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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  Diesel SUVs are priceless - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By lcstech - May 23 - 8:09 pm

  While diesel fuel price is 50 cents higher than unleaded, the EB Excursion diesel still seats 8, pulls 11000lbs and gets an honest 24mpg highway. I wonder why the owners rate it high and the editors do not, both groups must not be rating it on the same scale.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Edwitski - May 23 - 2:22 pm

  Drives great! Very comfortable! Have had very few problems with the car. Very reliable and comfortable. Great to travel in! Still doing a great job for us!

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  Brakes - 2005 Ford F-150
  By dana - May 22 - 9:53 pm

  Good power at all speeds, brakes too spongy, interior very roomy, ride comfortable.

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  Loving It - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Jim - May 22 - 12:42 pm

  I have driven many differnet trucks but I always come back to Ford, man they did an outstanding job with this truck, 300 HP is plenty for anyone that knows trucks, 365 torque is where its at. It drives awesome like driving a car, 4wd in the snow is great. Think this maybe my last truck for some years to come, very happy

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  I love it! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Rookie - May 22 - 10:59 am

  I love the Edge! It is so much fun to drive. I looked at other crossovers but this one is the best in the market. I only have 800 miles on it right now and I am getting 19/20 ish city and 24 hwy. I avg a little over 22. All the features are amazing! I love the Vista roof especially and the Sync!

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  Living on the edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By RICK - May 21 - 9:55 pm

  The Edge is fun to drive, smooth, quiet and very good looking. We have been in stores and resturants and had people talk about our car. They like it too! I have been buying Fords since 1981 and this Edge is the best yet.

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  Love it! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By speechgeek - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck/SUV! Ive read reviews that rag on its ability to tow, but if I wanted to tow a huge trailer, I would have bought a huge truck. If I would have wanted a people mover, I would have bought a huge Excursion. This vehicle is the best of both worlds. I can haul more than a Chevy S- 10, and its so much better looking. You cant beat the Pioneer audiophile 6- disc in-dash changer w/ subwoofer, either!

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  Go and Get One! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By FOCUSEDMAN - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Well I purchased this car about 3 days ago, and I love it. I am a 64 person with plenty of room in this car. It has a very sporty European look, which will turn heads. The car has great handling and shifts nicely. (I have a 5 speed) The PZEV engine has some nice power for a 4 cylinder, plus you are helping the enviroment. Dont listen to those negative reviews, go out and get one today...

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  1st SUV & Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By angelfriend - May 21 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to purchase an SUV, I wanted something that was classy, reliable & comfortable. After test driving 8 competitive SUVs (and some were in the 40K+ range) I now realize why there are so many Ford Explorers on the road. I love it. The comfort and stability in the ride cinched the sale.

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  Centennial Edition - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ford - May 21 - 9:06 am

  Purchased new with massive rebates; was looking for an 04 but found this black beauty and had to have it. Was comparing to Jeep Grand Cherokee, but preferred the Explorer style. Unfortunately, I had to find one without the sunroof so my head would not hit the roof (Im under 6 foot!). The extra $995 for the Centennial option may not have been worth it, but it does make people look twice at this high-contrast vehicle.