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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  Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By LINDA - August 6 - 1:10 am

  I love driving my Fusion. Its comfortable, dependable and very classy. I have more people stop and ask about my car than any other Ive owned.

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  2000 Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Jim - August 5 - 11:15 am

  This has definitely been the best all-around vehicle I have ever owned. visibility is great, turning radius is unbelievable (it sure beats our Olds 98 and Buick LeSabre), air-adjusted lumbar support in seat works great and its a joy to drive on long trips.

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  A man & his horse - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Derek - August 5 - 3:16 am

  The best car Ive owned! I ordered it with all the options I wanted and it was well worth the wait. I just love the sound of the engine and I havent even added the performance exhaust yet. Just thinking about it makes me want to go out and drive it again and again.

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  Solid car that holds it own. - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Chris - August 4 - 4:57 pm

  I looked at all the favorites from Toyota, Honda, Mazda etc. and found that this little car was the best deal for the money. There is no way the other manufactures could compete with the price considering all that comes on this vehicle (SES), not to mention Ford rebates and incentives. This car is fun to drive, handles good, accelerates on a dime, and is good for long commutes. I am discouraged about the insurance though, a little high because of a high symbol rating. Will be interested to see how good the gas mileage really is. Overall though I like this car. Good buy.

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  Great car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Johanna Bro - August 3 - 6:43 pm

  I had the first year Windstar, and we traded it in on the last year Ford made Windstar. We traded that Windstar in on the Freestyle this year. Im a mother of two teenagers. And we are all comfortable in it along with dog, husband and stuff. I especially think this time the overall quality seems superior to the Windstar. The Freestyle feels more solid, safe, and still is a kick to drive. I like it on the highway and found that if I really needed to accelerate, the car would for me.

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  Love This Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By LoveMyTruck - August 3 - 1:48 pm

  This is the best truck I have ever owned. The ride and handling are smooth and it is very quiet in the cabin. Quieter than my wifes minivan.

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  First Ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dr. George - August 3 - 10:00 am

  great , would buy another today if mine got wrecked or?? The safest feeling truck I have owned.

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  Cold Feet - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Amiteriver - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Other than the doors sounding like a big sheet of plastic when you close them. And the AC leaking cold air on you feet - no sandles in the summer time, Its a good ride and handles great.Im a ford guy from way back.For the first year out it not a bad start. There pickups are the best. ohhhh yea Brake dust is a pain.

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  A great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By M.G. - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I REALLY ENJOY DRIVING THIS SUV I DRIVE ON 95 A LOT AND THATS ALL YOU SEE ITS A VERY COMFORTABLE DRIVE AND ALL THE POWER YOU NEED!

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  Best SUV so far - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WVTracDog - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My first one was totalled(my bad)and if I ever get in another accident, a Sport-Trac is what I want to be in. Second Sport-Trac has been even better than the first, even though they are identical. Love the 4:10 gears in the rear with posi-trac...and the 4 wheel disk brakes. Been one great off-road toy for me too.