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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  One Tough Truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By ladogman - April 7 - 9:12 pm

  Im a professional dog trainer, i have an 8 hold dog topper mounted on the truck with dry storage and a 15 gallon water tank. I also tow behing this truck a 4 hole dog trailer which also carries my four wheeler and other gear. The 300 inline v6 is remarkable, alot of trainers are amazed at my trucks capabilities. I would not trade my truck for no other truck out there. I just wish i would have bought one with four wheel drive.

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  Great on gas 42 mpg on Avg - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Robert - April 7 - 8:10 pm

  The car is great on gas I have been getting in city 30 to 35 and 41 to 45 in Hgy. Just a fun car to drive.

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  I Love My Focus ZTS - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Mark - April 7 - 6:40 pm

  Ive had this car since January 01. Its fun to drive, handles very well, has excellent passenger room and trunk space. Good small car for mostly in-town use that I can take on a longer road trip and it doesnt beat me up. I only drive it 8000 miles per year so I might have it another 8 years if it holds up. Ive had some occasional minor but annoying throttle body sticking since I bought it. The dealer replaced it once under warranty, but it still sticks periodically.

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  6 months of Driving - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jerre53 - April 7 - 7:13 am

  We have owned the Freestyle for 6 months and love the gas mileage; 22 in town and 29 highway. We have gotten as much as 36 mpg at 55 miles per hour. The leather seats are great and very comfortable. Love the air conditiong system, the CD player/radio and speaker system. The backseats fold down flat and we have hauled furniture, lumber, plants etc. from the DIYS stores. You have to get used to the CVS transmission, but it is great for the gas mileage. Great legroom in the backseat and the controls for A/C in the backseat are great for the kids or other adults.

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  My Love went Sour - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Kris - April 7 - 1:17 am

  I really loved the car. We bought this car used with 31,000 mi on it. 2 months after purchase the battery light went on and a new alternator is being installed- at 32,000 mi! I wish it was the breaks! Now Im waiting to see what will happen next after reading the reviews!

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  I loved my Thunderbird! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By twelveboy - April 7 - 12:01 am

  I bought my V8 t-bird when it had about 85k miles. The O2 oxygen sensors were missing and the dealer explained they needed to be replaced and they did free of charge. I was only 17 years old and drove it - ook it without a complaint! It was very fast on the highway! Very comfortable and roomy backseat. I wish Ford would continue to make the affordable t-bird we once loved soo much!

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  Happy Surprise - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jim - April 6 - 11:17 pm

  One test drive and I knew. Having already tested Camry, Accord, Subaru, Altima and Mazda 3, I thought Id see what Ford had done with the Mazda 6 chassis. Im happy to say that they hit a home run! Smooth, quiet, and plenty powerful even in the Colorado mountains, the AWD with traction and stability control makes this thing a blast to drive on the twisties. It handles ice and snow with a surprising (and reassuring) aplomb. I am proud of myself for making the right choice. (I did upgrade to aftermarket wheels and sticky tires and now its perfect!)

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  Aging well - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By That guy - April 6 - 8:22 pm

  Bought mine with 35k miles on it and its still going strong at 114K. Had to replace ball joints and other normal maintenance items but so far that is it. Tows 2 tons of firewood on my trailer with no problems. Cup holders everywhere, plenty of 12v jacks for gadgets. Roomy and high ride. Climate controls for second row. CONS: The 3rd row seat is neat to have but a pain to remove and store when it is not needed. Some times the accelerator will resist initial foot pressure when its cold out and the bottoms of the doors are starting to rust (A Ford trait).

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  Excellent Car and Value - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By sbycarbuyer - April 6 - 2:21 pm

  very comfortable, stylish and execllent milage 28 to 29 so far. Commute over 60 miles each way everyday. Car is not as quiet as some but not that noticable. The turn signal is a bit high on the wheel but again I am being very critical. Ride is smooth and confortable and the preformance from a 4 cyc is great.

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  Love The Truck-but it needs a Nose Job - 2009 Ford F-150
  By dvickers - April 6 - 12:55 pm

  Havent purchased one yet, but soon will-looked at everything else- really liked the dodge, but safety rating on Dodge(side crash) unnaceptable. Superior ride, billet solid, no squeaks. Seats MUCH more supportive than last model, last one hurt my back after only 10 minutes. Ford did their homework-anti-trailer sway control might save your life-only thing I disliked is the gawdawful grill-Im from TX, where everything is big, but they went overboard! Last models grill much more attractive. Will purchase Platinum vs King Ranch- price it out, theres less than $1,000 difference, and you get the automatic running boards that are actually in the right place to use as a step when deployed.