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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  Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Lyle - July 15 - 3:51 pm

  Very relaxing vehicle to drive. Payload is more than expected. Has plenty of power and good fuel mileage. A friend of mine drove it half way across the country and she has 3 herniated discs in her back and she did fine.If I was going to buy another pickup ,this is what I would purchase.

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  IMHO - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Pam - July 15 - 12:16 pm

  This was a good buy with all the rebates. The interior was nice and you can easily put 5 people in it. Used to have an Explorer and traded it in for a Jeep Liberty. The Liberty is very safe and gave it to my teenager. The Explorer is smaller than the Expedition but much more roomier then the Liberty and it better gas mileage.

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  Former Vette Owner - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MustangConvert - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Less than 500 miles on my Legend Lime GT and lovin every minute of it. The sound of the engine when you start it and when you open it up cant be beat. This car is every bit as fun to drive and powerful as my 1996 LT4 and the styling, both exterior and interior, puts that car to shame. My eight year old fits in the back seat just fine, but I wouldnt put any adults back there. I get positive comments every time I drive it. The 18" polished chrome wheels really set this car up nice.

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  Best Hybrid around for SUV use - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By C.Kreider - July 14 - 6:26 am

  I needed an SUV for hauling and this model is excellent with plenty of storage in the back seat and trunk area. Very peppy on the road and the smooth transition from battery to gas is not felt at all. Very happy owner! I drive lots of freeway traffic and like the way the car handles at all speeds.

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  One Hot Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By GardenGirl - July 13 - 2:03 pm

  I went from driving an SUV to a sports car and never looked back. It is not only fun to drive but a real head turner. The exterior design is eye catching. It is only a V6 but moves like a baby V8. I cant say enough about this car. I have never loved to drive a car this much. It handles well and gets decent gas mileage compared to an SUV. I highly recommend the 2005 Mustang!

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  Ford built a Honda beater - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By murdog - July 12 - 11:23 pm

  I bought my Fusion with the intent of parking my fullsize truck. I went for the 4cyl with a stick. And a moon roof, as well as the audiophile stereo. Great car on the highway averaging 31.5mpg HWY. I tested the Accord and equally equipped it was $10K more than my fusion. for $10 grand I will give up 190HP. After 7 years solidly in the Chevy camp I am happily moving back to the Ford one. The price style and fuel economy not to mention the 2.3L for its never quit attitude. Keep it up Ford.

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  Tow the line - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By August - July 12 - 12:56 pm

  We are the second owners, with just under 70,000 miles on it. I am only writing this to help someone choose an excellent tow vehicle. We tow a 22ft travel trailer all over illinois, packed full with kids, pets and camping stuff. Extremely pleased with power and comforts on the road. We had an Expedition with the smaller v8 and it was not nearly as pleasing when we hit the open road. Zero mechanical problems as of yet, but its still low mileage to me. If your going to tow do not undersize your SUV or truck. That will definitely take the pleasure out of your travel.

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  Copper Ranch - 2006 Ford F-150
  By MDI - July 10 - 10:47 am

  Great vehicle. Only hiccup was the transmission console shifter had an interior switch that went out. This caused the transmission to go haywire and could not get it into proper gear. This required a tow and was in warranty. Same problem happened on my 2004 FX4, but that one was out of warranty. Sounds like a defective switch. Best ride of any pick-up that Ive riden in. Gas mileage is not great however. The Ethonal blends that I use seem to get much worse gas mileage ... more than offsetting their slightly lower cost per gallon. So E- 85 may not be an option.

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  New Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Ronald Cash - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I owned an Expedition, than a sport trac, now a new Ford Explorer. They all were awesome with no problems, except for the brakes wearing out quickly on the sport trac and the poor quality leather. I absolutely love the quality leather interior, the spaceousness and the smooth ride of the new Explorer. If you do not have a huge family. The Explorer with third row seating is just as nice as the Expedition.

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  Ford F150 Super Crew Lariat 4WD - 2004 Ford F-150
  By J. Thurston - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This pickup is the best of all the Ford pickups Ive owned. It has a comfortable, quite ride, excellent road vision day and night. The sound system is excellent. The majority of the controls and buttons are easy to see and use. I do wonder though why the grill was engineered to be attached to the hood? The assisted lift tailgate is a pleasure to use and the deep bed is nice also. I did have a tonneau cover by Lear installed which blocks off some of the rear view, a potentially dangerous situation, but that is not a fault of Ford.