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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  Coolest looking sport truck on the road! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Steve - August 14 - 8:20 pm

  Just bought the 2006 Ford F150, 4WD STX "Flareside" and this truck runs and looks great! Jet Black all around. Looked at all the others, Tacoma, Tundra, Ridgelines, Nissans, but when I saw this truck on the lot, the deal was done. This truck runs extremely smooth, has a great stance, and is more solid than a pickup should be. Great sport truck for a great price, especially with the new incentives Ford is giving now.

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  New owner - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By coastie72 - August 14 - 8:12 pm

  I am very pleased so far. We had an Explorer before but this is a neat vehicle that would sell more if Ford would advertise it more.

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  Great Small Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By jturner - August 14 - 5:43 am

  Purchased for use as a well rounded, American made, economy car. Im not a fan of GM, Toyota seemed too bland, Honda seats were too low. Other cars also seemed too high tech, which is fine, until the warranty is gone. Weight to power ratio is great, fun to drive, low maintenance. Its sporty, but certainly no sports car. However, if I wanted a hotrod, I would have purchased a hotrod. For what it is, the car is very well put together.

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  hot rod - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jo - August 13 - 4:06 am

  This is the best Mustang since 1988. I am now on my third Mustang and I love this one the best. It is very comfortable, great looking and sounds very much like a true muscle car. The only bad thing is that it should be at least a 5.0. They are suppose to go up with power; not done. But it still a fast hot rod.

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  so far so good - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sgtswife3kids - August 12 - 4:06 pm

  Sporty sturdy truck, rides like a car. My first Ford - didnt know what to expect, but we are loving it.

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  08 Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By RaiderJoe - August 12 - 1:10 pm

  Great looking car for the money. Drives great, lots of room when 2nd row is folded flat. Great gas mileage for a gas only engine (26 mpg average!).

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  2003 T Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By TP - August 11 - 11:06 pm

  All around great car. Ford got it right for those of use who wanted a boulevard cruiser.

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  Yellow Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Cliff Koonce - August 11 - 12:30 pm

  This car is everything I have read about in the reviews. Its extremely fun to drive. Want to go back 25 years in your life, get a new GT Mustang V-8.

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  2010 FX4 SuperCrew F150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By mrpositraction - August 10 - 11:43 pm

  I have owned many fords and before the purchase of this truck I owned a 2007 F150 FX4. This new 2010 is the MOST comfortable truck I have ever ridden in, I would even put the seats up against some top end models, they are that comfortable. Mileage isnt increased over the previous model IMO. Though it doesnt boost much power increase the new 6spd transmission does a awesome job at hauling loads and pulling trailers. I pulled a car with 300 miles on the odometer 150 miles going 80mph and barely knew it was back there. The ride is incredible as I mentioned before. The interior is strides better than the previous model and the engine compartment is much improved as well. Good job FORD

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  Rate this Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By martina - August 10 - 7:06 pm

  I travel 50 plus miles a day in my Ford Escape. I find that it handles very well in very wet roads and in the winter I feel very secure in the manner in which it "hugs" the road, especially on curves. My V6 engine has great pick-up speed and right now I am averaging 28mpg. Since I am the main driver of this vehicle I have had very few opportunities to be a passenger, but I do remember driving to North Dakota from Iowa. I had the back seat. I found that being a passenger in the back seat was not the most joyful experience. There wasnt enough room for ones "tush." I had the feeling that I was always sliding down. I would definitely buy another ford Escape.