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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  Comfort + Economy + Reliability - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Gary B - November 22 - 2:09 pm

  We have 2 Toyotas and this Ford Fusion. Of all the cars, this one is the most comfortable to drive and ride in. It has been very reliable; only one issue in 5 years; a very slight leak of coolant from the water pump, which was replaced. We enjoy its handsome design, good size trunk, and for a basic model, it is quite loaded! The Ford Dealership has been very customer friendly, and we look forward to another 15 years of ownership!

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  The definition of Comfort and Style - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Mark G.-Bear De - November 22 - 12:28 pm

  I love my 2008 F150 Limited! The style, the comfort, the ride, the sound system. Its all there. This truck is such a pleasure to drive, and is so comfortable, I honestly dont mind sitting in traffic. The heated captains chairs and sound system will make you forget about all of your cares. Lots and lots of cabin space and conveniently located controls.

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  This vehicle is a winner - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Barb Erb - November 22 - 5:56 am

  We just purchased our Edge, SE basic edition, about 2 weeks ago. What a fun machine to drive! We found it to be quite nimble in turns, light and quick on the accelerator, and an interior so quiet, my husband turned off the engine and restarted it because he couldnt hear it! Solid, roomy, comfortable, I like it every bit as much as I did my Expedition, but easier to smile at the gas station now! Still has the creature comforts we like, power door locks, windows, DVD, at a nice, no-frill price.

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  I love this car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mumdula - November 22 - 3:33 am

  I bought this for fuel mileage. I got 28.6 MPG on my first tank but I did a lot of coasting and slow acceleration The vast majority of my driving is in town. I havent done any highway driving yet. It is my first ford and it is very comfortable to drive with a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder. I would leave a lot of room for passing though - Especially on a hill. I love the sync system. It has a volume control so I can hear well on the phone and others say they can hear me very well also. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that does alot of driving.

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  Our 3rd generation Expedition! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By fordguy - November 22 - 12:13 am

  This Expy makes our 3rd. A gold XLT witht he 4.6 V-8, an black XLT with the bigger V* and this white 08 XLT. The progression and evolution of these vehicles is remarkable. The 08 is a s good as anything from any other manufacturer, including GMC, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan and Honda...and in fact better than them in many ways. The quality is great, features for the price remarkable, ride and handling not at all what we expected, very smooth, quiet and controlled. The V8, as typical for the Expedition, does not feel as peppy as the sound and horsepower would indicate, but its a trailer pulling mule! Big and barn like inside, comfortable seats, leg room and head room great. Love it!

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  I chose F150 over Tundra- honest! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Brad - November 21 - 9:31 pm

  This is my first truck- and first American purchase in 15 years. I originally had my heart set on a Tundra. My company fleet manager recommended Ford F150s for the reliability. I was skeptical but after test driving the Ford, I fell in love. (also test drove Dodge and Chevy) Great power and excellent handling! Yes, the Tundra and Chevy are more powerful and quicker "by the numbers", but the Ford just felt solid and sure-footed. 300hp is all I need around town. Nice big industrial-grade interior (Im 63") designed for people my size. My kids love it too- its like a big Tonka truck. Ive got the 5.4l V8 FX2 Sport SuperCrew. Nice job, Ford-you brought me back to American made!

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ron Willinger - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent all around run around car and was fun to drive on long vacation.

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  4 Seater Race Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cartright - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is simply the most satisfying car Ive ever driven. Its hard to believe how much performance for the dollar you get with this car and I can take my family out to enjoy a cruise with the top down. There isnt another car that can do what this car does for less than twice the cost.

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  Love it! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By skosola - November 21 - 9:30 am

  Driving this vehicle is a dream! Very comfortable, wonderful fit/finish on interior, leather is very rich looking (not pleather), great storage, and easy to get a child in and out of back seat. The Vista Roof is amazing! Its November in the Mid-West so I havent had it open yet but Im looking forward to Spring! I cannot say enough things about this car that I love. Everyone should get one!

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  Love my Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Guillermo - November 20 - 9:29 pm

  I use this truck only for roads trips and as family car. It has a very smooth drive comparing to other SUVs it also has one of the biggest V6 engines of its class the space for passengers and cargo is more than enough aven if you are on the last rear seat. Just to make shorter, great performance, comfortable interior, nice looking desing, built to last, all that you can expect from a Ford truck.