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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  Second 07 ZX3 - 2007 Ford Focus
  By 45solo - July 27 - 5:58 pm

  This is my second ZX3. My first 07 was totaled in March. Both of these cars are/were 5 speed S models. The only option on both was A/C. I have gotten 39 to 40 mpg on both these cars without running the air. With the A/C on I get 34 to 35. This car is a lot of fun to drive and the only negative comment would be the road noise-- its not a problem on good roads. Maybe Ford will make another hatchback soon. The second one had Goodyears the first Hankook tires. The Goodyears are not as quiet but they are holding up well at 17,500 miles. This is a great car for the money. I can recommend it highly.

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  Very Fun - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Chris R. - July 27 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased my 99 Ford Ranger Sport 4x4 in the summer of 07. Its been pretty good, all things considered. A 4.0L OHV (245 CID) V6 makes this truck take off very well with the 5 speed auto. Its been a very fun daily driver / project truck for me. This is probably one of Ford better products by far. The "Sport Package" really gives this truck a nice edge by replacing the cheesy chrome body accents with painted accents that match the body. This truck is just what I need, not too big and not too large. Id say the pound for pound use you can get out of the truck is much better compared to the full size truck on the market. The Ranger is a very great value!

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  Tough as nails - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Ritz - July 27 - 2:18 pm

  I unfortunately just had to trade this in. It was my first ever vehicle and very first truck. Had 230,000 miles but was still kicking strong. Never ever let me down. Every month I came home from college- 5 and 1/2 hour drive no problems. Had the 5.0L V8 and it was a beast. Sounded amazing with dual exhaust. Had four wheel drive which routinely got me through 2 feet of snow in a northern WI winter. routine repairs for a vehicle with so many miles, but never anything serious. I cried the day I let mine go, but with gas at 4 bucks a gallon and being a college student, I couldnt hold on it to anymore.

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  Much, Much Better than 97 Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Leo95 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The ride, fit and finish and features are much, much better than 1997 Expedition. The six middle and third row seats are all comfortable for adults and all have 3-point belts, and seats can split and fold flat. External rearview mirrors are HUGE. Rear DVD entertainment system is a hit with kids and comes with 2 wireless headphone. Kids can listen to movies while you listen to radio. Unlike other small cars, rear DVD does not eat into needed head room. Truck looks and feels much more solid and bigger than before. Handling is improved greatly. You can toss this 6000 lb truck around the bends without all the body roll and tire screetching from 97.

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  Proud Explorer Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Edward Costantini - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I still have a 1994 Explorer which I bought new. I now have a 2002 Explorer also.If I get the good service out of my new Explorer that I have gotten out of my 1994 I will be very pleased There is a world difference in smooth riding in my new Explorer.I have 8000 miles on my new Explorer now. But time will tell on quality.I have been to the Ford dealership one time with viberation in the steering colum,and they corected it.So far I like the new vehicle very good.

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  2016 Ford Edge SEL 6cyl - 2016 Ford Edge
  By David Cagle - July 27 - 3:07 am

  Big difference in Basic Model vs SEL on Tech Package and 4 vs 6 cyl engine

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  Love my Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pammyc - July 27 - 3:03 am

  I bought it used and never regretted it. Its roomy and comfy. Has everything I wanted.

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  100% impressed...highly recommend! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Todd in Nanaimo - July 26 - 4:24 pm

  Being in real estate, I put a ton of miles on a car in a year, and both me and my clients love the Edge! The few snow days were absolutely no challenge, the SYNC system is amazing. Leather and other interior features are very luxurious and are extremely comfortable even for a full day in the car. Fuel economy is what I expect for a strong V6. I have never driven a car that turns heads like this! A trip up to the ski hill with two friends and skis and snowboards was a perfect use of all the space and comfort and we passed many vehicles on the way up in the snow. Passing on the highway is a breeze..the power seems even more evident at full highway speed, it can snap your head back at 120kph

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  Nice ride! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By FORDFAN1 - July 26 - 4:18 pm

  This is our 2nd Expy and and what an improvement over our 2004. We liked our previous model but this one is so much better. Quiet, smooth ride, better control placement, heavy duty brakes are a huge improvement, back up sensors and more standard features included. Love the Sirius radio, power fold flat seats are so much easier to manage and DVD entertainment system with the 8" screen. The 18" chrome clad wheels look great. Gas mileage isnt great with a vehicle this big but it is improved from our 2004. About 14mpg in city driving so far.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - July 26 - 2:07 pm

  Bought a 2008 Fusion in May and have put approximately 2,200 miles on it. Bottom line its fun to drive, looks great, has a lot of room for stuff, and gets solid combined gas mileage (around 24 mpg for the V6). I cant argue at all. And for all the features, it still cost the same as or less than most of the other comparable mid-size sedans. If the quality holds up, it should be a great car for the next couple of years.