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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  Great Truck For Your Buck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Sheriff Jay - June 2 - 2:00 am

  In my job I have driven dozens of Trucks. This truck is truely a delight to drive! Over the years I have found that Ford builds a quality truck. My truck gets great milage for the distances I travel. And; it provides me with a reliable transportation base for hauling the hundreds of lbs of rescue equipment to and from work each day. Quiet, comfort, reliability, hauling and milage. What more could you ask for?

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  Amazing! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By james - June 1 - 11:50 pm

  Fastest V6 engine I ever drove. Smooth driving, better on MPG than its bigger brother the GT. Perfect for the city and lots of fun to drive.

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  Love my truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Kat L. - June 1 - 9:56 am

  Had to get a new truck that fit the teens, pulled a trailer, fit the dogs, was comfortable and a good looking work horse. This truck fit the bill and I just love it. Gas mileage is better than I expected; Ive averaged 18 in town and up to 25 over the road, and it spends a lot of time on the road. It pulls very well and has no trouble with the hills. Its driver AND passenger friendly.

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  Best Mustang we have ever owned. - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kris - May 31 - 10:43 pm

  My husband and I between us have owned at least 6 Mustangs prior to this one. This car out handles all of them. My husband has been even driving it to work in the snow with little difficulties. This is something that in the past required loading up the hatch area and praying for no stopping on hills. I never even test drove one and when we picked up the car it had the easiest clutch. It is a total joy to drive. We actually somewhat fight over whose turn it is to drive. Any friend we have let drive it says they now need to talk themselves out of buying one.

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  Quality Job 1 - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By athleticcajun - May 31 - 7:02 pm

  I think that was Fords motto a few years back. Well, with this car, they have achieved great quality! This is a great buy and a great car to own. I had a foreign car before this buy, and test drove the Fusion and the Taurus. They were both great rides, but the Taurus won me over because of the size and the same fuel economy as the smaller Fusion. Great job Ford!

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  Technology Dream - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By First Ford - May 31 - 1:56 pm

  My first impression of our new FEH is that the technology surrounding the car is wonderful! The EV drive train, the CVT transmission, SYNC, Blue Tooth, Sirius all work together flawlessly and make the car a lot of fun to drive. It handles pretty well and for an EUV, its even fun on a narrow winding road. Our one complaint is that the new recycled material seats are as hard as cement and will make driving long distances (one of the reasons we went with the FEH) a bit of a challenge.

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  I LOVE my Car! - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jeanette Cano Hernandez - May 30 - 10:01 pm

  I purchased the Ford Fusion Hybrid SE

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  Great small car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By terry - May 30 - 9:29 pm

  I owned a Ford Focus, purchased new. I just traded it for a new 2008 Focus. I only out 44000 miles on it, but I never had any out of warranty problems. Many recalls, and even one 1000.00 repair that was taken care of from a TSB report (coil springs). This car was very reliable and fun and easy to drive, great gas mileage. Always started, never broke down. The only repairs we had were recalls and the master cylinder went almost 2 weeks after we purchased, but it was under warranty. Liked it so much I bought the new one.

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  Ford Finally Has A Winner! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Dennis/Linda - May 30 - 8:45 pm

  My wife and I traded a 2006 Toyota Camry XLE for a 2008 Ford Edge Limited. We were afraid to commit to American, because their track record was not the greatest. We decided to check out the Ford Edge since we were in the market for a new CUV. We looked at all the competition, and we decided to buy the Edge. We have to take our hats off to Ford. We believe Ford finally has a winner with this Edge. This car is absolutely amazing! Excellent feature set, great design, fantastic build quality, what more can you ask for. Compared to the competition, we believe they truly have an "edge." Im happy to support the American economy, now that Ford has a solid product.

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  Very reliable - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By My Aero - May 30 - 2:27 pm

  I just bought this van used of course for 1300 CDN. I am very impressed with the condition and how well the previous owner looked after it. There are only two things I dont like. Its a pig on gas and not a lot of take off power but its a van and ideal for what I need as very useful for pleasure or work. Ford did a great job on this model