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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  Harley Truck 07 4X4 GREAT! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By toms gt - January 22 - 6:44 am

  Great truck had a 04 and loved it as well but the Harley option takes it to another level.

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  F-150 No wonder it is the top seller! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By GSS - January 21 - 1:00 pm

  After 13 months of owning my F-150 SuperCrew I am still excited each time I drive it. It is solid, comfortable, looks great inside and out (even after 13 months with 2 kids).

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Michael Bruer - January 20 - 7:06 pm

  The Ford 500 is one terrific automobile. The AWD handles snow and ice with aplomb and the CVT is a real treat, though it did whistle slightly for the first 1,500 miles. I give very high marks for comfort in front or back and I am over six feet. The sound system is excellent, but the six disc in-dash CD, as with most implementations, is awkward and slow. Overall, I would recommend this car to anyone who is more concerned with substance and value than hot design and blazing acceleration.

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  great performing sedan - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By walt - January 20 - 4:51 pm

  Leased then bought this 2000 Taurus. 24 valve DOC engine. Flat out flies. Drive 50 miles round trip to work. Have loved this car--now has over 110K on it and performs like new. No tune up until 98K. Power seat, power mirrors are great. Not kidding--even with all those miles--runs like new. Have replaced struts and front springs, but that was after 100K.

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  I Love My Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By niteowl99 - January 20 - 4:06 pm

  What can I say but ... I LOVE MY TRUCK! Enjoy all the comments by the guys I work with telling me how "good" my truck looks and how big it is. Super nice on long drives, great appearance, has the flow-masters on it and man it has a good throaty growl to it. Just overall, I love my truck!

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  FX4 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FX4 Fan - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 99 GMC Yukon for our 2003 FX4. Great ride, seats 8, tons of air bags, LATCH system, fold flat seats, pull up middle seat for the baby.

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  Love my Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By southernbelle - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for about a week now. I love it! This is my first SUV and I doubt that I will ever go back to a "car" again! I enjoy the feeling of being up higher. The Escape is a very smooth ride. When I bought it, I felt that it was a good SUV and I hoped that my feeling was right. It was!!

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  HEAVEN - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tanksher43 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Best bang for the buck. No need to buy a Lincoln. This has it all. Very quiet, lots of power and comfort. Excellent for highway driving. MPG 29 to 30 on cruise control. I am buying another this year.

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  As GOOD As An American SUV Can Get! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Arif - January 19 - 11:26 pm

  We ALWAYS wanted a full-size SUV and of course it was the mileage problem that stopped us from doing so. Having made up our minds to go ahead, 2007 was ideal as the the New Expy was out. We had a lot of SUVs to choose from which made buying one not only tough but almost impossible because the magic dies out if youre unable to choose the right one quickly enough. Stuck between the Armada and the Tahoe, we gave EXPY as look. It was love at first sight. We booked it after few reviews here and there, comparisons and a test drive. Ours is like one of the only ten in the whole country (UAE-1st consignment) and the only one in black. I already feel like a celebrity LOL. It is surely the best in its class!

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  Love my Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By billd100 - January 19 - 3:06 pm

  Only had it a month. Mileage in mixed driving is 32 mpg. I got the Deluxe package which provides for better handling. Amazed at the standard equipment on such an economy car. Car is comfortable and roomy and I like it much better than most of the others in its class. It drives similarly to the VW Golf we rented in England a few years back. Dont care for the Pirelli P6 tires as we live where it gets cold and the traction in snow and ice is less than desirable.