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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  Awesome - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By eaglesdude00 - October 2 - 10:45 am

  The Ford Ranger is an awesome truck to buy. It looks good, and has plenty of power to go offroading with. I love my Ranger, and drive it everyday. If you have the choice, get 4-wheel drive, it makes a huge difference!

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  Great SUT - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By topsy - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Im very, very happy with this SUT (Sport Utility Truck). It meets all of my needs. It feels very solid.

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  Ford on top - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ktown78 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  While the F-150 does lack the side air bags, it is undeniably the safest large truck on the highway. It has crash severity sensors, available back up sensors, front & Rear Crumple zones, the strongest frame made, a hood that will not go through the windshield, and all speed traction control, the engine has more power than either GM or Dodge 300HP & 365lb torque at 1000 rpm, not 3000. For once Ford has taken the lead. Can you say 4 doors i every cab design? The ride is much more refined than competitors and takes this truck to the Rolls Royce of Trucks

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  From Dodge to Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By skel - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Special order from factory; took 5 weeks from the 8 weeks estimated. Have only noticed one flaw with this truck; factory put 2 different running boards on (molded board on drivers side and tubular on passenger side). Much, much better truck than the 97 Ram 1500 Im coming out of.

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  We like this Van! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Dale - October 1 - 3:22 pm

  Having bought a 1995 Windstar 3.8 in 1997, it was tough for us to want to return to Ford for a mini-van. After driving or riding in Toyotas, Dodge & Chrysler, we felt the new Freestars offered the most amenities, nicest ride (smooth) and...after 11 years, Ford would certainly get it right. In my opinion they did. We bought the van used with 33500 miles. Smooth shifting plenty of power with the 4.2 engine. The leather seats and 6 disc CD changer were added nice features. Mileage so far with a combination of highway/town driving has stayed at 21.4 MPG avg. Unfortunately Ford has decided that 07 is the last year for their mini-van...too bad,they have finally made a great mini-van.

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  Cant hardly complain - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Cameron - October 1 - 2:27 pm

  This truck is great I have already put over 35000 miles on, and the truck still drives great, at 106k miles. I did replace some coils and an alternator, but for an 8 year old truck, that isnt too bad! The interior is super comfortable, spacious and road noise is very quiet. I have also pulled some heavy loads - I can say the power is still there. I pulled a loaded 7X12 Trailer, and the only reason I slowed down was to be safe going around corners. The truck is solid on the road, absolutely not squirrelly like other brands I have driven. I hauled grass with my brother in law who drives a Tundra. When we were done, he said hed never do that to his truck again. Not the case here!

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  My Dads Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By cyberjad - October 1 - 5:50 am

  Great, comfortable, stylish. Though it could use a little extra room in the back.

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  Everything I had hoped for and more - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By essienc - September 30 - 11:46 pm

  I did quite a bit of research before buying my new car. In fact, I used Edmunds and the consumer reports as my guide. I liked the Freestyle right away. It had everything I was looking for and then some.

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  Want More - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Raghead - September 30 - 12:43 pm

  I own 4 Escorts,3 99s,1 98. My daily driver is a 2.0 SP 5 Sp sedan. This is the best car Ive ever owned. It had 32K miles when purchased and now has 132K. I have replaced 1 set of tires,1 tie rod end and the spark plugs. I drive the car extremely hard.The tach sees 5 grand every day. Fun to drive, handles like a dream and 32 MPG. None of my Escorts has ever left me or my wife stranded. If they still made them Id buy a new one. Great car.

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  King ranch - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By maggi mae - September 30 - 9:14 am

  This SUV is beautiful inside and out. Been hit once in the rear. Its good in such cases. Much safer than most other vehicles.