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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  Excellent Car for the Price - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ahmet Guvengez - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is just an excellent car for the price. Superior handling and fairly good acceleration for an automatic... I bought it last October 2002 and drove it for 10000 miles already. Except for a couple of recalls, I have not had any noticeable problems. I think this car is very underrated when compared to what it provides for the money.

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  funstyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lucky - October 7 - 12:00 pm

  My Freestyle AWD Limited is fully loaded and such a pleasure to drive. I have owned SUVs since 1995 this is my favorite. The safety features and rating sealed the deal for me.

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  One happy customer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Ed - October 5 - 2:34 pm

  Buying a "King ranch" was not my original objective, but it has exceeded all my expectations for an SUV. Lots of room, great leather seats, comfortable ride, lots of power, but keep that speed down to enjoy some decent fuel economy for an SUV. It will haul anything with little or no effort. Launch the boat and retrieve it as easy as pulling out of a parking space. This is an excellent cruising machine for those with large families or if you need room for stuff.

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  Alloy pony pkg. - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By ed - October 5 - 9:56 am

  Got 150000 miles on my 96 Mustang. Finally got new one month ago, my wife wanted orange convert. but i talked her into alloy hardtop. The top is one of my favorite things about it. The back looks like 70, the windshield is flat sleek. I want to keep it all stock except for cold air intake. Pony package a must on V6, biggest rims ever on V6 mustang! It feels solid. I had very good luck with my 96, I plan on driving it to 200000. My wife plans on storing it for the winter. If its as good as my other one Ill be happy.

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  Excellent truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Melynda B. - October 4 - 4:26 pm

  The truck can hold up to six people, while storing items in the back. The Ford F150 drives excellent. When going over bumps, it is not as noticeable as other trucks at all! We really have enjoyed having it.

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  Love that car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By 2005 fivehundred - October 4 - 3:00 pm

  I had this car for around one month now and I love it. It handles well and there is a lot of room not only in the front seat but in the back as well.. My family is very tall and they have lots of room in the back. I find it easy to handle and the vision is unreal, lots of visibility with no blind spots I recommend this car to anyone. It rates a 10 in my book.

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  First Time Driver - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Nick - October 4 - 8:33 am

  I just got my license and I got the Fusion a month before. When I had my permit, we had a Mazda 3 and we traded that in to get the Fusion. It was well worth it. It is very fun to drive and all my friends are impressed. It gets stares and people ask me about it all the time. The SEL V6 is definitely the way to go. The inside is nicely designed and all the controls are very simple. Handles great and the ride is smooth and quiet. I looked at a lot of different cars in the same class and price range, and nothing impressed me like the Fusion did.

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  Big truck feel in a small SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By joe - October 3 - 10:16 pm

  As a loyal Honda owner, I never thought I would buy a Ford until I saw and drove the 2009 Escape. Lots of power, quiet smooth ride, lots of room, good gas mileage (if you dont gun it). Sync is awesome as I have my cell phone & iPod running through the stereo system. Not sure how I lived with out it before I bought this truck. Plenty of room! When I took it for a test drive, the salesman was 65" and had a lot of leg & head room while in the back seat. The 6 cylinder can tow 3500 pounds. Bet the CRV or RAV4 cant do that.

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  Great value - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By nvbanker - October 2 - 8:22 pm

  This car has given me no trouble whatever. It has taken a lot of abuse from my son, and has kept on ticking. Im very impressed with its performance, and toughness. For the money, its the finest car Ive seen.

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  Classic ford quality - 2003 Ford F-150
  By edog - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Great Beautiful Truck!! Our second F- 150, has held up to almost every expectation.