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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  2011 Crown Vic - 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
  By deep_southwest - October 21 - 3:36 pm

  From the first gen mustang, the full size Bronco, the 90s taurus, the 7.3 diesel powerstroke, and now the Crown Victoria; Ford has developed a reputation for killing the winners...Why Ford didnt throw a couple bucks into an updated interior, along with exploring options such as offering this vehicle with the newer Ecoboost and Coyote V-8 engines will forever be a mystery.

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  5.0L Mustang - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By bennsanford - October 21 - 3:40 am

  Great car. I own a 2006 Mercedes Benz and it does not compare to my 1990 Ford Mustang GT. Awesome power, for a great price. A thrill to drive, with a ton of aftermarket parts to choose from for top performance.

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  I love my Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By K. Hegmegee - October 20 - 7:04 pm

  I drive 50 miles a day and my Escape is wonderful. I has a cool sporty growl and is a practical mom bus. Mud? No, problem. I wish I had a lumbar support but otherwise my next car will most likely be another Escape just fancier.

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  2007 Expedition LTD. OWNER - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Whippet - October 19 - 9:29 pm

  Well I give Ford full points for this one. I have driven full size SUVs for 12 years and I must say this one is the most fun and best one I have owned to date. I actually look forward to jumping into it and driving off everyday. My Last SUV was a 2003 Tahoe and it was time for a change. I drove them all and Ford gets my dollar this time around. It is most definitely the best bang for your buck when it comes to buying a full size SUV. Great ride, excellent handling, and very very quiet !

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  Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Young at Heart - October 19 - 8:10 pm

  I have the 5 speed manual in mine, it shifts as smooth as silk; when you want to pass someone whether it is on an interstate or a back road two lane road, the horses are there to do it with. The ride is pretty much what I expected -- a little on the firm side but not too bad. I am not getting the best gas mileage around town 14.5 - 16.0. I do tend to drive a little aggressive though. The back seat is a little difficult to get in, but everyone that has ridden in the back seat have said that it was very comfortable. I have the firemist red exterior with the grey leather interior, with the aluminum dash and have gotten a number of complements on the car. This is not my first but it is my best.

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  What a truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gregg - October 19 - 2:46 pm

  Only owning it for a few days I cannot speak about reliability. In my opinion it is the best looking of all the new trucks. Seats are firm but comfy. Rear seat access is wonderful. It makes me smile every time I walk outside! Fords lease program is outstanding!

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  excellent - 2006 Ford F-150
  By annie - October 19 - 1:34 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned. I used to be a Toyota fan, but the quality of the F150 is unbelievably excellent. The safety is second to none and the ride, comfort and quiet cab is surprising.

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  10K miles, only one gripe - 2005 Ford F-150
  By frank - October 19 - 12:36 am

  Ive had this Texas edition SuperCrew for just under a year and the ONLY complaint I have is with the gas mileage. The mileage is just fine on the highway (about 20 mpg as near as I can figure) but in-town I can just about see the needle falling when I sit in traffic or at red lights. And this is with the 4.6L v-8. Ive not found this engine to be underpowered at all even with a heavy load in the bed. The interior design is just about perfect, seating front and rear very comfortable with more than adequate leg room in the back. The 6 cd premium sound system ROCKS. Its a nice looking PU that delivers more than just looks.

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  F-150 Rocks - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Tecato - October 18 - 8:03 pm

  I am completely pleased with my F-150 Lariat. The interior is pure luxury. The handling is great and the performance is really good.This truck is extremely fun to drive. When I drive this truck it is like I am driving a truck version of a Lincoln.

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  1st Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By xlayedoutx - October 18 - 9:06 am

  It might be too soon to write a review but Ill do it anyways. I love this car. Ive been wanting one since the new body style in 05 and landed an 07. I could go on and on but I just love the retro look. The only drawback I have so far is I have a few rattles that seem to come and go. They come from the subs in the door. Other then that Im very happy with my purchase.