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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  King Ranch Supercrew - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Roger Fellers - January 25 - 5:31 pm

  I have been very happy with my King Ranch. I would like better gas mileage, however.

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  Great truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Red - January 25 - 4:50 pm

  I have owned a Tahoe, a Durango and this Explorer Sport. If you take away the size difference in each, this is the best one I have owned. I drove it cross-country and it was a great ride. I have taken it in the mountains, on bad streets with lots of pot holes and nice urban neighborhoods and it has been perfect in all places. This is a great SUV! I am very happy!

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  My Toy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Steve - January 25 - 1:15 pm

  I have had many muscle car convertibles in the past and didnt realize how much I missed them until I took the Mustang for a test drive. The old cars, especially with the prices they are currently demanding, dont have anything on this car. The ride, handling and performance are awesome and I wouldnt even think twice before making a cross country trip with this car. Unfortunately I live in the great white north so my baby is put away for the winter. But since I put it away I have been busy installing the Ford Racing power pack, cant wait to drive it with the 325hp I will have in Spring!

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  Great Family Sedan - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Texas Mom - January 25 - 2:56 am

  We just bought our new 2008 Fusion, and its a winner! We all love the great interior with Sirius satellite radio, and the 4 cylinder engine is impressive - much better pep than the 2008 Camry we test drove. The interior design is also more luxurious than the Camry LE we looked at. The spoiler makes the car look sporty, and it has a European, BMW vibe. Overall, it is a great, fun-to-drive, spacious, and stylish car at a great price!

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  XLT Sport 3.0L AWD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By vbcwizard - January 24 - 10:29 am

  I had my ‘05 Escape Sport since Nov ‘04. It is very similar to the ’07 . I put 26K miles on it so far. Aside from changing the sway bar link kit (which is a wear item) it is a great little SUV. I had several high speed avoidance maneuvers and it performed like a champ! If I am easy on the gas pedal at acceleration from 0mph I do see 17 to 19 mpg city/highway. That is considered very good around where I live because of the high number of cars and stop lights on my local streets. No rattles\noises so far (btw, every car need to have its seals, hinges, and bushings sprayed with silicone at least once a year). No engine\transmission issues so far. Fit and finish is great!

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  Great Little Car ! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Shelley - January 23 - 11:03 pm

  I traded in my 1999 Chevy Blazer, it was a big change going to a Focus, but I wanted a new car that didnt want to stop at every gas station ! Handles very nice & has great pick up speed. Ive only had it 1 week & already put 300 miles on it. One thing I didnt notice until it was too late is there is no interior light for the back seat. I have a toddler & its pretty dark in the mornings when I leave for work & dark once again when I get home, so its hard to see to get him in & out, but its something well have to deal with. Other than that its been a great little car so far.

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Tom - January 23 - 11:00 pm

  I owned a 2000 Expedition, then a Lincoln Town Car, then a 2004 Ford Explorer and am now very happy to be back in a 2007 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition. The comfort, quietness, and ride exceeds the Lincoln and the utility far exceeds the Explorer. The engine and new 6-speed automatic are smooth as silk but strong as an ox. I really love the 4x4 AWD mode...adds a lot of stability when the roads are slick. Handling is superb...better than most cars Ive owned. I must say this new Expedition is the best vehicle I have ever driven...outside my sons Honda S-2000!

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  2006 Pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tripp Corbin - January 22 - 9:30 pm

  While I just bought this Mustang it is certainly not my first. However this is the first to capture the look at feel of the first generation Mustangs. My 2006 brings back the fun and excitement I remember having when driving my 67 stang during my high school days. I actually look forward to driving to work. The car handles well and even though it is just a V6, it has plenty of power. The styling is great. The interior reminds be a lot of my old 67. I only have two complaints. First the passenger seat is too low. Second it is hard to see the end of the hood but then it was on the 67 as well.

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  I love my van. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Very Satisfied - January 22 - 9:25 pm

  My family of four purchased our Freestar in 2003. We have throughly enjoyed owning it. We have taken several trips and in 40,000 miles we are extremely satisfied. We followed our sons football team all over the state of IL in it. The rear tail gate and fold down rear seat work great. The sliding doors have been a life saver with our 2 year old.

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  Road Cruiser - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By sk8teacher - January 22 - 5:23 pm

  Bought new with most options installed including sport suspension. Used primarily for road trips. At 65mph on interstate highways with cruise control gets 26-29mpg. Good power accelerating to highways speeds, 6-way power seats ensure a comfortable ride. The trunk space is superior, its amazing what you can put in it. The automatic air suspension allows for carrying extreme amounts of stuff while the car stays level and stable. For its size and weight, handling is exceptional.