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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  BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Jill - July 7 - 2:38 pm

  This SUV fits my family of seven very comfortably plus my two dogs.

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  Safe Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Linda - July 7 - 12:16 am

  I was in major accident, driver did not maintain lane, hit car at gas tank at 70 mph. My car rolled 3 times, hit another car, landed on drivers side, car was totaled. Seat belt on, I had no cuts or bruises (all glass was broken out). I have a hurt shoulder and a fractured neck, had to be cut out of car. If had been in another car, I would have been dead. Car saved my life, I am getting exactly the same car. Would not drive anything else.

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  Good truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Pistol - July 6 - 4:09 pm

  I also own a Crown Victoria and my wife would rather ride in the truck. Only had two mechanical failures in 5 years, right brake caliper and A/C. Truck rides good on the road and style is very aerodynamic.

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  Nice Ride - 2015 Ford Transit Connect
  By appliancetech - July 6 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my little van the end of March and am anxious to see how it does with my work .. So far it has been a great van , very comfortable, easy to navigate turns ... Navigation takes some time to get use to but over all could not ask for anything better

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  A Great Value & Confident Decision - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim - July 6 - 4:43 am

  Purchased a few weeks ago after test driving just about every SUV out there. Our choice was a Limted AWD, Black on Black. We have received numerous compliments from friends and family. Other vehicle is a Acura MDX, and the Freestyle is equal in equipment (if not more) and ride. Average 17+mpg city. I am 63" and there is plenty of room both rear seating areas. Handling is extremely responsive and the 18" wheels really stand out. Freestyle is much cheaper than comparable X-SUVs with same equipment and it doesnt ride like a truck!

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  A Great Value & Confident Decision - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim - July 6 - 4:43 am

  Purchased a few weeks ago after test driving just about every SUV out there. Our choice was a Limted AWD, Black on Black. We have received numerous compliments from friends and family. Other vehicle is a Acura MDX, and the Freestyle is equal in equipment (if not more) and ride. Average 17+ mpg city. I am 63" and there is plenty of room both rear seating areas. Handling is extremely responsive and the 18" wheels really stand out. Freestyle is much cheaper than comparable crossover SUVs with same equipment and it doesnt ride like a truck!

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  Great Truck, Tons of Room - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Big Mech - July 5 - 11:49 pm

  After having a 1994 Ranger STX, Im hooked on having a pickup, but needed something I could fit the expanding family in. The Super Crew fit the bill perfectly. Im 66" and this a very comfortable for me. Its great for the snow here in New England, and is easy to drive considering how big it is. The 5.4L has more than enough power to get this truck around. We have had it for 2 years with no problems, and the gas mileage is better than expected, as its no worse than my Ranger which had the 4.0L V6

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  Impressive - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By lawfin - July 5 - 1:46 pm

  So impressed with this car. Numerous times on the drive back from the dealer I would say, "This is so much fun to drive, I cannot believe this is a Ford." Mine has the voice-nav, and I love the huge 8 display. Sync is wonderful, and it is just a treat to drive. I enjoy getting in a car again and driving. My MPG is up to 17.5, but the oomph from the 3.5L duratec is phenom. The sport suspension takes turns like no other. So happy. Sirius Sat radio is another plus.

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  Mighty Mouse - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Ed - July 5 - 3:27 am

  I love my Ford Ranger. I think that a Ford Ranger is the best vehicle that a teenager can own. It has all the get up and go that I need, never lets me down, and is easy to beef up, performance-wise.

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  Very smooth ride - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By David E. Johnson - July 4 - 2:30 pm

  I was in the market for a reliable used car and I test drove several. The comfort and road handling features of my Taurus Wagon were hard to duplicate in other vehicles. I have put a lot of miles on the car and it has held up very well. Lots of room too.