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:

• 

  My Baby Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MeepishKitten - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my car! It is thrilling to ride in it with my convertible down, I am a true convertible lover. My favorite view of my car is when I am looking at the rear lights especially at night matched with the light on my aftermarket rollbar. It is absolutely adorable! I love vrooming around in it and hearing the engine. It really turns heads and the leather interior is very comfortable. There are many mustang pony markings on my car. I like running my hand over the rised pony in the center of my steering wheel. If I could do it again would I still buy a mustang convertible? In a heartbeat.

• 

  My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Alexander Garcia - May 25 - 6:13 am

  Upon laying my eyes on the Fusion, I had to have it. I am proud to say that it was an excellent choice to say the least. The look and performance of the vehicle are both simply awesome. The engine picks up almost as quick as my V6 2005 Mustang. The body and design of the entire vehicle make it look classy and tough (especially with black exterior). The 5 bar split chrome grill, the chrome tail light housing and fog lamp housing make it even more than beauty. The comfort of the interior is the same as an Audi A6, and has many extra frills of comfort. I added a set of 20 chrome rims and tinted the windows in back. It totally set this car off even more.

• 

  overall I really like the 2017 Expedition EL - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Nicholas Kolias - May 24 - 7:25 pm

  Beautiful and functional truck. Some reviews state the styling is boxy and dated but I love it. The shape and lines are, in my view, timeless and classic. None of the overly contoured look on other vehicles.Engine performance is impressive. Tons of power, very peppy and good economy when you consider the size of this thing. The interior is beautiful. Nice fit and finish. Nice layout. I like the instrument cluster a lot but do wish they would update the system to allow vehicle info (like the trip and fuel economy metrics) to be displayed on the right hand screen in addition to the phone & entertainment options. Also wish the stereo system had a simple AUX in jack. Apple CarPlay and the system bluetooth work well but a 3.5mm AUX jack should also be an option. The nav system is pretty good but I still prefer Waze and hope its supported on CarPlay one day. Sync3 overall is pretty cool and easy to use. The interface is well done. The display is beautiful. Have only had the truck for one month, so cant speak to reliability or maintenance yet.

• 

  GT MUSTANG - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JESSIE - May 24 - 4:03 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR FOR THE FACT THAT THEY FINALLY MAKE THE GT WITH DECENT POWER

• 

  Exceeding max MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave - May 24 - 8:10 am

  After being shot down by Massachusetts car dealers, I purchased my Focus SE in Salem NH. As advertised, the car had a mileage range from 29 mpg to 41mpg. Sticker average was 35 mpg. I found that the 5 speed manual transmission outperforms the 4 speed automatic. With 80% highway driving at 2500 RPM, just over 65 MPH, I average 41 mpg, easily. I once had this car performing better in the mileage catergory at 55 MPH. I actually attained 42.6 mpg. This is the reason I purchased the car. I am totally satisfied with it. Its also fun to drive. I wonder if Ford will Offer a 6 speed manual transmission in future models.

• 

  awesome truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By kristo - May 23 - 9:01 pm

  Great truck, best looking truck on the market, moves through deep mud with ease. Very cozy ride, new suspension is sweet. Tailgate is light as a feather also since the tire bumpout is in the bed it seems smaller than previous model which equals more bed space

• 

  So far so good - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Craig P - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We love the truck, It is quiet,strong and comfortable.We haul animals and lots of other thing and it handles whatever we throw at it. When its time to clean up, it also serves as a very nice vehicle due to the interior improvements!!

• 

  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By OvalOs - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this Ford after being diehard Chevy people. We really like the interior design and spaciousness. Its got plenty of power to get to highway speeds quickly and to pass with no problems. Its an awesome truck!

• 

  its the best - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By catpooch - May 23 - 10:00 am

  one of the most reliable trucks i have ever owned

• 

  A Beauty - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Corn Girl - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 Windstar for a 2004 Freestar and I am glad I did. I like this van so much that I can live in it! It is a pleasure to drive and I am pleased with the vans performance. Even my husband is looking forward to take this van on a road trip. I tried the Sienna and Odessey and there is no comparison, especially with the sporty exterior. Great job FORD!! If your in the market for a van do as the slogan says: "Have you looked at a FORD lately? Look again!" I am a satisfied owner and you will be too.