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 Out There - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Nick - July 21 - 1:47 pm

  It took me 1 year, researching the Internet and 50 test drives of every truck out on the market to make my decision but I chose the 2009 Ford F150 FX4 for my family. Interior was by far the best and back seats were very roomy. This is the truck to buy Here are my takes on the rest of the trucks Dodge Ram Hemi 4X4 Crew- Interior still looks cheap and Hemi makes a whole lot of sound and no go. Toyota Tundra 5.7 4X4 Crew- Very fast truck but interior was off key and frame not as strong as the domestic three. Nissan Titan 4X4 Crew- Decent truck but mpg was the lowest and the ride was jittery. Chevy/GMC Trucks 4X4 Crew- Back seats where for children only and interior was cheap.

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  Great car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By bob - July 21 - 1:01 pm

  I thought that my 2004 was a good car but it was surpassed by my 2009 Focus. Great handling, good acceleration.

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  It is almost a garbage. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dianbo - July 21 - 12:53 pm

  Bought a 2005 ford focus. The plastic material is so cheap that many small parts are broken in 3 years. Comparing to my wifes corolla, it is much higher gas consuming. Now the back door remote contral failed to lock, and need spend $300 dollars to fix it. I really regret I bought it.

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  great - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By zach - July 21 - 12:50 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and can accelerate very quickly. It has a 5.0 v8 in it and can tow up to 9,000 lbs. It gets around 18mpg so gas isnt that great in it.

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  New SuperCrew was worth the wait - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Fyrdawg - July 21 - 11:20 am

  As an owner of a 01 F-150 SuperCrew I was very happy with my truck, until I saw the new 04 style at an auto show and set my sights (and wallet) on owning one. Almost one year and 17,000 miles later and was it ever worth it. I custom ordered my Lariat from an excellent knowledgeable dealer and would do it all again. The trucks new exterior is incredible. The new outside is nothing compared to the inside. The new flow-through cabin design does not have words to describe it. The power moonroof, audiophile 6 disc changer, and power memory leather seats make for a great road trip whether around the corner or around the country. The ride is smooth and most of all for a truck VERY QUIET. What a SWEET RIDE!

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  Poor MPG in Town - 2009 Ford Edge
  By R. Laing - July 21 - 8:26 am

  I am pleased with most things about this SUV. It gets over 25 MPG on the Hwy with average speed of 70 MPH, but in town I am very disappointed. In normal city driving it gets 13 to 14 MPG.

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  Do this again, Ford - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mel - July 20 - 11:03 pm

  This car is adequately powered for almost any situation. It has needed only 1 repair in 60000 miles. The power window lifter failed on the passenger side and the dealer was able to make it work better than when it was new. The mileage is excellent, I am averaging 29 miles to the gallon under all conditions.

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  Big Problems - 2005 Ford Escape
  By george-e - July 20 - 10:06 pm

  Great little car. Aside from the transmission going out at 50k! Had a nice Mit. Galant with over 100k still ran great, but I just thought I should get something newer.

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  Ford Ranger 2008 Reg Cab 2W 6cyl - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Houston - July 20 - 9:20 pm

  Style is thick, brawny, efficient and descendant of the bull dog. Basic model does the job on hauling furniture, plants, groceries. wood, sod, bricks. No space is wasted Recommend that you get the electrical windows option I installed after market windows and remote door locks and wished I had purchased the factory options with Ford. You should also protect your investment and get bedliner with Ford logo. The white paint is beautiful- like porcelein and reflects the 100 degree southern heat. For the low price, a very reliable and satisfactory long term investment. The MPG is really comparable to other 6 cylinder trucks as well as luxury cars! So you are in the ballpark.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Louise - July 20 - 4:25 pm

  This is our first NEW car in almost 25 years. We have been wanting a small SUV and after a lot of research we decided on the Ford Escape. Besides the comfort, the street appeal and the reliability ratings, this FWD,4 cyl. 6 speed trans. is getting nearly 27 mpg! Its only 4 days old and supposed to have even better mileage when broken in. We live in the Ozarks where its all mountain driving and the car handles like it was a V6! Theres no road noise and the automatic shifting is effortless. The front seats are ample and the Sirius music is awesome! This SUV has a lot of classy features and we know we will be enjoying it for a long time.