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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  Outstanding - 2008 Ford F-150
  By JOG - December 25 - 8:46 pm

  Well my first truck was a 2008 Toyota Tundra with the 5.7 liter, 381hp, I traded the Tundra in for a 2008 FX2 F- 150 SuperCab 4.6liter, the Ford by far in my oppinion is the better truck, I love the smooth quiet ride, steering, the leather captains chair, Ford has been making trucks a lot longer than Toyota, Ford knows how to build a reliable truck, I paid $24,000.00 for a truck that MSRP at $34,500 and it is loaded, Thank God for Ford. Long live Ford trucks. God bless America!

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  MY REVIEW OF THE FORD FREESTYLE - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob - December 25 - 4:16 am

  My purchase of the Ford Freestyle was consummated in June of 2005. I have been pleased with the performance so far. My previous car was a Ford Windstar van; my wife did not like to drive it. She felt boxed in and did not have good viewing of other traffic. Now with the Freestyle she is comfortable and is ready to drive at any time. My only complaint is driver room. I am 63" and weigh about 230 pounds. I feel a little cramped. The seat needs to go back a little farther and the console feels a bit confining. Otherwise we are very satisfied. I am a little disturbed by Consumer Reports that they always seem to have it in for Ford, saying the reliability is not good.

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  What every speed demon should own! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Ford Mike - December 25 - 3:05 am

  I got my black 01 L about a month ago and I am truly proud of what sits in my drive way. Theres nothing else I would take over it, not even a Ferrari because the truck is that good. The speed is very fast and responsive the handing is the same as you would get from a sports car and the comfort from the bucket seats is by far the best I had. Words cant describe how amazing this masterpiece of a truck is. You would have to drive one to see for yourself. The only down side would have to be the winter, it may be a truck but its got a sports car soul so lets just say the L will play not well with the snow and the gas mileage may be a little hard on your wallet but with 380hp Im sure you understand.

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  Just Purchased - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Todd A - December 24 - 9:26 pm

  Ive only had it a couple of days but I am really happy I purchased it. Holds my kids and all our junk. Comfortable seats and driving position. Enough power for passing. Much quieter than 04 CR-V and 98 Camry. Havent used SYNC yet, but will soon. Im adding a trailer hitch for light towing (Only rated for 2000lbs). Good looking interior. First American car Ive ever had, owned VW, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Toyota. I hope it hold up well.

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  An Absolute Lemon! I miss my Escape! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By BB - December 24 - 6:10 pm

  I have had the Ford Edge for two months and it only has 22000 km. It has been in the shop numerous times. The drive shaft, a wheel bearing and parts of the Vista roof have all been replaced. I took it in again because there was an odd woooooo noise at exactly 90 km and 40km. Was told its "tire noise" ( Continental Cross Contacts) I was driving yesterday and the vehicle just lost power in the middle of traffic. The ABS , powertrain and anti slip lights all came on. A faulty sensor? I now wait for some part to come up from the US. Numerous unexplained noises, poor braking, Ice builds up on the inside of the vista roof. Its terrible in the snow. I want my Escape back!

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  Only one of its kind - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Barryg - December 24 - 4:01 pm

  If you want a mean sounding, torque pounding, rumbling V8 with a 5 speed (like I did), with modern day comfort, the Mustang GT is it. Leather seats are comfortable. I installed 3.73 gears, lowered the car 1.5 inches with Ford racing springs and added the FRPP GTA axleback mufflers that come on the Bullitt Mustang. The car is set up the way it should be and with the mods, still under $26K. The GT is raw and the ride is a little on the rough side but its so much fine to drive. Gas mileage for me is around 20 overall. If you want quiet and refined look elsewhere. If you want a solid fun RWD V8 at a great price with unlimited aftermarket support, get the GT. No regrets at all!

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  good auto - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By WALTER - December 24 - 3:20 pm

  auto is good for the price. repairs are cheap.

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  Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tony Dietrich - December 24 - 12:10 pm

  Lots of room in front and back. Easy to get in and out. Handles well on snow and ice. Very satisfied with the vehicle. Average of 23 city driving (Denver,CO), I havent had the opportunity for a long trip yet to check highway MPG.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Brandon Artz - December 24 - 2:58 am

  This car is a very large and safe sedan, but is very easy to maneuver in busy areas of the parking lot. The rear seats are HUGE with tons of leg room. My 68" friend has no problem sitting anywhere in the car. I have had zero engine or transmission issues, just the basic up keep. The V6 is very quick for a big car, and is longer than a minivan! Trunk space is amazing, and great visibility all around. I have been driving on the highway lately and have been getting in the 21s mpg and a 400 mile range on fuel. Love this car!

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  Keeps on truckin - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By woods860 - December 24 - 1:17 am

  Great off road. The fx4 upgrade is a good platform to build an off road weekend warroir like mine is. Fits 33x12.5x15 with little rubbing the 3" lift help with tht. Found tht back jump seats pretty much useless unless your verticaly challenged. The 4.10 gears are tourqie and helps me pulls damn near anything. 4.0l motor has tons of power. Chiped mine tho little better fuel mileage that way plus the extra hp didnt hurt. Although my F-150 is better on fuel. Very solid feeling truck. Well built. Upgraded fx4 interior is sharp and functional. Light aregood and bright. Easy to drive and hardly any blind spots. Built Ford tough!