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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  Impressed so far - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Impressed so far - May 12 - 6:50 pm

  Fuel prices made me give up my Nissan Titan (I cried) but I felt better after fueling up the first time. First tank I got 32.34mpg (AWD). This is a combination of highway/city. The digital readout for mpg does read low as another reviewer mentioned. It is very quiet in town and reasonable at highway speed. It is no tire burner but acceleration is acceptable. Stock sound system is good, climate control works well. It also makes me feel I am doing my part to reduce greenhouse emmissions.

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  Well optioned, functional design, smooth, comfort - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By john adams - May 12 - 1:28 pm

  Expert reviewers have 2nd and 3rd seat leg room comments wrong. Not only is almost 40 inches for 2nd row plenty, you can adjust them. And 33 inches plus in the 3rd makes an adult possible for the 3rd row. Plenty of space for storage with 3rd seat down and useful space with it up. Bucket seat configuration for second seat allows access to 3rd row without having to fold seats. Push button option for 3rd row makes very easy to use. Limited model has great features to include heated and cooled front seats and heated 2nd row seats. Push button folding rear view mirrors helps in tight parking spaces. Back up camera great size and easy to use. Ride is smooth, comfortable, and quite. Gas mileage is low to mid-20s in combination of city and highway driving. Brakes are solid. Functionality of design and fun to drive and ride in are hard combination to beat. While competitors may have some features that stand out more than the Explorer in some areas, few are able to optimize the real world usefulness that this car has. The standard for the 3 seat SUV is here.

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  First Domestic Car, EVER - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mini to Ford - May 12 - 3:43 am

  Always Japanese or European.Beats Camry and Accord. Tried 2011 Sonata, still went back to Fusion. 500 miles on car so have a lot to learn but so far was a great choice. Hope this continues.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Delta One - May 11 - 1:36 pm

  Excellent truck for my needs. Carries 4 to 5 persons inside with excellent total comfort. Truck bed suits my needs, carries my dive equipment, bicycles, small furniture, plants and small trees. I would not use this vehicle for major hauling or construction work. Rides great on the road and very good on roads that are not paved. Since this one is 2 wheel drive, I have not taken it way off road. I purchased this vehicle after extensive research and test driving all similar types. Whether this truck will hold up as good as the foreign makes over the the long long haul, only time will tell.

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  Almost 2 years later - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By freealfas - May 11 - 10:42 am

  Has been a great vehicle. I find it to be the best balance of value, economy, space, advanced technology, safety, and style avaiable. It is perfect for hauling our child and all of her stuff and when the grandparents come to town it lets us all ride in comfort and safety. You cannot go wrong with the purchase of a FS and will enjoy every mile.

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  This truck rocks. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dealerjim - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been a lot of fun. I have done several mods to it and spent tons of money but I love it.

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  tires suck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By tim stickney - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck, the thing i do not is the fact the tires wear out way to fast and you can not put good highway tires on it that will get 50k worth of miles.I am 47 yrs old and i baby this truck and i rotate tires every 5k and review pressures once a month.still doing that, i only get 25 k out of a set of tires that are way high priced

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  King of the Trucks I love my FORD! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By HKB - May 11 - 10:00 am

  What an AWESOME truck! Hands down ahead of the competition. Everywhere I go people stop and admire the truck. Even have a Chevy neighbor that is jeolous of this one. This truck has the split bench seat up front. Have had to use a number of times taking 5 other passengers. Again an outstanding Truck!

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  Love this SUV!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By agil - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Handles very well for its large size. Very similar to driving a Town Car. Good overall power. Good towing capacity. Very smooth, comfortable ride. Overall great SUV.

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  Red Power - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jolecopa - May 11 - 10:00 am

  We decided to buy a SUV because we wanted something more "Sporty" after driving a Ford Windstar for 8 years who I kept it as daily work car. The expedition so far has been an incredible good experience with powerful engine, comfort, roomy and beautiful looking shape. The only complaint is my kids doesnt want to go in my 97 Windstar anymore.