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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  Best Truck In America - 2005 Ford F-150
  By F. T. Kinney - September 21 - 3:32 pm

  I bought a 2005 Supercrew King Ranch. This truck is a piece of art in my opinion. It could not be more comfortable or look any more appealing to the eye. The Truck is a work horse and has all the power anyone could expect and a ride that is of the luxury car type. Anyone that is considering a truck for the long haul should look into a F series! Well worth the money!!!

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  Ford Freestyle 2005 - satisfaction - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jan - September 21 - 1:53 pm

  I was skeptical about trying the Ford Freestyles 1st year out, however, at this point I am glad that I did. So far I am very happy with it and the ride is smooth and the comfort is great. I had the Explorer years ago and I loved it and the Freestyle reminds me of the ride and comfort of the Explorer only better on gas. I would definitely recommend this car to everyone. I am often stopped and questioned about it. The climate control is great as is the sound quality of the radio and CD player.

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  Get deal for the $ - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Chuck - September 21 - 8:33 am

  This truck is a great deal.

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  Aweome First Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By CSeabaugh - September 21 - 12:41 am

  Just bought my red 2000 Mustang GT fully loaded with every option checked but the automatic transmission from a private owner a couple weeks ago as my first car (Im 20) and I love the thing. Its perfect for a 20 year old guy. V8, stick shift, enough room for me and a friend. Has plenty of power both on the highway and in town and it handles great. Im very glad I bought it. I havent experiences it in the snow yet which Im a bit nervous about but youll definitely be seeing a review by then.

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  93 Explorer at 382K Miles - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Tom - September 20 - 9:04 pm

  Our 93 Explorer XLT 2WD 4door just reached 382K miles--Have replaced wear items such as brakes, spark plugs, shocks (1X) and replaced plug wires (2X)--Am currently on second after-OEM A/C (live in FL, use the A/C 11 1/2 months per year)--Have replaced first after-OEM alternator--tranny rebuilt at 325K miles and replaced head gasket around 275K--Havent touched any suspension parts--have had two after-OEM water pumps and just replaced heater core--Now, I think the radiator split it is the first after-OEM radiator--

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  What a Car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By John - September 20 - 7:32 pm

  Ford out did themselves on this one. What a beautiful machine...Car rides like a dream....Beautiful design in and out....I love my new Taurus.

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  LOVE THIS CAR THING - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By LOVIN IT !!! - September 20 - 11:19 am

  The good thing that I personally love about this car is, well every thing it has enough power,room,dvd player,even climate control. I have driven over 60,000 kms and still have 4% on the front and 7% in the rear.Now, all my tires are worn more than the other but its not an alignment problem its how much I haul more weight in one corner.

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  New owner - very impressed - 2009 Ford Edge
  By sully - September 20 - 10:05 am

  Styling is great - the interior is well built and simple but classy / refined - no overdone plastic wood - no rattles or excessive wind noises - I have the vista roof - just a great feel and view - it is just like the SRX roof - the Sync system for the phone is a 10 - clear - understands every word - still have not interfaced the ipod yet - I drive a lot 3/4 highway - 22+ MPG - use the overdrive button for getting off the highway - it will downshift - save brakes for the long run - I do 40K a yr - one negative for me is no manual shifting of the automatic. Roof was worth the trade off - so far very quite and firm but car like ride - I test drove them all and when I drove the Edge, SOLD!

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  Great Car / Bad Fuel Milage - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Paul - September 20 - 6:20 am

  Really like the car, the way it looks feels and responds. Just dont like the fuel mileage, we are only receiving around 14-16 mpg on the hwy and 10-12 in the city. Really disappointed in the projected fuel economy for this car because it is such a nice car to drive. I feel we will run the lease out and get something better on fuel mileage next term.

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By MadJoe - September 20 - 2:00 am

  So far my experience with this car has been more than I expected. With the 24V DOHC 200Hp engine, it leaves most other "family sedans" (with the obvious exception of the 240Hp Altima) wanting. Its comfortable and roomy with an attractive interior that puts other cars in its class to shame. You definitly get more than you pay for with this car.