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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  More Bang For Your Buck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Leon - October 24 - 7:06 pm

  You cant beat what you get for the dollar. Found this truck for thousands less than Dodge or GM, and got cloth interior which was way better than the Chevy W/T package. Getting 19 MPG with 4.6 v8. Use the truck to haul and have had no problems, have only done general maintenance, oil is easy to change. My only complaint is a light tailgate!

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  You should really look at this car! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Robert - October 24 - 12:46 pm

  Just purchased this car about 10 days ago so I cant respond to all aspects. I can tell you this. I searched high and low and drove so many new and used cars and kept coming back to the Flex. I actually liked it the moment I saw it, but inside is where the real story begins. Leg room front and back is out of this world and no other car comes close unless you want a mini van. Sync is just awesome and honestly it drives great. People may stare but thats because they want to know more about it themselves. I cant comment on fuel and reliability because its just to soon. However, if the total package is any indication this a real winner. Seriously, check this car out!

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  Ford Bronco simply the best 4x4 - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Ronnie Moses - October 24 - 10:46 am

  The Ford Bronco was simply the Best all around, most versatile vehicle ever built by any manufacturer. It possessed the ability to go almost anywhere while retaining creature comforts only seen in sedans of its day. It is true that many "suvs" of its day may have ridden and handled better on the highway, however none from the factory could go offroad with it and ride and handle as well as it did on road. As for the mechanicals I can only speak for the 17 Broncos I have owned from 1988 to 1996, the worse problem I ever had was an o2 sensor. The only one I have left is my 1988 which has 275,000 miles on it and is still running great. I had 4 1996s all of which were sold with 150,000 miles+.

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  Mean American muscle with a soft side - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By GSid - October 24 - 2:16 am

  435hp with a 6sp manual transmission! Easily outguns the competition when you punch the gas but is a quiet, comfortable cruiser on the highway. I average 27-28MPG on the highway. Average tank gets me 330-350 miles. LOVE LOVE LOVE this car! Interior feels upscale. I am willing to bet that if you drive this car.. you will like this car! Go USA!!!!!

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  Love it.... - 2006 Ford GT
  By douga - October 23 - 11:55 am

  The car is a rolling parade, people hanging out of cars on the highway taking pictures with their cell phones. Always a crowd where ever you stop. I also own the 06 Z06 - it will run with this car but will not "hookup" as well as the GT. I also own the 07 GT 500 - fun car too. The supercharger on the GT500 doesnt spool up as fast as the GT but for a $100,000 difference so what do we expect. Still a lot of fun too drive. Both Fords have the shifting over the Corvette ..have shifted into "no mans land" several times with the Z06. Would like to see a shorter shift kit for the GT500.

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  Great Vehicle for families - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Rob Bartholomew - October 22 - 6:22 pm

  This vehicle is a blast to drive. My wife and I stumbled across this model as I hadnt even known about them. We have no regrets and would recommend this vehicle to anyone on the SUV/CAR market.

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  Giddy up horsey! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tess - October 22 - 5:43 pm

  We never thought wed love a car the way we do! Our 2006 is a dream to drive. The V6 is more than enough horsepower under the hood. She zips around just fine and hugs a corner like like a cozy cup hugs a beer! DAILY we get compliments on her. I wish we had a quarter for every one weve received. The only negative is the gas mileage. However, we believe it might have a lot to do with the WAY we drive it too. We wouldnt hesitate to recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  2010 F-150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cjj - October 22 - 5:23 pm

  I recently changed jobs and had my previous companies truck taken away, 07 F-150. I drove all four major brands of truck and decided upon the Ford. So far it has been an excellent choice. Ford has done a tremendous improvement on the interior compared to the previous generation. It is a much nicer truck on the inside compared to GM, Toyota and Dodge.

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  Misunderstood Vehicle - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By K.C. Courier - October 22 - 2:59 am

  I am a courier and have used this vehicle for 7 years. Upkeep has been low for a very heavy demand car. Gas mileage is still very close to 40mpg on mainly a city driving route. AC is excellent but has required upkeep. Visibility is excellent with higher clearance. Speed to 70 mph is comfortable but gets rough past that. The Aspire is cheap to purchase and operate. You must maintain this vehicle with proper care - if you do it will take good care of you. Do not allow transmission fluid or engine oil to get low. Front axles are cheap and should be maintained. At 198,000 I have not had to do any major engine work. This little car still hums and with the 5 speed my acceleration is fine.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By patricia dunn - October 21 - 11:16 pm

  I have never spoken with more strangers or had more people talk cars with me than when I started driving this 05 Mustang GT convertible last year. It has called for so much attention because of its incredible beauty! It has awesome power and iI never fear pulling out at intersections anymore because NOW I KNOW I can make the turn without getting in someones way. I GO! "She goes!" Entering and exiting military posts has guards drooling over this gorgeous retro Stang. With the top down, folks pull up beside me and start chatting about it. I just wish I had bought this earlier in the year to enjoy it longer!