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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  Finest automobile I have ever owned - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - July 1 - 1:13 am

  I am enthralled with my Fusion. It handles and rides better than any automobile I have ever owned. The interior is fantastic. Sound system will be hard to beat. I managed 35mpg with a heavy wind at my back and suspect after a period of break in I will average about 29-30mpg. Fit and finish is as good as I have seen. Would definitely recommend the Fusion to anyone. I have the automatic and not the 5m. Shifts are concise and plenty of power. Leaving the Mustang out of the equation, in my opinion best car Ford has every built.

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  The best investment ever - 2008 Ford F-150
  By countryboy - June 30 - 10:11 pm

  An XLT crew cab 4x4 5.5ft box and a 5.4L ffv. which tows my 4500lb John Deere tractor and a 2000lb car trailer and has no problem doing it and also tows my grandfathers 16ft hilo camper. The ride is much better then my uncles 2007 Tundra and better the my grandpas 2003 Dodge Ram. So if youre looking for a good truck that can haul a family or almost anything you can tow.

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  Still makes me smile - 2006 Ford Focus
  By GK - June 30 - 9:34 pm

  I have had my Focus ZX4 ST for almost 2 years now, and I still really have no complaints. My parking brake relase button cracked, but was replaced no problem under warranty. Many people seem to think the A/C shutoff under acceleration is a huge deal. I lived in Las Vegas for the majority of the time I have had this car, and it was not a big deal. Most people just need to not accelerate so much. MPG varies, but can easily achieve 27 city mpg in FL, and have achieved as high as 34mpg highway. Its really a good buy. The car is kind of a sleeper. Drive it normal or give it hell and it will respond. Very fun to drive. Too bad they got rid of the ST option and the 2.3 I4..

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  I went American - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Lester - June 30 - 9:21 pm

  I traded a Toyota Forerunner for my new Edge. I thought Id miss the Toyota but after one day the old girl was history. The Edge has a nice firm grip on the road and is quick enough to get you into traffic without any anxiety. The ride is quiet and I have too many choices for music with the Sync system. All in all, I love the car. I love the automatic lift on the rear door and the roominess for all the passengers. So far the gas mileage has been in the 17-23 mpg range. All in all a great car.

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  They hit it out of the park! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jack M - June 30 - 5:00 pm

  The Platinum trim takes an already outstanding SUV well into the luxury class. I had planned to buy a Limited, but decided to go all in for the Platinum since I wanted most of the advanced features anyway. What a nice upgrade! In addition to all of the features, the interior is replete with stitched leather. My other vehicles are Mercedes and BMWs and I have to say that this vehicle experience is on par with those marques. A friend of mine said he preferred this leather to that of his high-end BMW. Multiple valets have favorably compared the vehicle with Range Rovers. Included with the Platinum is the 3.5L Ecoboost engine from the Sport. That engine is smooth and very powerful, almost telepathic. Acceleration is butterly smooth and you get to your desired speed almost as soon as you think of accelerating. I do not understand the other reviews that complain about the seats. My wife and I feel they are quite comfortable. They can even massage the knots out of your back. However, I do wish there were more room for my left foot. The wheel well intrusion may be uncomfortable for some people. I suggest that you evaluate that yourself. Particular likes: - Performance of the 3.5L Ecoboost engine - Styling - Interior treatment - Auto high beams - Adaptive cruise control - Quite ride Dislike: - Limited left foot space for the driver. I am very happy with this vehicle so far. It has far exceeded my expectations.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Len - June 30 - 1:40 pm

  My wife and I have had this vehicle for almost a year and a half. Not one problem. Its never been back to the dealership. Handles great rides like a car. One the best new vehicles weve owned.

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  The F is for fearsome - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WIW06 - June 30 - 8:26 am

  The 2004 F-150 is an excellent truck whether for basic needs or for heavy duty work. This is my first truck, was thinking about a Ranger, but believed I wasnt going to get my moneys worth. With the new F-150, I am confident this will last for years to come.

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  The best truck ever made - 2002 Ford F-150
  By opsensei - June 29 - 4:20 pm

  Excellent truckk for work, family, fun, always ready and never fails. I keep the maintenace as the manual suggests and today is 100k and many more miles and is a part of the family

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  We need a Ranger Hybrid - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Hank - June 29 - 4:02 pm

  I love this truck. I purchased it brand new with 8 miles on it. Now I am somewhere near 35000 miles on it. It is a 4 cyl, I am getting 26.5 miles on average miles per gallon. I think Ford should make these trucks in a hybrid version with 4 cylinder engine. In fact an electric plug in Ranger would be ideal. My next vehicle and my wifes will be a hybrid or somehing more efficient. If I have to I will build my own electric Ranger

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  Love it! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lisa - June 29 - 11:50 am

  Only complaint I have is it is a little gutless with "pick up" but still has enough to get the job done. The seats are very comfortable and there is enough leg room in the back seat for my 64" son in law to sit comfortably. The trunk is HUGE! We like to camp and all of our gear fits with no problem at all. I bought the absolute basic model and it has all the features that I needed.