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 Value & better than advertised MPG - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Politburo - December 17 - 5:33 am

  I spent about 80 man hours researching and test drving compact sedans before having to make a decision between the top two candidates: the Focus and the Elantra. I selected the Focus due to better overall value as for 1200 more the Focus provided Sync and leather seating (plus it looked better than the Elantra). After 6,000 miles I am quite confident I made a right decision as I have had no issues with it and the car does not get 24/33 MPG as auto tranny is listed. Rather since the engine has been broken in, it is getting something more like 28/37 as i got 35.9 on a recent 250 mile trip. The primary downside is the sluggish acceleration performance by the transmission.

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  Third truck and the best - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Alexander Allen - December 17 - 12:43 am

  The truck is comfortable, well laid out, and easy to drive. I do mostly country long distance driving and I find it powerful for passing and quiet at high speed.

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  Bad Back - 2010 Ford Escape
  By WILLIAM COYNE - December 16 - 4:43 pm

  Own a 2008 with leather seats and I lve it. Bought 2010 with cloth seats and I hate it. The seats are too soft and have no support. My wife has no problem with the seats, but I call the truck the "torture chamber" If you have a sensitive back DO NOT get cloth seats. Other then that , the truck is great. I drive the 2008.

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  Satisfied so far - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Renegade21 - December 16 - 2:20 pm

  I wanted a SUV for utility but didnt want to sacrifice much on MPG. I get about 24/27mpg (city/hwy) and probably average about 25 overall. The Escape is fun to drive and pretty comfortable. Im glad I went with the 6 cylinder. It has pretty good pickup but struggles initially. Handling is pretty nimble for an SUV. Get the Sync system! I love controlling my iPod and phone by voice. Overall a great SUV that Ive enjoyed so far and havent had any problems with. (about 7500 miles driven so far)

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  93 ford festiva - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By doug allen - December 16 - 6:45 am

  just purchased a 93 festiva this car i very dependable and gets a consistent 40 mpg fun to drive and handles well they should be making these cars again tires are getting hard to find easy to work on.

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  Awesome truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Bill - December 15 - 11:33 pm

  Just took delivery yesterday and Im ecstatic. The King Ranch is without a doubt the absolutely nicest truck on the road anywhere. Built like a bank vault; solid, quiet, powerful, smooth, good-looking inside and out, very comfortable and luxurious. The "family plan" pricing was too good to pass up - really an amazing amount of vehicle for the money. I looked at used E-Class Mercedes and Audi A6s that would have cost thousands more, but cant do what this can. Yes, the fuel economy is not what youd get driving a Jetta or Prius, but consider the fact that its 300 hp pushing over 5500 lbs. The mileage is actually pretty good for such a vehicle.

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  my 96 gt - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By my 96 gt - December 15 - 11:32 pm

  I have owned my mustang for 9 months and it was my fourth vehicle purchase and the most expensive i have owned rare cars for the most part including a rx7 and a fiero. I found my stang and fell in love with it right away and it has been the most fun of any car iv driven its honestly sad when i have to get out of it its very reliable and runs great you truly have to drive one to know the feeling!

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  An Alternative to German cars - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Frank Reitz - December 15 - 10:06 pm

  I wanted a full-sized car with AWD. The SHO was $20K+ less than the Germans. Traded in a 07 Avalon that I loved. The SHO is everything the Toyo is and more. The other reviews (SHOs) say it all but dont convey the feel of the car. Fully loaded with people and fuel its almost 5000 lbs (!) but runs great. I love it. My wife has started using it more than her car.

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  great car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jdlutz - December 15 - 7:12 pm

  Highly recommend this car. Sleek design and reliability! The 07 fusion has been a very reliable car for me. The seats are very comfortable, handling is great and the sirius radio is a nice add-on. The only thing about the V6 engine is the gas mileage isnt too great. I drive about 300 miles per week and spend about $37-45 each week at an avg. of $2.89/gallon. Cost is pretty reasonable for this package!

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  I missed my old one! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By P/U Guy - December 15 - 10:15 am

  I bought this truck with 107k on it. I love this truck! Its handsome, incredibly dependable, and comfortable. I had purchased one new (a 2003 model) almost identical to this one. I drove it for two years and traded it in on a HEMI Ram. I regretted that day ever since. After much searching, I found one just like my old one. Same color (white), same body style, sport package, same drivetrain (4.2 V6 and 5 Spd), same interior color. With 120k miles on it, it runs and drives just like my new one did. The guy I bought it from used it to pull heavy trailers, so I replaced the clutch because the old one was showing signs of wear. I love this truck!