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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  Love this truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By hbtexan - November 23 - 10:38 pm

  This is my 2nd pickup. I love this truck. I have used it a lot to haul tools, quadrunner, furniture you name it. I am surprised how well the back seat works for kids, dog, etc. I feel like I got a very good value with this truck and hope to pass it on to my son in 10 years.

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  Best Car Yet - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By JJ - November 23 - 6:56 pm

  I have been driving different cars for a few years now such as a Scion tC, Ford Escape, Toyota Corolla, and Mitsubishi Eclipse, but none compare to the Fusion except for the Corolla. I bought this as my first car and I absolutely love it! I feel protected and safe in this car, it gets excellent gas mileage, and the comfort as well as performance are outstanding. Im very satisfied with this car and I almost wish to be in traffic just so I have a reason to be in my car. It feels and looks more like a luxury sedan rather than a Ford, but thats all the more reason why I love it.

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  500th Heaven - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Fivehunluvr - November 23 - 5:53 pm

  Purchased this car as upgrade from 04 Honda Accord. Enamored with build quality, ride, handling, space. Ford did a GREAT job on this one! Only problem thus far is a peeling dash storage door, which is covered under warranty. Sound system is okay, but easily upgradeable and navigation is an option now available at the dealer. All in all, great car.

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  Keeps going and going - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Awesome - November 23 - 3:34 pm

  This vehicle is super reliable. I have not been able to wear it out. It has 230,000 kilometers on it 3.0 liter eng.does not use any oil. I have maintained this vehicle in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. It needs new shocks and some work. I have currently parked in my garage. No rust, I am going to put a new fuel pump for reliability purposes. This vehicle is in great shape and I want to keep it for a long time.

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  Great looking at great value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ocean - November 23 - 4:50 am

  Excellent looking and handling ride at a terrific value. Lots of extras for the money. A few minor design issues will be worked out with subsequent year models or in the Taurus. The cars size and executive design made it very comfortable and it had a cavernous trunk. Despite its size, it handled like a much smaller car with tight handling and confident handling, great suspension and grip, while having just enough power to have some fun. The economy wasnt bad. I would like to see the rear fender redesigned so not to catch stones with its leading edge. Else, its a great all around ride. Ill miss it.

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  Sleek and powerful - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By jrappy87 - November 22 - 7:27 pm

  Overall, I love this car. I love the roar it makes when you floor it! it feels like i have so much power. The AWD is a great feature and is fun too floor it in the snow. The car is so sleek and awesome looking. I have the chrome rims, chrome running board and chrome roof rack. Just watch out when you floor it the MPG goes down a lot! It is fun if you floor it long enough to watch it go through all the gears! There is no winding noise when you get up to 6 RPMS its actually a cool sound like a whistle. Everyone should get this car!

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  2016 Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jay Chesley - November 22 - 6:51 pm

  Just purchased a 2016 Explorer and had the following problems within 200 miles and Ford will not repair stating it is normal. 1. Clunk in driveline. 2. Smell of Gas 3. Knock in Engine 3.5 Twin Turbo. 4. Seat covers coming off. 5. Tran slipping

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  Must have been on a Monday - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Donna - November 22 - 12:44 pm

  I have driven Ford vehicles for the 20 years. I like the style, ergonomics, ride, dependibility of each Ford product I have owned. However, my F-150 Lariat Super Cab, 2wd,5.4liter V8 has been and still continues to be a lemon. From the very beginning it has had a bad viberation. I have had 5 sets of tires, three drive shafts, 2 rear pioion gears, trans.rebuilt new trans., 2,radio /6 cd changers, speaker problems, auto rear sildiging window. These were all while it was still warranty. Ford engineers even came from somewhere out of state to try to find the promblem. They cant find out what is wrong. Ford really let me down. Im not aginst Ford prod. this one just not right from the start.

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  Great Ride - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By STEVE - November 22 - 11:51 am

  We just puchased used 08 Expedtion limited 4x4. We love this thing. Drove it 600 miles at 78 mph and got 18.3 mpg. Ride is great, for a 66" person and the room inside is perfect. We had reservations about buying one but not now.

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  Built to last - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By blackbetty - November 22 - 11:26 am

  I have a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT single cab. It currently has 253,000 miles on it. In the nearly two years I have owned her she has never broken down, she has continued to outlast. I used to own a 98 Chevy S-10 and by far the 95 Ranger out performs the Chevy line. After 253,000 miles she still gets 26 mpg highway. I look forward to many years to come with my favorite truck