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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  Wow a Ford! - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Hartwell220 - January 3 - 11:18 pm

  I previously owned Chevy Silverados which have been great. With the year end sales going on I tried to purchase a new Silverado LTZ but no luck in finding one (thanks Goodness) My wife said go look at the new Fords as she thinks they look great. So I stopped at the Ford dealership, saw the King Ranch and drove it home that night. Ride is great, leather is unbelievably fantastic, love the Nav, remote start. The black truck gets lots of attention. Great styling, pulled boat easily (4WD) up a steep wet drive covered with wet leaves Its like driving my big chair in my living room! This truck drives like a dream and has hauled great!

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  Impressed - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bigdog - January 3 - 10:30 pm

  I worked for two summers to save up for my first car and I am so glad I chose this one. I payed about 2000 under KBB for the truck and am really happy with my purchase. The only problem I have noticed is that when large amounts of water run off of the back of the roof small amounts leak into the vehicle. I have since been informed that it is a defect with the upper brake light and will get it fixed soon. The four wheel drive is far beyond what I expected and I have pulled out two Dodges and an FJ cruiser thus far. Soon to be lifted as well

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  09 F-150 King Ranch Crew 6.5 bed loaded - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Mike - January 3 - 6:18 pm

  Fun to drive. Quick from the start. Stylish to be in. Averaging about 18 mpg. Interior is great. I love the way the seats feel with the KR leather. The back seat is much more comfortable than prior models. I love the extra 6" in the rear seat. The front seat even has more room for taller drivers. Nav is neat and the back up camera is great. Love the pickup bed step and the tailgate step. 6.5 foot bed is harder to park but that is to be expected. Still havent figured out how to work the electronics, but Im t rying. Cup holder in the door is good idea. Love the big gas tank. Wow, what else can I say? Not only do I love this truck, but my wife and kids do to.

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  One nice all around vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By elibruno - January 3 - 5:13 pm

  Nothing but praise for my Freestyle; ease of entry and exit is the best around. good for the grandkids as well as the seniors and room for ALL of their gear.

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  Great retro fun, but... - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Intothewest - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  Bought this car after convincing my wife we "needed" a convertible. Since we have a child, we needed something with a back seat. Since I needed a "sports" car (re: not FWD), the Mustang was the only real option. After years of disliking Mustangs (Fox platform versions), and driving several Japanese cars (Civics, WRX, etc), I was pleasantly surprised how quickly this car reminded me whats important in a car...a good sounding and performing engine, great looks, and back-to-basics simplicity, which means living with some shortcomings. The rear live axle can feel a little unplanted on rough roads during spirited cornering. The interior materials quality is also low-rent in look and feel.

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  No thanks, Ford U.S.A. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jonny - January 3 - 2:46 pm

  Ford had managed to take an absolutely proper car and ruin it with their typical gotta-save-money-ta-build-em- trucks economics. Mine being plagued with the usual problems such as constant leaking coolant out of the thermostat, plastic clutch master cylinder that ruined the interior 3 times over, sticky butterfly valves on their revolutionary dual cam design, right...and on it goes.

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  Avoid the Focus, buy Toyota instead - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Dean - January 3 - 9:51 am

  For starters, the transmission has some serious issues. It causes way more problems than buyers are aware of. The transmission is faulty, it messes with your entire electrical system, and Ford is the absolute worst when it comes to dealing with this issue. Just now, I cant even get the car to start sometimes. It will stall out on you in the highway and your radio will not work after 40000 miles. Trade it or get rid of it. Avoid any and all Ford cars. It will fail on you eventually.

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  My 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Clifton Beecher - January 3 - 7:20 am

  This car is a great car with exceptional comfort and interior space. It has good pickup speed but a little lower than expected. It rates up there with a Cadillac and a Lincoln. It is sporty and classy with a huge trunk space as well. I would buy another in the future. Very happy owner!

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  Ford Edge - An Out of the Park Home Run - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Gordon - January 3 - 12:41 am

  This is the first SUV I have ever owned and never understood the attraction until now. I have been a continuous Ford owner since I was a teenager and I own a number of Fords including a 1964 T-Bird, 1995 Lincoln Mark 8, 2002 Lincoln LS V8, 2002 T-Bird and now the Edge AWD LTD. This vehicle is comfortable, quiet, solid and well equipped. The exterior and interior styling is beautiful with the leather interior and it rides like my Lincolns.

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  Herb Gause - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By HGause - January 2 - 8:16 pm

  This is my third Sport Trac and its a 100% improvement over the other two. It rides a little stiffer but the other improvements make it more fun to drive. I would not consider owning any other vehicle. I really like it.