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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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jack H - August 17 - 2:00 pm

  I test drove the Fusion, Camry, Accord, Charger, and Impala before buying the Fusion. After driving the cars, the Impala and Fusion were top on my list. I loved how the Fusion drove and the styling and decided to lease it. It has never broke down and continues to impress me. I am happy with my decision to buy it.

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  Looked at Dodge, Chevy, GMC, and... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mark D - August 17 - 10:00 am

  ...Ford, of course. This is simply the best of all the big trucks out there! I looked at all the others and the Nissan Titan. This thing is a luxury on the road and a tank off road. I really put it to the test off road here in Colorado, and nothing could stop it! (Gotta love the skid-plates!) Couldnt be more pleased with my purchase.

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  It lived up to all claims - 2005 Ford F-150
  By John F. Paul - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I started to research the new Ford F150 in February, 2004. By April I was convinced that Ford had made some significant changes to the interior, exterior and most importantly to its safety ratings. I traded a 2000 Chev Silverado, LT Z71. Good truck, but nothing compared to the 2004 F150. Much more room in the bed and cab; love the floor shifter, much better air circulation with great vents, glad I did not get the moonroof, extra space in the overhead rail compartments very handy; best riding vehicle, ca

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  GO BIG TIME !! - 2005 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By JNMEOFF - August 17 - 10:00 am

  FIRST OFF GET THE BIG V-8 THIS IS NOT FOR THE WEAK, ITS A BIG BOY ! BIG ROOM , BIG POWER , BIG FUN , BIG COMFORT , BIG SAFTY , BIG FUEL AND BIG BUCKS... YOU GOT KIDS YOU NEED THIS ! YOU THINK YOU NEED A SUV WRONG GROW UP QUIT FOLLOWING THE CROWD, YOU CAN LIVE MOVE AND HAUL IN THIS BIG BOY, AND ITS A BIG TIME DEAL COMPARE TO THE SUV! * NOTE DONT PAY FOR THAT 4WD YOULL NEVER USE ! GET TWICE THE ROOM FOR LESS MONEY ! OK NOW GET OUT THEIR AND BUY THIS BIG GIANT AMERICAN BEAST CONSUME AND ENJOY !!! IM JACK "ALL AMERICAN" BIG BOY....

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  Great Looks and Fun to Drive - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By MARY K POLAND - August 17 - 2:13 am

  I absolutely love my Ford Fusion. It is the best car I have ever owned. I went from a convertible which was very noisy to the quietest car I have ever had. The thing that attracted me first was its exterior looks. I test drove several other models including Saturn, Dodge and Toyota but the Ford Fusion was the best. I bought the dark blue pearl and it looks great with the chrome grill. It accelerates well too. I have to drive up a lot of hills where I live. It also has a great sound system. I also bought it for the traction control and AWD because of bad winters. I plan on owning this car for many years to come.

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  Good lil truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By CJ - August 16 - 11:31 am

  My ex-wife bought the Ranger in Dec of 02, and decided she didnt like it. I got it in the divorce, and I loved it! With the 4.10 rear axle it pulled like a full size pickup, and with its lighter weight it was quick off the line empty. The only downside was that the 4.10 rear end made it suck fuel like a full size pickup. It took me through mud, snow drifts, and I could pass going uphill with a trailer attached. Im 64" and there is enough leg room for me to be comfortable.

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  Fun Vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Victoria - August 16 - 9:00 am

  I just love my 2006 Freestyle. Its a fun car to drive and the CVT makes for a smooth and pleasant ride. There is tons of room with plenty of seating options. Great for someone with kids, pooches and/or travelers. Gas mileage is very good, interior features are convenient, AWD gets you easily out of mud or snow, higher seating makes for better visibility. It makes driving fun again. If you can afford it, get the GPS system which I find myself using not just for trips but also local travel. If you are looking for a fun and practical vehicle, I highly recommend the Ford Freestyle.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger XLT - August 15 - 9:42 am

  I was looking for a small truck that would tow my boats, haul my diving and camping equipment, ride easy on the long trips, get decent gas mileage, and still fit in small parking spaces. This one does it all, and looks good doing it. We even used it to tow a loaded car from Iowa to Oregon, and it did it with ease.

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  Cadillac of all trucks - 2005 Ford F-150
  By JAY STEINER - August 15 - 8:28 am

  I had Dodges and Chevys and they were ok. But this truck is great. This truck is everything I hoped for. Outstanding performance. I want to drive it every day, but want to conserve the mileage. Love the quiet ride. I ride in my sons RAV4 and it generates more noise than a semi. The sound deadening is an awesome feature. Because of the horsepower and the lack of engine or road noise I have to use the cruse control to keep from speeding. Had to go a second dealer. The first lost the deal over a $150 set of running boards. Pull a boat that weighs in 7000 lbs. dont even know it is behind you. I like the 5.4L Great reliability. Highly recommended.

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  Great little car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By kls - August 15 - 12:10 am

  Ive always owned GM products but decided to try a Ford. I wanted a smaller car because of getting better gas mileage. I was surprised at how stylish the 2009 Focus is. It handles great and gets good gas mileage and is very peppy for a 4 cyl. I do miss my remote start that came standard on my Malibu, the sun visors are very cheaply made, outside temp & compass should be standard on all cars.