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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  Good Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By TN - February 25 - 10:09 pm

  I bought this new in 1997 and put on 151,000 miles on it in 9 years. It is well built and reliable. The only unscheduled repair was when the transmission broke at 98,000 miles. It was rebuilt for $2,000. Otherwise, absolutely no problems. Now at 151,000 miles it needs some repair but it shouldnt be too bad considering the low repair history so far. Id say investing $2,000 now would buy me another 3 years of trouble free driving. Dont be afraid to grab one of these used if it has a clean bill of health. It will last you a long time.

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  Luxury at a low price! - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Randy Swenson - February 25 - 6:26 pm

  This car has been week maintained with all records available. It has newer tires, new battery, all electrical checked and only 109,000 freeway miles. It rides and drives like a dream and has a huge trunk and plenty of legroom in back. The front seats are lumbar adjustable, making for a comfortable long driving experience.

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  Worth every penny, and then some... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cobragt - February 25 - 3:01 pm

  It would take me all day to describe everything I love about this car. As a faithful Mustang lover, and owner of several, Ford has really outdone themselves with the 05 GT. Handles great, plenty of power, and looks awesome. I have already driven the car a little over 37,000 miles, and let me tell you, Ive enjoyed every mile! Its a pleasure to drive when you have a car this B-E-A-utiful!

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  Good SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By carl miller - February 25 - 1:13 pm

  It is fun to drive but Ford keeps lowering the tow rating on the Explorer and it is becoming a less usable tow unit for a home owner with a family of 4.

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  Great car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By lulu54usa - February 25 - 9:43 am

  Comfortable to drive, easy for kids to get in and out of. Great flexibility with 3rd row seat or fold it flat for cargo space. I love this car. I wish they had come out with this car years ago. Have had two Ford minivans and this doesnt even compare to them. Doesnt feel like a van, doesnt feel like a truck but has the capabilities of both. I honestly cannot find one thing I dont like about this vehicle.

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  Love My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lisa - February 25 - 12:50 am

  I drive 600 miles minimum per week and wanted a car that was reliable, and comfortable AND quiet (cell phone talking). I got all I wanted in a Ford Fusion. It is elegant and comfortable, classy and still feels a little sporty because it has a lot of get up and go. Love the interior and all the features. The only disappointment so far has been the mpg. I have not achieved better than 21 mpg and was hoping for more.

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  love this car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By marcotte,dave - February 24 - 10:10 pm

  Bought this car for my wife, but now cant wait to get home so I can drive it. Deceptively roomy inside, rides great, love the height of the seats easy to get in and out of. Want to see how the awd feature works in the snow. Have had car for only three months and have gotten lots of compliments on its looks. We got the Limited awd in black, with tan leather interior really a sharp looking car. I love to keep it clean, a real head turner! Makes me feel like Im 18 again.

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  Disappointed in MPG - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mater2 - February 24 - 4:30 pm

  I did my research and this vehicle stood out as far as looks and supposed mileage. I really love it in general. Very smooth ride, and fun to drive though the braking system takes some getting use to. I am however very disappointed in the mileage. I consistently get 25mpg MAX (after 1200 miles). From the other reviews, this is very low. I have a friend with a 2006 that gets over 30, has from the beginning. I dont know if I have a "lemon", but Ford will not even hear about mileage issues until 10,000 miles. Even though 25 is good for a SUV, its not that much more than my Explorer. And Im driving very conscientously. I recently drove a rented Charger, that got this mileage!

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  Always been a Tacoma guy......... but THIS. - 2016 Ford F-150
  By SMT - February 24 - 3:22 pm

  Just Wow. Never bought a Ford truck before. $10,000 in rebates knocked down the 2016 F150 to 40,000. Nice Tacomas are $34-39,000. Just yuck for a small truck. And I love Tacomas. This Ruby red, ELT, 4x4, high end tow package, Nav, power/heated seats, 4 wheel discs, 3.5 TWIN TURBO, 365HP, 410 FPT, is just an amazing, beautiful truck. I call her "Big Sexy." The brand-new, huge, Clarksville TN dealership is unreal and they dont play. Always want to make a deal and make the customer happy. Bought it Saturday and have zero regrets. I did not want the leather, center console (I can seat six), or sunroof. The cloth seats are thick and firm with lumbar. It still came with a locker and the crazy Ford trailer backup feature. I only added on the flipping modular tonneau cover which locks into the rails, comes with drain tubes so your stuff doesnt get wet, and is secure for your cargo because the tailgate in this baby locks. It was $1100. I looked it up online and suppliers sell a similar one for 1800-2000. My wife and daughter both easily drove it because it came with running boards, the seats can move WAY up, and the pedals can also move electronically front or back.

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  Very Happy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Afernung - February 24 - 12:05 pm

  I love my Focus. I found a Mach Edition in about perfect condition. Had a lot of highway miles on it, bought with 60k, up to 80k now. I actually ran into the other owner, (which was a 1 in a million chance!) while delivering pizzas, and she said it had been the best car she ever had. Id like a truck or SUV but the only problem this car has given me is a CD jam. I had to dismantle the cd player and take out the 6 CDs it ruined 4. It also seems to want to eat tires and is very figgedity about balance, always has a little vibration. Other than that, CANNOT complain!