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tami526 - August 6 - 11:17 pm

  I have the all wheel drive model with a 210 horsepower V6. It is the best truck in the snow. It has saved us a few times. This is the 2nd Explorer I have owned and will not be the last. I have not done any major work to it. There is no comparison with anything in its class. Its the greatest.

• 

  Second Review after six months - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Kayemtee - August 6 - 10:55 pm

  I love this truck! After six months, only one small problem(heated and A/C seat module needed replacement). Extremely comfortable ride, better than any car Ive owned. Seats are great on a long trip. Tows my 6000 lb. boat with ease. Im now getting 18 mpg in mostly fast highway driving which is 2 miles better than my 03 V8 AWD Explorer.(10 mpg towing the boat) The turning circle is reasonable given its size. Acceleration is adaquate. Better ride quality and much better value than Toyota.

• 

  One Tough Truck - 1997 Ford F-350
  By Evil Dave - August 6 - 9:39 am

  This truck can do anything Ive ever tried to do. No excuses, one tough and capable truck. 7.3 liter turbo diesel with the 4.10 gears can pull or haul just about anything.