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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  Expedition Limited_2006 - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Al - September 10 - 7:34 am

  After trading a 2004 Trailblazer I was delightfully impressed with the Expeditions driveability and handling. The turning radius and tracking are very impressive for a vehicle this size. It is very assuring to know of the vehicles impressive safety record as well as the curtain air bags. Very good visibility due to height of vehicle and the large foldable mirrors. Heated and cooled seats are comfortable and very adjustable. Great versatility with auto folding rear seats and manually folding mid seats. Hauled large patio set with ease. Gas mileage is better than expected with 17.5 MPG in mixed driving. Have not done trip only yet. So far I love the overall size and comfort of the 2006 Expy!

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  2015 PLATINUM - 2015 Ford F-150
  By STEVE WOOLDRIDGE - September 9 - 6:42 am

  2015 re-design is superb! Platinum runs and handles fantastic! The interior quality and layout is very user friendly, very comfortable! The exterior is solid and flawless, ride and handling is superior to any truck and most cars I have owned or driven. I highly recommend this truck to anyone who is thinking about a new or pre-owned purchase!!

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  LOVE IT, LOVE IT! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Judey - September 9 - 5:36 am

  I love my Freestyle! The ride is outstanding, the interior is comfortable and well thought out and the exterior design is awesome. I am very impressed by Fords new vehicle and am happy I decided to purchase one. Gas mileage has been excellent so far and I totally enjoy driving it every chance I get. It handles very well in snow & on wet surfaces; I feel confident driving my car ~I have no reservations about driving long distances, in both good & bad weather conditions. There is plenty of room for whatever Im carrying & the fold down seats are a nice change from my van. I love everything about the Freestyle & look forward to many years of happy driving. I get tons of compliments on my new car

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  Ford F150 XL - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Ford XL - September 9 - 1:20 am

  The 150 XL was cheaper than my Ranger was 6-years ago. I love this truck. Ford could do a better job with the economy; why do the 3-engines get basically the same mpg. It is surprisingly good in the snow with 2WD. Great on the highway. Does have a blind spot if you back up and use the window, you MUST use the mirrors. The front also has a blind spot with the more aggressive front end. Engine and tranny work well together. A simple interior. Love the work truck floor.

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  Focus Happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ferdman - September 9 - 12:10 am

  I drive 30 miles each way to work and needed a fuel efficient car. The Focus is a pleasure to drive. The drivers seat is very comfortable and the only comfort I would wish for is a telescoping steering wheel. After 4 tanks of gas I am getting 31.2 mpg in mixed driving which is about 60 percent highway. Handling is delightful with responsive steering and agile cornering. I got the SYNC system and boy am I pleased. Nothing like a USB port in the dash that allows you can plug an 8 gig memory stick full of music. Between the memory stick, Sirius Radio and CD stacker I will never suffer for lack of entertainment. So far no defects or immediate fix items. Very happy Focus owner.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By M. Gladding - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV to drive. Comfortable and very reliable. Mine has almost 45,000 trouble free miles.

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  .. - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Amanda Hall - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Perfect size and handles like a sedan. Perfect for small family. Great accelleration and handling.

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  love it!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dotd - September 8 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is fun to drive. it has good pickup speed when accelerating onto a highway. i love the ease of entering and exiting this vehicle. it drives more like a pleasure car than a suv.

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  03 Thunderbird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By slosoules66 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have waited 25 years for Ford to return with a two-seater Thunderbird. Ive wanted one since I was in high school. This incarnation is a close as anyone could come to the original spirit and design, and still make it a modern car which I believe is fast becoming a collectors item. I enjoy this car immensely and would not trade it for the world. I hope that Ford reconsiders their plans to end production in 05.

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  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Caryn B - September 8 - 9:03 am

  This is roomier and more family friendly than my Toyota RAV4 and just as much fun as my former Ford Mustang with all the quality and comfort of my mothers Volvo. Both I and my picky husband think that this is our favorite vehicle of all the cars we have owned.