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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  FX2 - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Problem Solver 706 - April 23 - 7:43 pm

  I bought my truck when they were giving an incentive to push out the old and in with the new. I love my truck better than the 2006 Silverado I owned prior. The style and elegance are outstanding followed by a great ride. I put it on the road from GA to VA Beach and it road great.

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  More fun than my Mustang - 1997 Ford Probe
  By kingbell4 - April 23 - 11:22 am

  Bought in 06 with 77k on it. Now has 112k miles. Only problem was a sensor that went out. Fun to drive! Great in rain/snow. Flashy little car. Definitely not made to haul people in - back seats arent very roomy, but its a sports sedan. I just cant believe its performance. Can definitely hold its own, and I get about 29 miles per gallon doing 80mph every day! It rocks! Wish they still made these!

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  Researcher - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By worthitall - April 23 - 10:36 am

  After lots of research and looking we settled on the 08 Taurus Limited. Roomy, comfortable, good looks, features. still disappointed in gas mileage. Only getting 23 to 24 on highway, but just now hitting the 1K mileage mark. Hope it improves.

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  My New Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By TamzLynn - April 23 - 10:27 am

  I absolutely loved driving my big Ford Expedition, but because of gas prices and $100 fill-ups, my husband & I decided to buy something smaller. I was very worried about feeling comfortable in a "smaller" vehicle b/c Im 510" and having enough leg & head room was a big problem in most of the vehicles that I test-drove. The Edge is a great CUV. It has a lot of pep and it handles really well. In the Edge feel like I have more leg room in the backseat that I did in my Expedition. We took it on our first road trip and we were able to fit luggage for 4 people and still had room to spare. I cant say enough good things about the SYNC system...LOVE IT

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  Fun in Wheels - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rvkolako - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for a short time, but I love it! It has great room inside, compared to other suvs in its class. The ride is awsome, and its a quiet car. THE V-6 engine is responsive. Ive previously owned toyotas, so I was surprised that the interior quality is every bit as good as japanes cars. The escape handles very well and you always feel in control. Anyone whos looking for a small suv , would be silly not to check out this american gem!

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  Best in its class! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Miguel toscano - April 23 - 6:49 am

  A gem to drive and own. Superb engine even at low revs. Precise steering and powerful brakes. Comfortable and stylish and reliability is so good that never lets you down! A fine car.

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  IM INFUSED WITH MY FUSION!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By mary jane licardo - April 23 - 1:11 am

  love the car,very sporty looking,silver with black spoke wheels. wow.

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  Helpful hints - 2004 Ford F-150
  By black stallion - April 22 - 10:24 pm

  I have been over-all completely satisfied with my F150 even thought I have had to have my tranny rebuilt which is kind of expensive. I am a firm believer that you can get a good one and a bad one in anything and I believe I got the one with the tranny problem, after reading these other reviews I still believe I have a good truck, plan on keeping mine till the wheels fall off then get another one. By the way to all the folks having a problem with break squealing try putting ceramic brake pads one the truck not only does it stop the squealing but I havent had to clean my wheels since putting them on. They leave behind no brake dust.

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  Found My Dream Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By HAPPY CAR BUYER - April 22 - 2:56 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! Gas mileage is awsome for such a large car. The only thing I could say is improve the exterior design, it is so boring!

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  Im convinced- Ford builds a Great Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By GaDawg - April 22 - 1:49 pm

  I must admit- I was an "import" guy since I started driving 20 years ago. My last cars have been Infiniti and Lexus. But, I wanted a truck and shopped them all- Nissan, Toyota, Dodge, GM- and Ford got my business. Its been 6 months and this truck has been absolutely rock solid. This truck inspires confidence both on and off the road- and can haul anything without hesitation. Plus, its a great highway vehicle- quiet and smooth. I got the FX2 sport, and I love the looks, cool- big stance, but not overdone (like the Tundra), classy, and purpose built. Now I know why Ford is the #1 truck in the USA- they earn it. I would definitely buy this truck again.