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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  Would buy again! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By commuterguy - March 9 - 3:52 am

  I bought mine in 07 with 40k+and I am about to hit an amazing 200k. Now that isnt that amazing but considering I have spent very little money outside of normal wear ant tear repairs. Engine, transmission, Dvd player, heated and cooled seats, side mirror defrosters etc..... all work great It is 2014 and I dont see it slowing down anytime soon. I am going to keep this truck until she dies!!

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  My Ford Fusion 1.5 auto 6spd - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By lprofeta - March 6 - 7:17 pm

  I only have approx. 1000 miles on her. I am getting 19-20 city and approx. 27 hwy. To early to judge mileage at this point. The car drives as if it was much more expensive, very quiet and smooth. A lot of car for the money. Many compliments from people. Front Passenger seat sits to low, I would order the next one with a pwr. passenger seat. Not a rattle to be found, and all the electronics work as they should. Over all, I am very satisfied. I almost bought a Toyota Camry, until I drove this car. The Fusion is much more car for the money

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  Blast to drive - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By monkeylove - March 4 - 2:07 pm

  I purchased my 2013 base model 6 spd GT in 9/12. I really havent spent a dime on the car that wasnt a self inflicted modification. I wanted a wanted a tighter firmer suspension so upgraded with the Ford Racing suspension, 3.73 gears, and wider wheels/tires. It may now be too firm for some, but it handles great. If I were to buy it again, I would have pony-ed up (sorry - couldnt resist) for the track pack with the additional display. MPG? - eh, well - I didnt buy it for that. Best Ive seen on hwy only is 22, I average probably 16-17. Oh - my girlfriend is petite and needs a booster seat to see over the dash so if you are short you should be aware of that.

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  Fun Little SUV - 2014 Ford Escape
  By tykesmom2007 - March 4 - 11:33 am

  After 6 years of driving a Ford Focus, I found that although I loved the car, I missed being in an SUV. I have a 2003 Explorer XLT that serves as our boat hauler/ camping vehicle, but needed something comfortable for trips to our mountain house. Ive found it. This is an amazingly fun little SUV - handles well, and looks and feels like a much more expensive vehicle. One of the best driving cars Ive ever owned. The gas mileage is not on par with my former Focus, but its an easy trade off for the room and comfort in the Escape.

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  Old Faithful - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By tykesmom2007 - March 4 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned my 2003 Explorer XLT for 11 years now, and have had no problems whatsoever. Although "Old Faithful" is now a "second car" (I bought a 2014 Escape SE for my 100 mile commute to work), it still tows boats, hauls canoes, transports the dogs, and is our favorite vehicle for camping trips. Ive never had any trouble with this SUV, and plan to drive it til it drops - maybe in another 300,000 miles or so!

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  2014 Raptor - 2014 Ford F-150
  By cary44 - March 3 - 9:59 am

  Great truck and fun to drive!

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  Arctic Vortex - 2013 Ford Edge
  By jmcer - February 27 - 1:43 pm

  This winter has proven to be one of the snowiest here in Pennsylvania among other states. We just turned over 10,000 miles on our 2013 Ford Edge SEL AWD and are very pleased. The AWD is confident and tracks so well through the snow and slush. The Sync Travel Link was a nice feature when we went to Michigan to see family. We were able to watch a live weather map on top of our navigation while driving. We are very happy with our decision to go with the Edge.

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  Fusion Titanium AWD - Im Impressed - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By rgdawson - February 24 - 12:25 pm

  Looking for a mid-size AWD sedan and my “wants” included AWD, styling, quiet, state of the art electronics, Adaptive Cruise Control/Collision Avoidance, trunk that can fit multiple sets of golf clubs, and fun to drive. I value everyday drivability on the roads I actually drive on over track performance. I drove the BMW 3, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Volvo S60, Infiniti Q50. Almost giving up, tried the Fusion. Man, was I ever surprised and impressed. This car is fantastic in every aspect I care about. I was prepared to buy a much more expensive car. This car is SO smooth, so quiet, so comfortable, sporty enough, a joy to drive. I really like SYNC, too. Well done, Ford, you won me over, easily.

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  Absolutely Love It! - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By eatdrums - February 23 - 3:46 am

  My last Stang was a 96 GT. My V-6 is faster, and more fun to drive than that car was, though I loved it as well. Acceleration is excellent. More than enough to get me into or out of trouble. I took it on a mountain road, and it cornered great great. Always predictable. IRS will be nice, but I went fast enough to have some fun. Im not Jeff Gordon. If youre looking for a fun to drive dependable car with plenty of power, and allot of looks, and comments, youll love this car! Ya, the GT hauled, but Im getting 29-33 MPG with my V-6. How fast do I need to go? Back seats are ok for 59, and under. Dont like Fords Sync, but it was hardly a deal breaker. I love this car!!

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  Initial Review - 2010 Ford F-150
  By meathead212121 - February 22 - 4:11 pm

  I purchased this truck about a week ago with just under 20k miles on it after trading in an 07 Mazda CX-9 with almost 69k on it. This is only an initial review and I will post a more longterm one after some time. The Build Quality of this truck is actually really good. All panels line up and even though there is slightly more hard plastic than Id like on the interior it does give you the feel of luxury all around. There is LOADS of room in the back seat for lounging and the V-8 has plenty of power. I opted to not have the EcoBoost after hearing some issues its currently having and I cant say I regret it. Truck purrs like a kitten and has an AMAZING ride