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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  Smooth Ride, Great Design - 2007 Ford Edge
  By cawfebug - January 14 - 7:58 am

  The AWD Edge has been a great car to drive. I was surprised as to how smooth and quite it is. All controls are fairly easy to get to given the size of the interior and the seats (except the front head rests) are very comfortable on long trips. This car is a great deal dollar for dollar. We get compliments on the Edge frequently.

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  Best ever Family Cruiser - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tim G - January 14 - 5:30 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. I get most of the versatility of an SUV, the ride and fuel efficiency of a sedan and the roominess of a minivan. My whole family loves this vehicle. It has outstanding ride and handling characteristics that far out-perform minivans and SUVs. I also enjoy the 5 star safety rating in all areas (even without the optional side impact air bags), great rollover resistance and it also maxes out the IIHS safety tests too. The Freestyle is also handy at Home Depot because all the seats, except the drivers, fold flat. I traded in an Explorer on lease and now save about 40% gas due to the smaller motor and CVT transmission. It has by far the best third row seats available.

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  A blast to drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Floci - January 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought it 15 months ago new, and both my wife and myself are still in love with it. Handles like a sports car and nothing has gone wrong with it. It has 24000 km on it. I have nothing bad to say about this car. So far it is a very joyful experience owing one.

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  Steves X - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By v146 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Its quite possibly the smoothest vehicle that I have ever driven. While Ford usually uses smaller engines 4.6L its faster than other vehicles with larger engines.Leather seats, Audio system is an in dash 6 CD Changer, 290 watts going to 7 premium speakers. and two 12 inch subwoofers rated at 900 watts max each, thats a total of over 2000 watt potential. the sony class D amplifier delivers that earthshaking power in style.

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  Awesome Truck - 2015 Ford F-150
  By RDStrat - January 13 - 5:30 pm

  The 2015 F-150 is plain out awesome. Ford engineers out did themselves with the redesign of this truck. From the aluminum body to the engine choices, this is one high tech machine. The 5.0L engine has brass ones compared to the 5.4 in my previous truck. It sounds sweet too! The interior is superior to any other truck out there. Its super comfy but also designed for the working person. No chintzy little buttons here. Its a work horse disguised as a luxury vehicle. Ive always owned Ford trucks. I had my last F-150 for 14 years. No body rot or major issues when I traded it for the 2015. Actually the only reason I still dont have it is because I fell in love with the 2015 model and just had to have one. I have no doubt it will last me just as long...if not longer.

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  Satisfied - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By satisfied - January 13 - 10:02 am

  We have been very pleased with the ride and comfort of this vehicle. Handles great in the snow. It had plenty of power to get us through the mountains of West Virginia cruising easily at speeds of 80 miles per/hr. The lay out of the third seat accomodates adults as well children and has the added safety of head rests and side curtain air bags. Did get 24 mpg on high way

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  My Best Ride ever - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Stang - January 13 - 9:50 am

  I love my Shelby GT. Best car I ever owned so far. Its a pure pleasure to drive and the looks when you go by are really cool.

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  First Ford - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By John H. - January 12 - 10:19 pm

  This is my first Ford and so far I like it. Out of all other large SUVs this one is best bang for the buck in my opionion. Nice design both inside and out. Lost of room!

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  Very Nice Little Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Chris - January 12 - 7:21 pm

  I bought a 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5 liter I4 for $2400 for my first truck back in February of 07 and it was a great little truck. I had very little problems with it, I did have to replace the exhaust and the rear leaf spring shackles and mounts. I had dual exhaust put on and it sounded very nice. Not like a Honda or a weedwacker on steriods. For a four cylinder truck it was very quick, and reliable. Never broke down or any engine problems. In the winter all you need for the snow with the 2wd type is good tires and i put four 70 pound sand bags in the bed and it went through anything. I absolutly loved this truck up until the day someone t-boned me and totaled it. Awesome truck overall.

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  One long time owner - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By TS - January 12 - 9:36 am

  Ive owned my Explorer for almost 12 years now, since new. It has nearly 150,000 miles on it. Its been very reliable, requiring less than the normal amount of maintenance of other vehicles Ive owned. Its now my extra third vehicle, and I use it often for truck like duties such as trailer hauling and moving my daughter to and from college. If and when I need a new SUV, itll be another Explorer, a true truck SUV.