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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  Freestyle 05 SEL AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Al - May 17 - 1:33 am

  I wanted a crossover between a van and an suv. I traded in a Chevy Avalanche. The Freestyle is great. Love almost everything about it, but mostly the gas mileage. At this time I am averaging 22.1 mpg, a welcome relief from the Avalanche.

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  Incredible Ride, Great Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick - May 17 - 1:24 am

  Im still having a hard time believing Im driving a truck because the ride is so nice. Ive made most of my friends and family members take it out so they can see for themselves. Soft, easy, quiet driving that eats up the dips and bumps on highways and back roads. Im averaging 17.6 mpg. Excellent sound system. Convenient instrument panels. Locking tailgate is a must if you go near a city. I love the 22 inch deep bed, and the fact that the bed rail on this 4x4 is high, very high - it prevents an average person from easily reaching in to steal something from inside the bed. Overall a fantastic drive. Ford went beyond expectations with this truck.

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  First Ford Auto Bought Since 1986 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chrysler Man - May 16 - 7:46 pm

  Took on a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and couldnt ask for a better ride. About a 1200 mile round trip, getting almost 29 miles per gallon. Had no trouble passing or getting up the grades on cruise control. I would definitely buy another Ford product.

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  07 Sport Trac, So Far So Good - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jbodine - May 16 - 7:30 pm

  Bought my truck just this past Saturday and already have 500 miles on it. I really like it. My gas mileage is averaging around 16.5 or 17 right now but Im hoping that gets a little better as it breaks in and I get more used to driving it. Its already better mileage than the Dakota I was driving. The bed is small, but my dirt bike does fit which was a must for me. The V8 engine sounds good and runs smooth, but I havent really stressed it yet. The drivers seat fits me well -- Im kind of wide at roughly 240lbs. It has Sirius satellite radio, but I will be adding an iPod adapter soon. The radio sounds really good with the subwoofer behind the back seat.

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  Ford Tempo - Works For Me! - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Matthew - May 15 - 8:20 pm

  I have had little to no problems with the car. I did have to have the speedometer cable replaced several times due to it being noisy. Otherwise, while keeping it maintained, its been a perfect car for 13 years.

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  Terrific small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By David McDonald - May 15 - 7:40 am

  First time purchase of an SUV. Fun to drive and relatively cheap to operate. Highly recommend.

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  Rocket miser - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Scott S. - May 15 - 7:16 am

  The PROS: The car is a pleasure to drive. It looks sharp when shined in black. I like the interior, very sporty and different than other vehicles. The car comes with so many surprise and delights - what a value - leather, heated seats, great stereo with sub woofer, HID lights, sunroof, and super brakes. The most amazing spec is the actual gas mileage of 27 city and 34 highway - while driving it hard enough to smile! I average one offer to buy it each month I have owned it. Too bad Ford dropped the SVT. The CONS: Longer trips are hard on your comfort index, must get additional wheels for winter, and a seventh speed for overdrive would have been awesome .

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  Pleased W/ this one ! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Pleased! - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 16 different cars since I turned 16 years old. I am now 35. I can honestly say that I am enjoying this one more than any other! Why? Because it is exactly what it claims to be. A tough 4x4 truck w/ a rear hatch instead of a bed. It has plenty of power, great looks, commanding driver position, solid fit and finish and last but not least the stiff, taught ride a 4x4 should have! You get the feeling you are sacrificing the smooth cushy ride knowing you could go anywhere you want to in this capable Ford. If you want an easy riding sedan then go buy one. This one is for the rest of us! Great value and plenty of performance.

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  Border line luxury car that gets MPGS - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Carguy87 - May 14 - 3:30 am

  I can whole heartedly say that IÂ’m proud to own this Ford. It blows the competition away in its driving dynamics, mpg, value and luxury. I tend to pick everything apart and I can say after driving this car for over a month itÂ’s practically flawless. IÂ’m amazed at how well this vehicle is put together. ItÂ’s solid no chatters creaks or rattles anywhere. Its road manners are unbelievable. ItÂ’s incredibly smooth, quiet and remains settled over the north east roads I drive. Around town itÂ’s nimble with precise and tight steering. On the back roads it handles the curves extremely well. On the highway itÂ’s planted smooth and super quiet. The 4cyl lacks nothing mated to the 6spd auto. A+++ Ford!

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  Cobra 03 WOW!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cnbdude - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a muscle performance car!!! Good value and build right from factory with warranty. After markets skyrocket performance.