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 GT 06 and now 08 - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Mike1954 - May 25 - 9:15 pm

  At speed the chassis, Z-rated rubber, steering and torque combine to hug the pavement with a sense of complete assurance. Drop down a gear (I naturally bought the manual) step on the gas and listen and feel the swift motion as a smile appears. Great rear visibility serves well. No tickets thus far. At 75MPH I get 28 MPG 87 octane. Like I said this is my second of the latest iteration. Very happy.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By jess - May 25 - 5:27 pm

  After 61000 miles not a single break down nor problem of any other kind. Power and above all the comfort of the interior are to be desired in any vehicle. The only drawback in the fuel effiency or lack thereof. Think of buying one I would recommend, just have a good paying job to support the oil companies

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Rich - May 25 - 4:47 pm

  Most versatile vehicle weve ever owned. Grand kids get into/out of child seats/3rd seat thanks to 2nd row buckets. Lots of safety features and great sound/dvd/nav system. Havent taken a long trip yet but look forward to doing so. White Tri-Coat paint and Sand leather interior is great for hot Texas summers. 20" chrome wheels make it the best looking SUV out there Local driving so far has been very comfortable. Commanding seat position and good visibility all around. This is a vehicle we plan to keep for a long time.

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  Very Impressive Compact SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Bubba - May 25 - 3:37 pm

  Test drove an 05 Mariner, then found out that I could buy this from my work (ex company car). The Escape is just as nice as the Mariner- make sure you test drive an Escape before you spend extra to buy a Mariner. Build quality far exceeds my expectations- solid materials, no rattles or squeaks. Drove 7 hours home and was very impressed with comfort. Seats are comfortable, plenty of room. The V6 is very smooth and gets good gas mileage. I was surprised with the power- the Escape will move when asked to. I had a Saturn Vue that was a piece of junk- slow, unreliable, flimsy, and uncomfortable. Not even a comparison here. Listen to Ford - "Drive One."

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  Deal or No Deal? DEAL! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By H. Huff - May 25 - 11:23 am

  Excellent gas mileage. Sporty look. Drives like a sport car, hugs the curves, gets from zero to ? in a amazing few seconds fast! Has safety air bags not only for the front, but for the whole side also. Has steel safety bars in the front side doors. Drives like a dream. For the low price, you get an amazing amount of extras. Has a 6-cd and 6 speakers, the steering wheel moves not only out, but up and down like a airplane. Ample head and body room, adjustable drive seat also adjust up and down. Plenty of storage room, inside the car and trunk. Back seats fold down. Radio feature on steering wheel, so you dont have to reach over and adjust the actual radio. Excellent low price.

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  Great truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By ed - May 25 - 5:52 am

  I bought this truck used, and so far I love it. It drives great, I get 21.7 mpg so far. Just look around and you can see all the rangers still on the road. Im a tall guy and can stretch out all the way. This one is loaded with everything so complaints.

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  After 3 Years, Still Love It - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Mikey - May 25 - 1:55 am

  I have seen people review this car as underpowered. What did they think they were buying? It is an economy car. Duh. This is a good looking car that is fun to drive, and has a well designed interior. The car is comfortable, the steering tight, the mileage decent, and it has been very reliable. We have not had a single problem in almost three years. The noise at highway speeds is a little more than I would like, but that is my only complaint. It is easy to park because of its small size, but the interior is roomy enough. The trunk is good sized. The Pirelli tires grip great. Fit and finish is excellent.

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  Ill drive it until the wheels fall off. - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Susan - May 24 - 2:34 pm

  I bought this truck brand new nearly 15 years ago and put every mile on it myself. It will turn to 00000 again for the 2nd time soon. Ive only had to do regular maintenance with one or two rare exceptions over the last 15 years. This is an amazing little truck & still looks great. My car guy tells me I should easily get another 5 years out of it, if not more. Mileage is what they are advertising for "fuel efficient" trucks & SUVs right now. My sister keeps trying to get me to buy a new car so my young niece can have this truck. That says it all.

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  Real Safe Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By carlover - May 24 - 8:43 am

  A great car. I loved the third row seats and a cargo room is the largest of its kind. I was in a roll over accident and totaled the car however, myself and my three year old walked away with only a few bumps!

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  great small truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Laura - May 24 - 4:56 am

  I have owned this truck for over 4 years and it has been reliable, practical and fun to drive. From the cold and snow in Chicago down to the heat and crowded streets of South Beach, the truck handles well in all conditions. I wish they still made them as Id like to get another one when the time comes.