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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  Overall Excellent! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ralph manfredonia - October 3 - 1:43 pm

  Outstanding value overall. Fun to drive and extremely good on gas(front wheel drive model)

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  Hey did you just see that? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By dafaic - October 3 - 10:03 am

  The title refers to what people are doing when i pass by. Everyone is pointing and asking and stopping me at gas stations and man it feels great. I love this car. The thing performs almost as good as my old 95 GT. An intake & exhaust will come shortly after break in. Not that the stock exhaust doesnt sound great man it almost sounds like an older stock GT. You will definitly be happy if you choose this car over an import. REAR WHEEL DRIVE who could ask for more!

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  Worth Every Penny - 2009 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Jerry - October 3 - 8:46 am

  Crank it up and that sweet V8 sound invites you to reach over and turn the radio off. I was shopping for a 67- 69 restored classic Mustang, but for equal (or less) money I found this Cobra GT500 and have absolutely no regrets. I traded a more expensive personal luxury car for this and have never looked back and do not expect to.

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  The "Kinger" Rocks - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Lisa - October 2 - 10:12 pm

  The Expedition is a solid ride, and with the King Ranch package feels like a luxury car, but with all the SUV advantages. It also has power to spare and handles really well for its size. Its a great looking vehicle!

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  Very pleasant surprise - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By RH - October 2 - 8:27 pm

  Shopped for tow vehicle. Compared Yukon and Tahoe. For the price, it was a "no brainer". Upgraded ugly stock rims and added step bars and floor mats (all aftermarket). The vehicle handles great for a big SUV. Engine is adequate and tows better than others in its class. The whining about fuel mileage on a vehicle this size is pointless. Its what you can expect. Overall a very good choice for towing and a large interior.

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  I love it - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Josh - October 1 - 8:57 pm

  This is my 3rd Ford truck, and Ive loved them all, but this one is the best by far! Theres not a better built truck on the market, period.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Tono - October 1 - 8:32 am

  Great up and go, good looking.

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  Summer car - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By ftec - October 1 - 8:15 am

  Having 3 different Mustang types I find the 94 convertible GT a real nice ride. Tight road handle solid off the line. Need to make a few mods to get some more performance without breaking the bank. No rattles and engine runs strong. Cupholder is in a bad spot.

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  ultimate crossover - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ozthewiz - September 30 - 6:32 pm

  Very comfortable vehicle with huge interior volume. Have owned vehicle for almost a year now and have had no reliability issues whatsoever.

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  Ford steps up to the plate - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dave and Jennifer - September 30 - 5:50 pm

  For years, all Ive ever heard is dont buy a Ford unless youre buying an F-series truck. With all the improvements Ford has made in the reliability of their vehicles, I think they have outdone themselves with the Freestyle. It was iffy at first when trying to convince my wife out of a Toyota and into a Ford, but when she saw and drove it, she was hooked. The ride is both a lot quieter and smoother than her 03 Toyota Matrix ever was. In addition, all 4 tires on the Toyota had to be replaced at 31K miles and a harmonic balancer on the alternator had to be replaced at 33K. Almost 7K miles on the Freestyle and problem free so far. Two big thumbs up for Ford!