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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  Amazing Little Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By drdz070 - November 17 - 11:52 am

  I bought my 1996 Ranger a little over a year ago with 113000 miles on it and i have since brought that total up to 143000 miles. The truck has required very little work, other that the basics like oil changes. In fact, the only thing ive had done to it, that was of any consequence, was the replacement of two belts and a tensioner. I would recomend this little truck to anyone and i am saddened that it has come time for a new car. I hope that the next owner enjoys it as much as I have.

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  Happy so far - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Bob - November 16 - 8:50 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid after 7 years. The gas mileage for the Fusion is a little better in city (41 vs. 35-40), but a little worse on the hwy (38 vs. 45-50), but it has a more room, a lot more acceleration, its much more comfortable, and the handling is much better. Very happy so far. Hopefully it will be reliable. My hybrid battery on the Civic went out at 5 1/2 yrs, but luckily it was covered under warranty. The wouldnt tell me what it would cost, but the service recored printouts I requested when I sold the Civic had a list price of ~ $4,000 for the battery. Hopefully the price will come down before the Fusions goes out.

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  Ford Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By robert george - November 15 - 6:20 pm

  Its a great family vehicle!

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Hank York - November 15 - 7:40 am

  I live in the foothills outside Denver Colorado at an elavation of 8600 feet, commuting to Denver. This car is great no matter the driving conditions. I have had to drive thru snow that came up on the hood to get to my house. It gets good gas mileage, drives great and is very comfortable.

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  traded for another - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By stickbow - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My previous Crown Vic was 1992 with 175K, engine and transmission still good. But it needed tires and exhaust so I traded for 1997 Crown with 65K. These vehicles run strong for a long time, thousands of police forces cant be wrong. Great for long trips, comfortable, roomy, good V8 power, and gets 26 mpg. My experience is every 50K change the spark plugs, plug wires, and thermostat, they are easy to get to, unlike most V6 engines.

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  Love my Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang JoJo - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Mustang Ive owned since 1982.... dont want to drive anything else. I am a 50 yr old female... I have a great time just driving it... and mine is Bright RED so it attracts a lot of attention....

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  XLT 4WD - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Alan - November 14 - 11:03 pm

  Everything youd expect in an American full sized SUV. Solidly built, exceptional comfort, surprisingly nimble (especially in parking lots)all at a decent price. Our first choice would have been a Mercedes GL 450 at $64,000. Almost $30,000 more than the XLT, and the XLT was far more comfortable. The only problem with the XLT is the poor MPG. 13.5 MPG for an average is not unexpected, just getting to be expensive. 19 MPG on the highway is OK, but not good enough. With that said, overall our family loves this truck. Comfort, safety and quality sums it up.

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  Amazed - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Justin - November 14 - 12:13 pm

  If you want a REAL truck, this is the one to get. Power, comfort, amenities ... too many unbelievable features to list. The overhead rail system is pretty sweet too. It responds great, and is willing to do just about anything you want, and go wherever.

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  Wow Emily - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By RedHOTEmily - November 13 - 8:43 pm

  Just purchased this car after 3 years of deciding wheather to get one. Love the new design and got a great deal, so I went ahead. I have been so pleased with the way this car makes me feel, how it drives and the awesome power at my fingertips. The stereo and some features are great. Love my Emily!

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  Dixies review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By deal - November 13 - 8:20 pm

  This was the first new car that I ever bought. In the nearly 4 years that I have owned Dixie (My wife named the car), I have not had one single problem. Well worth the wait to purchase a new mustang. Dixie is now and will always be a part of the family. I love my Mustang!