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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  Cobra conv - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By fmsfords - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had an 1994 Cobra, currentaly a 1977 ( both are coups) Now I have a 2003 conv. This is the best bone YET! Great power, great seats 6 speed trany.

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  Love the Escape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By duwaynee - May 28 - 2:30 am

  Everything you could want in a small SUV! Loaded with technology, super acceleration, quiet and comfortable.

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  Probably the best Mustang ever built. - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ima Happy Boy - May 27 - 11:56 pm

  Not everyone remembers the early Mustangs, but I do. Although they were a groundbreaking design, automotive technology has progressed to a point unimaginable in 1967. This Mustang takes advantage of everything known about how to build a great car and puts it all together in a retro package that is a work of styling art. The designers took the best styling cues from the 1960s models and added a touch of modern style to make a beautiful machine that performs better than the originals ever could. Even the gas sipping V6 models outperform the 289 V8 models of the 1960s, especially in regards to handling and braking.

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  ESCAPER - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Greg - May 27 - 7:05 pm

  Lots of fun to drive. My wife loves it. The only fault I can find is the comfort of the drivers seat and limited movement of the tilt wheel.

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  Ford Focus ZX SE - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ford Focus ZX SE - May 27 - 12:36 pm

  We traded in our F150 which we loved because of the gas prices going up. And not only does it get great gas mileage in stop and go traffic of 27 mpg or more - freeway driving we get 35mpg. It is so fun to drive and handles great. My daughter then bought this same car, same year . And she also loves it.

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  1995 Ford Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Judy - May 27 - 10:00 am

  My 1995 Ford Explorer now has 262,000 miles. I have never had ANY major problems with it. I consider it a very GOOD, well built vehicle.

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  1997 - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Dan - May 27 - 8:04 am

  I like the car very well. Has good power and is comfortable. Have owned my car for almost six years, have had very little trouble with it.

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  Nice Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Dan - May 27 - 7:55 am

  I like the truck very much. Very nice looking truck inside and out. Drives great, comfortable and performs very well. Could get better gas mileage, but its worth it.

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  I love this vehicle and want to continue to. - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Daniel Gagner - May 26 - 8:10 pm

  I came off a lifetime of chevys with two being trucks. The last silverado I owned (2003) the frame rusted out at 84,000 miles. Couldnt get it inspected. I dont know what happened. Same garage, roads, and care as my tahoe that had double the mileage and three years older but no problems. Anyway.... This vehicle is quiet, has nice ammenities in the interior. I tell people "Its like driving my living room." The fit and finish are very good. Mileage after 12,000 miles is consistently (calculated by hand) 20.5-21.5 mpg. When I pull my cargo trailer it drops to 12.5 but its not the weight, its the wind. The trailer is v-nosed but tall. The v8 is reliable and seems plenty powerful. The only issue is that when using cruise control on hilly areas it downshifts sort of hard to drop the speed. Then again I dont use cruise control much on hilly areas. Ive driven it a lot around town and taken trips that put 5000 miles on it in a few short weeks. Great vehicle so far. I learned to hate my Silverado. I love this truck and so hope not to learn to hate it. Time will tell. BTW.. this one is getting a yearly dose of Krown undercoating.

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  Tougher than any other trucks - 1998 Ford F-150
  By GeorgeM - May 26 - 4:32 pm

  I bought this truck with 10,000 miles on it and it all started there. I tow 10,500 lb. trailers, hunt, fish, go to the beach with my truck and use my 4wd quite a bit. And it always gets me home. With a grand total of 152,045 miles on the odometer I feel its just getting warmed up. All ive ever had to do was replace a window lock switch back in 99. I drive her a bit hard, use that 5.4 Triton like its supposed to be used. My transmission is rock solid and so is the motor. I change my oil every 3,000 miles and transmission fluid every 30,000. Ford trucks are tough. Ive had some Dodges do the same but Fords are great.