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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  Great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - August 18 - 12:44 pm

  For the price, you cant beat this truck. Ive put 145K miles on mine and havent had a problem yet. I have the 4.0L and the power and pick up is great, I can get around traffic with ease. It makes a good sleeper if youre going against GTIs, Civics and the like. Insurance and maintenance costs are cheep. Its half the price of the Tacos. Decent ergonomics, definitely go for the bucket seats. You can use parts from the 95-01 explorers to give you an over head console with a temperature gauge, leather seats, etc. Overall, the greatest truck on the market.

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  Meaning of Fusion! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By JFrench - August 18 - 11:53 am

  Fusion - a merging of diverse elements into a unified whole. Fits the description of the Ford Fusion I bought - 2007, one owner w/ 18,200 miles. I studied and researched several cars before deciding on the V6 SEL Fusion and I have not been disappointed in the least. Class and style - a head turner. Very comfortable and responsive. Hope the long term reliability holds true.

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  Smiley face - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Jrhackett - August 18 - 10:47 am

  I am soooo happy with my new truck. It exceeds my expectations! I am also happy with my purchasing experience. Thank you!

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  love this suv - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SGlover - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car for my family and for me to drive to work. Weve taken it four time to disneyland thats a 500 mile drive for us and it went great.

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  The Most Fun and Reliable SUV Ever. - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Daniel Kantu - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The get up and go. Make sure you get the XLT V6 one.. this one can get you in trouble it hauls.... I love the 7 speaker sound system.. sounds better then any radio in my house.. I got the side airbags opt.. I think its a good choice esp down here in Fl there are insane drivers.. that put on makeup or read the news paper on I 95 or yelling at there kids to sit down...Also from day one. NOT ONE PROBLEM> gone wrong.. and i drive like hard with my cars.

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  Great small suv - 2004 Ford Escape
  By fsscr - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2004 Escape, Love it! Just the right size, great power and versatility. I would recommend it to everyone and have! Ford hit the bullseye!

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  LOVE MY TRUCK - 2005 Ford Escape
  By will1 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2005 Ford ESCAPE. I purchased the full package including the Guidepoint system and could not be happpier.

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  Ford Focus Review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jess45342 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Cheap, dependable, spacious interior... need I say more

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  A Timex Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Rrockindrummer - August 18 - 3:16 am

  I bought this truck as a certified 5 year ago with 15K miles. I now have 78K miles, and have not had any major repairs. 1 fuel sensor recall, and replaced the rear pinion seal. Im only on my second set of tires, and I get about 20-24 MPG. (depending on how I drive) it handles very well in the winter, and can take just about anything you through at it. It is a perfect car for younger drivers

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  Quite satisfied! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Deb - August 18 - 2:49 am

  We replaced our 1994 Aerostar with the 2006 Freestyle SE in 2007 and have not been disappointed at all. It offers a very smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride. We average 20 mpg in town and about 22-24 on the highway. The steering is tight, but can turn on a dime. The only problem we have had is with the second row seating getting stuck and not always wanting to fold flat. Overall we are very pleased with the performance and absolutely love the CVT transmission! The vehicle had 32,000 miles when we bought it and now has 41,000. To those reviewers who say the vehicle has no power I am at a loss as to why because it moves when you want or need it to and it doesnt hesitate.