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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  I Love this SUV!!! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jill in Va Beach - January 12 - 2:40 am

  If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would still keep this SUV. It is wonderful, very reliable, very sporty, and able to haul whatever I need. Fuel economy is a little less than average, but the Explorer makes up for that in several other positives. Someone that is very tall or has a family, would probably not be comfortable in the 2 dr. sport model.

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  Ford finally turns heads - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Retro Stang Dun Rite - January 11 - 8:10 pm

  New chassis, suspension and looks all done to perfection. Solid body doors/hood/trunk close with a thump and offers an extemely quite ride. Ride amazingly soft for sports car but plenty stiff enough for hard turns and braking. 4 discs are even, steady, smooth with no worry handling when hit hard. Dashboard all within easy reach, well organized. Love position/style (flat/round) turn & wiper levers (unique DOWN for mist & up for wipe). Hardly no blind spot (adjustable side mirrors). seat belts are comfy. "MUSTANG" cloth seats look better than they wear. Lots of front room. Gas mileage nice. Why 20 years for a new frame?

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  Excellent Truck! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Stephen O. - January 11 - 6:33 pm

  This is my second F150 of the current design. My first was a base model regular cab 05. The first one was great, and this one has even more! I think the interior is very spacious and comfortable. It is stylish, and the cab is laid out well. The exterior is gorgeous... The best looking truck on the market, in my opinion! I have only put 700 miles on this one so far, but I have been impressed. Build quality overall is good, though I do have a bit of a rattle from the retractible cup holder. Also, there is a bit of an air intake wine or whistle during acceleration. I added a K&N intake to the 4.6L V8, and it sounds amazing! Improved the acceleration too! I highly recommend these trucks!

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  First year review 22300 miles - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Trickhorn - January 11 - 4:50 pm

  Well, 22300 miles and one year later its still a great truck. No mechanical problems at all. The fit and finish of the Lariat interior is comperable to a sedan. I would recommend getting the split bench seat in the front because it comes in handy when you need to load six passengers. The stick shift looks neat but its not practical. The big V8 guzzles gas. I avg.<15 mpg. with a lot of in town driving. It towes heavy loads well. I have had it in 4 wheel drive several times in muddy pastures and it worked fine. The bed walls are very high and can make it difficult to see when backing. It also makes it difficult to get in and out of the bed or manipulate a load without climbing.

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  Great & Fun little car. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Nick - January 11 - 3:17 pm

  Before my Focus I drove a 93 Escort. This Focus with the 5-speed manual is a much better car. I dont really have any gripes about the car. Gas mileage is good, and the car is very peppy, and handles great. Love the sound system, I got the 6 disc changer/ MP3 stereo. Sharp looking car in black.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Hank - January 11 - 11:34 am

  It has been 20 years since I owned a stick shift. I forget how much fun driving can be. That is if you get into a mustang GT. Great power,looks, an awesome sound system. This car is just an incredible car to drive. For the money you cannot buy this power, good looks and a vehicle this fun to drive. I looked into buying Mustangs in the past but did not do so because of the rough ride. This cars ride and handling are that of much more expensive cars with much less to offer. If you are looking for a start of the art computer based car, this is not it, but if you are looking for retro styling with updated technology this is the car for you.

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  Great Car - Good Job Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wadere - January 11 - 1:06 am

  I have had the car almost a month. I was looking at cars all over the map (Infiniti G37, Prius, BMW 1 Series, etc.). I chose the Ford Fusion Hybrid based upon reviews and desire to try a Hybrid. Also, I liked it that Ford did not take a bail-out. Mileage is as averaged (41MPH on the first two tanks and 38MPH on my current tank). Plenty of power for everyday driving. The BLISS sensor had an error yesterday but after wiping down the side of the car it worked again. Lots of Tech (I got the 502 package). Driving it is like playing a video game - beware of distractions. Overall definitely a good choice.

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  1997 Ford Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Unice Redd - January 11 - 12:25 am

  I love to drive and this car was a challenge at first, (5 sp) but once I got the hang of it...Had only one mechanical problem, needed a check up. Durable, dependable, great on mileage, low maintenance.

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  Good vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By pabuehl - January 10 - 8:20 pm

  Bought this with 30,000 and now have 52,000 with no problems. This is the second Eddie Bauer and both have been reliable/safe vehicles. 13 mgp in town/21 on road. Friend has a 1999 w/200000 with same results. Ill buy another.

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  2018 Ford Focus - 2018 Ford Focus
  By Brittani - January 10 - 4:26 pm

  Well I just bought it with only 18 miles on it . Drives really good . I have no complaints so far . I really like the Focus and hope it lasts me awhile. Will do an update later on it once I drive it some more