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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  Have you Driven a Ford Lately? - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 51natedogg - November 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the best to come out of Detroit in a while!! Traded my 97 Nissan Hardbody for it as a graduation present to myself! What can i say, i havent had the truck long enough to report any problems, but so far im thrilled. I almost slept in it the first week. Comfortable and nicely designed interior, gobs of torque, adequate horsepower, capable 4 wheel drive, smooth ride (this is a truck?!?!) If you want a nice machine, then the F150 is for you!!

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  What A Muscle Machine!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By bigred1010 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I got out of a old mans car and got into the GT and I get alot more attention than I ever did. The factory exhaust is loud and impressive!! This is for a single guy/girl by all means!! Asked strangers who had one before I purchased and all said it is a 10+++

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  Pony Treckn On the River - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By JMiculka - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Call it a mid life crisis, but after two family sedans and an SUV, it was time to return to a sports car. I had owned a Vette in my younger days, but marriage and a family brought changes to my lifestyle. Now that they are nearly grown, my hands yearned to grasp the wheel of a sports car. Not quiet being able to afford a Vette and still having two kids currently at home, the Ford Mustang GT convertible was my choice.

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  I love my Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By sgoodwin - November 25 - 10:55 pm

  Ive had my car since April 07, have gone across country and back, driven in the pouring rain (I dont worry as much about hydroplanin, and love my car. Its big enough for my 64"-15 yr old son, my daughter and our 4 dogs. So many bells and whistles for a price you cant beat. Ford just doesnt know a good thing when they have it.

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  Bbest purchase made - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Rodrigo - November 25 - 12:57 am

  This is by far the best purchase Ive ever made. The car looks outstanding and different, and it performs spectacular. A lot of features that during my commute to school and work, it makes traffic bearable, that and the really good gas mileage. When added with the steeda performance parts this vihicle becomes the best sedan for the money. I absolutely love this car. Ive entered it on different car shows and it has won 1st place on domestic sedan class.

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  I Love My Ranger So Much - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By deekellan - November 24 - 8:46 pm

  I traded a Hyundai Elantra for this truck and Ive never been happier! The extended cab is perfect for my work things (backpack, jacket, lunch),the body looks great. People compliment me on it all the time. The flared fenders really add some dirt cred to its stance, not like it needs it, but it still adds to the look. Driving it is just plain fun. On the street its civilized but the Billstein shocks make their presence known a bit, and thats a good thing. It doesnt "ride" like a car at all, but yet doesnt bounce unnecessarily. Off-road you can really feel its purpose. Nothing stops this truck.It performs and looks great. What else can you want from a truck?

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  2007 Fusion SE 5spd Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kris Holden - November 24 - 8:57 am

  My fusion is a great car always been a GM guy traded my 96 trans am in for it because of children. Ford has really impressed me on the design of the fusion it really does handle like a european car I have upgraded wheels and tires that make for a great look on a inexpensive fun car.

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  Great car after all bugs removed - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By nance - November 23 - 1:01 pm

  I love this car, but its taken a while to get all the bugs out. Four malfunctions after purchase. Ford repaired all and dealerships could not have been nicer. Serpentine belt screetching and it took over a year and a half for third dealership to finally find and solve problem. Overall, great car. I love driving it. Handles beautifully on the road. Gets over 30 miles to the gallon on long trips close to 30 around town. Im pleased. Its a 4 cylinder, and I have plenty of power.

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  Surprised Me! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Mr Picky - November 23 - 8:17 am

  I really didnt even want this car but had jus gotten a divorce and had to sell my Nice import. I bought the Fusion "for the time being" and ended up still owning it 4 years later! VERY pleasantly surprised by this car.

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  Nice Truck So Far - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - November 23 - 7:16 am

  This is my first American SUV purchase, and so far so good. I like the looks both interior and exterior, but Ford, what were you thinking about for the door handles and pulls? Ive nick-named them doork handles. Great cargo space, 3rd row seat is nice. Very quiet, smooth and responsive ride. This truck gives the driver good feedback from the road - something I only got from Japanese SUVs in the past. Wife owned a 94 sport when we got married and I couldnt dump that one fast enough, but it looks like the 06 is a winner with the ride and safety improvements.