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 my F-150 SuperCrew - 2016 Ford F-150
  By William Ullom - December 30 - 9:38 pm

  This is my third F-150 SuperCrew. I have been happy with the first two, but the 2016 takes that up several notches. Other than the multitude of bells and whistles, the first thing i noticed was the quietness and smoothness of the ride. The instrument panel provides a lot of information in a very readable display. The loading ramps are a great design. If I have one disappointment, it is with the way the bed extender fence is mounted to the truck - the tail lights must be removed to access the nut that holds the mounting screw in place. I wasnt sure about the Eco-boost engine, but the sales guy recommended it, and I am not disappointed. It seems to have plenty of power and acceleration. I get a lot of ooh and ahs when I show my truck to my friends, and some say that a truck shouldnt be this luxurious.

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  An Edge Indeed! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By BC in the D - December 30 - 1:26 pm

  I was waiting for the Edge to come out since the lease was up on my 500. I was a little concerned that Ford couldnt seem to get them out of the plant, but I will assume caution was the order of the day and will say I am glad I waited. The interior is church quiet and the ride incredibly smooth. Thanks to the new 6 speed transmission you are at 1900 rpms at 70 mph. Just cruising. The new 3.5 liter engine is very smooth and provides plenty of punch. The leather front seats are nicely styled with contrast stitching and hold you firmly. The ride is excellent. As good as or better than a top notch sedan. The exterior styling is strong and fresh. Ford got this one right. No joke.

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  Happy again. - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Fischer - December 29 - 8:47 pm

  I have to say how surprised I am, that after owning my Mustang for over six months, I still smile every time I drive it. The looks, the feel, the way it handles, all top notch.

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  Perfect car for Anybody II - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Jcd II - December 29 - 8:19 pm

  I posted a review 8/29/2006 on this car when I was 16. I am now 18 and have recently wrecked my precious Taurus. I was turning down my street comming home from school and spilled my soda, I over compensated and hit a brick culvert in a diitch, at a pretty good speed. I was shocked when I wedged the door open. I couldnt believe I came out without a scratch. The car is so safe. My grandfather came to me with a tractor and rope, we didnt need it. I turned the key and it started like a new one, I drove it home, still drove straight and true. I fixed it myself. You cant even tell. This car is so safe. When its washed, its the best lookin car on the block!

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  Best Value Large SUV - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Sam - December 29 - 11:58 am

  I use the Expedition as a true utility vehicle, towing a boat over the mountains, driving off road and carrying people and large heavy equipment. It is very comfortable, handles very well and has a great ride. The only surprises have been positive. I have no issues or problems with the Expedition.

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  My Second Love - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dmead - December 29 - 11:30 am

  In 2001 I went from a four door Explorer XLT into a 2001 Ford Focus Street Edition. I absolutely loved it. This March I decided to give the 01 to my 24 year old daughter and I bought a 2005 Focus ST fully loaded. I love this one even better. Great improvements. Feels bigger inside. Love the exhaust noise. Of course it had to be red.

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  Senior Owner - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By summit123 - December 27 - 10:16 pm

  The quality and performance are second to none.The safety features and driving experience again prove Ford will give my family years of good service. I recommend this to all senior citizens the average life of this car is 12years 250,000 miles with a local dealer nearby. Ford again has proven it knows how to build Quality.

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  Great american sport wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By papka - December 27 - 2:23 pm

  We were looking for practical vehicle with 7 seats and good cargo space. I and my wife like to drive cars and really didnt want to have a minivan. Ive tried new Pathfinder, Pilot, 4Runner, Highlander and Explorer. All of them except Highlander have truck feeling driving. Highlander feels underpowered even with V6 engine. On Freestyle after 2 minutes of driving we realized this was exactly what we were looking for! Freestyle handles like an European luxury big car (thanks to Volvo S80 suspension). Even with 7 seats there is enough cargo space in the back. Freestyle feels a little underpowered on starting, but great when speed increased (thanks to CVT). Gas mileage is good for this vehicle.

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  An unnatural emotional attachment.... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Joni - December 27 - 5:53 am

  My husband says I have an unnatural emotional attachment to this car. A rear-wheel-drive convertible is not the most practical vehicle for Montana, but I dont care! I am in love with this car. Im having my mid-life crisis early (while I can still enjoy it). This car is an absolute BLAST to drive (top up or top down). I have always wanted a red Mustang convertible (my grandpa had a 64 1/2 baby blue Mustang coupe) and never thought I would be able to afford one. Not only is this car gorgeous, but its AFFORDABLE! This car is a future classic.

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  Mustang again 30 years later - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ted Barber - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Handling is crisp and responsive. Power is unbelievably raw. Shifting is a tricky with the location of the overdrive. Visability is superb. Would have been great if there had been a hatch like my 74 Mach I. Drivers power seat takes a lot of adjustment to get it in a position that feels comfortable. When tilting the front of the seat up it lifts the entire seat. 6 CD stereo is dynamite, as is the throaty groan from the exhaust.