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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  Its a keeper - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Love our Freestyle - June 22 - 11:01 pm

  Bought the Ford About a year ago, traded a gas lovin 00 Durango for it. Pretty skeptical at first never bought a Ford before, but I tell you its the best for room, looks, and CVT tranny for nice smooth acceleration. Third row seat is easy accessible for my kids. The AWD drive and traction control is very nice in snow and ice. All in All its perfect for family of six, just cant take anyone else with us.

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  Cant beat the value - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By DJ - June 22 - 9:24 pm

  Comfy (leather & power) seats, really smooth ride, quiet and good overall handling. Good ABS brakes and fwd is great in snow. Great hwy mpg at 27-29 with a/c going and going 75 mph! I bought this car because I had a 2001 Taurus I liked - person who bought it still drives it daily to work, no problems. I bought the 2005 SEL used for $13k with only 23k miles and only 2 yrs old. Much better deal than any Honda or Toyota, and it will cost me less overall, and not rattle like those foreign cars when it has 100k + miles on it. Great quality and value in this car! I like that its a sleeper - no cops. Old, middle aged or young, rich or poor, people can all drive this car and look OK doing so.

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  I love my Fords - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Donny - June 22 - 8:47 pm

  I have the FX4 with the 4.6 and five speed manual transmission. We are the second owner, love the pickup. Had it for over two years and had no problems. It has 110,000 miles on it and will drive it until the wheels fall off. We pull a trailer with it and pulls just fine. Plan on putting dual exhaust on it and will get a little more power out of it. Love the FX4 package and the ability to get the five speed in it, has been just as reliable as all my Fords have been

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  Tonys Kings Ranch - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Anthony Brunson - June 22 - 3:33 pm

  Ive only had the vehicle for about 2 weeks but I have enjoyed driving it during this time. Ive used the four wheel drive and am very happy with its performance. The comfort factor is great. I dont regret my purchase one bit. This is my 3rd Ford truck and have put at least 160,000 miles on each of them and have practically no problems. I hope this one is as good as my previous purchases and the way it is looking it will be.

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  my edge - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Russell Laity - June 22 - 10:30 am

  Check the standard equipment, choose the color that you wont get tired of. I knew what I wanted and and the price I wanted to pay and got my deal

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  2004 Sport-Trac XLT Prem is great!! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mmcsween - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have researched this vehicle for a long time. I got my Sport-Trac as part of a settlement with Ford on a Lemon Law case. This vehicle is solid, the interior is very confortable, it drives well, and is fun!! I like the ability to be able to carry five people, and be able to haul stuff home.

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  3rd F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Hockman Piano - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Ford F-150s and I have loved every one of them. I down-graded this time to a standard truck. First gear is lousy but 2nd will talk me to 57mph before I shift into 3rd. Of course I want the governor off this one also. It kicks in before I can shift out of 3rd. I doubt the top end will be off that much from my last truck, the Nascar version F-150. 175mph, now, 150mph?? I beat every vehicle I have ever owned, the F-150 hold up to me.

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  The Legend Continues..... - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By VenomousCobraR - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This 2003 is my 5th Mustang owned, and currently own 3. I love these newer styled cars and cannot wait to sample the new 2005 Mustang in 04.

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  My Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By goldhopful - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This Is my 3rd ford f150. I have never had a problem with them. I bougbt this ford truck for comfort and style and it is very thing I wanted.

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  2008 Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ElmerFudd - June 22 - 8:13 am

  I compared the Fusion to the new Malibu. Seats are very comfortable. The 4cyl fusion has alot more power than the Malibu 4 cyl but - the Malibu was just a bit more quiet running. Both cars were nice, form, fit, function, were great. The Fusion simply offers more creature features and power for the same money.