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 SUV especially in snow! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Denny Seifried - March 22 - 7:50 am

  I have owned my XLT for a couple of months and really enjoy the power and comfort this SUV exibits. The standard cloth power seat is very comfortable and the ride is very smooth, quiet and solid. The independent rear suspension makes for a very car-like ride. Interior is very nice, like other current Fords (new F-150s) and this SUV makes a nice companion vehicle to my 99 Ford F-150 XLT.

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  Edge is a winner - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Katfish - March 21 - 5:03 pm

  I did all the research & read all the reviews before buying. I drive 75 miles/day so I need to like what I drive & the Edge was a great choice. Its comfortable, handles nicely and rides quiet. I thought I would miss my Explorer but the slightly smaller size hasnt been an issue. I purchased the base model w/conv pkg & satelite radio, it has everything I need and it looks good too in silver w/black interior.

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  The Taurus is NOT just for families! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By C~Dawg - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Im 20 years old and Im in love with my Taurus. Folks, its not just a family sedan anymore. Its fun to drive, its very responsive and its all-around cool. Ford did an excellent job when they revamped th body, because its absolutely gorgeous. The silly bubble light brakes are gone; now the back of the car looks like something more expensive than a Ford. Its EXCELLENT on gas for a V6. I can get a good 280 miles (city) before I have to fill up. Its very roomy; theres ample trunk space...did I mention its fun to drive?!

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  I love it but... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sexyamazon - March 20 - 8:37 pm

  Fun car to drive, and very good on fuel. But at a low speed impact it seemed to fold to easy and massive damage was caused which force me to total out the car with my insurance company. I really enjoyed this car and wish that I still had it. I hope to find another just like it

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  Great Truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Fred - March 20 - 8:28 pm

  This truck has exceeded my expectations in every catagory. I just took a long trip across PA aorund 65 mph and got just over 20 mpg. This truck only has 1200 miles on it. The mileage should only get better. I plan to add an exhaust and cold-air intake and expect even better mileage. Comfort is excellent for long hauls and it is also really quiet. Ive driven a variety of trucks (Chevy and Dodge) in 11 years of contract work. Nothing else compares. I could not ask for a better truck.

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  Best car for the money..hands down! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By doug crowton - March 20 - 7:43 pm

  This is my 2nd Focus ZX3. 01 and now an 07. Love it. No problems and got out of an 03 Wrangler to save on fuel. Top quality for a small car. Excellent fit finish and driving fun.

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  Expedition NBX - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By SCOTT - March 20 - 2:32 pm

  My Expedition has 50k miles and has been in to the dealer for service one time. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I tow a tow hauler to the dunes once a month and it tows a 6000 pound trailer with ease. It powers up hills and pulls the trailer through the deep sand. Ford makes the best trucks in my eyes.

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  It did what we needed, when we needed - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By SAL LOYA - March 20 - 12:10 pm

  We did all the maintenance, it never left us stranded. We liked going on long trips, because of the comfort. I chose for my wife for safety, she chose for looks and how easy it was to drive.

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  Awesome car! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By rudedog36 - March 19 - 8:48 pm

  We bought this car when it was a year old back in 2001, and I have to say its been one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Ive only had two problems with the car. One was a starter, and the other a coil pack, both of wich i fixed myself. I plan on keeping this car until it dies.

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  05 STX 4X4 Apple Inside - 2005 Ford F-150
  By I-Gotta-Mac-Truck - March 19 - 5:11 pm

  Quiet, smooth ride, safe, reliable. As always, it is a Ford truck after all. This is why they are #1. The 4.6L in the 4x4 is not a speed demon, itll get there though. It is a great pulling truck, can handle heavy loads with ease. Last but not least you gotta admit, it is a pretty truck!