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 truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Ralph - April 18 - 6:47 am

  I looked high and low and found my 99 F150 lariat, extended cab, 3 door, 5.4 Triton. I love the design. My truck rund and drives great, Gas mileage not so good for a daily driver. I average 14 Mpg. Lots of power, and pickup. The only thing I have done is regular oil changes, and tire rotation. I did replace the front break pads. It was very easy. If youre looking for a good truck, Ford makes one.

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  Excellance again - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By mrpanda - April 18 - 1:25 am

  This is my 4th Expedition, A 97,01,05 this is my first EL. I needed more room for hauling material for work. Its nice to be able to put 8 sheets of plywood in back and not driving with hatch open.Surprising gas mileage 15 local and 24 hwy. Had to order the 10 due to lack of expeditions in the area with the options or colors that I wanted.

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  2010 EL a joke - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By mbergthold - April 18 - 1:20 am

  This is my wifes dream car. My evaluation after 2 weeks and a 3 hr road trip is that its an expensive vehicle. Ive been a Ford guy for years - no more. The 5.4 V8 has no guts, even with 6 spd downshifts. I loved my 97F150, but this is no truck, even with improvements, the 2010 is a dog. In wind it wallows, handles like a brick. 7500 miles between oil changes? Great way to engineer increased engine wear, which is NOT covered by warranty - engine will be excessively worn before 100k, leaking oil and low compression, thanks to longer oil changes. To top it off, you get a front headrest that is uncomfortable and nonadjustable. Last Ford ever. I hate this vehicle.

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  New f-150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By mike of york - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  Wow what a great vehicle..This is my first pickup truck and This Ford is awesome. I bought the top of the line xlt Lariat Super Crew and I am amazed at the styling,comfort drivability and versatility. The tailgate folds down and there is a step and a bar that folds out for us old guys to use as a boost. The sync technology is great and the styling and color choices are way better than Chevy or Toyota. I drove both a Tundra and a Chevy Silverado first and was disappointed with them. I have the 5.4 v-8 and the engine has plenty of power to me. The interior is like a Lincoln on a truck body. Ford is doing a good job with their cars and trucks. I will report back again after 10,000 miles.

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  2008 Focus ses - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jon Baumbach - April 17 - 9:37 pm

  Nice car, great gas mileage, plenty of power, fun to drive, blower speed switch replaced, front brake pads too hard you can feel them through the brake pedal, road noise from tires ( Pirelli brand ), no handle to close trunk lid, no dome light for back seat.

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  I love my pick-em-up truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Dale W. - April 17 - 9:21 pm

  I bought my truck brand new in April 2000. It has 4 doors (2 regular and 2 small rear doors). It gets up and goes every time I need it to. My only complaint is that it could use a little more power and torque. If FORD could add that without decreasing fuel economy, then they would have the end all be all in truck in the light truck division. It handles well, moves when you hit the throttle, and hauls anything the 150s do with-in reason. It is a shame that FORD is not going to continue the Ranger tradition. If they make casual updates then it would continue to sell well. Radio didnt last as long as it should but that is a Pioneer for you.

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  I like my car taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By irfan - April 17 - 5:19 pm

  I bought this car in August 2009 with 74,500 miles though its damaged from one side and mechanical problems when i got this car, i just changed the battery and the wheels in winter. Nothing else. Now 86k. No problem at all. Never went to mechanic. Reliable in any weather conditions. Ac works perfectly.

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  Too basic - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By jj - April 17 - 1:20 pm

  For a car thats built recently, I cant say how my Ranger was an improvement over cars of decades past. Yes it was cheap, only reason I got it was because it had the max rebate. Then again cheap price = poor design, cheap quality, cheap workmanship, etc. And worst it came off the lot with several problems which one of which became debatable if it was "under warranty" with the 2 yr/24000 miles contract.

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  Love Old Betsy - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Henry Smith - April 17 - 7:57 am

  The car is simply unbeatable. I am older and arthritis can occasionally come on, but it disappears with the heated seats. I just wish that the wheel could heat and cool to. It would also be nice if the back could heat, cool, and massage to, since I carry a lot of my friends around with aches and pains. I was surprised that their was no entertainment system available, which would be nice when I carry my Grand children. I did have to get one touch up and down windows. It hurts way to much to hold that long. I also wish the trunk would close easier. The ride is incredibly smooth with no wind noise. In regular town driving it is a charm, period. Fords got a real winner here.

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  Safe solid sane sporty sexy - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By All American Muscle - April 17 - 1:41 am

  Dear car magazines: the next time you compare any car to the 2010 mustang v6 set the following standards 1) hepa filtration air conditioning 2) five star safety rating on all tests 3) zero to sixty in less than 7 seconds 4) a car the gets looks, thumbs up, and compliments every single day you drive it. Guess how many cars will show to the comparo. The one the only the mustang if you want to take a $23,000 car to enter into a nascar race, or 150 mph at the track, or drag it. Of course forget the v6, but if you want the coolest, safest, tightest, heavy duty, reliable, union and American made muscle car with a 45 year track record buy the mustang v6. No blind spots, no gas cap, no worries.