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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  Great Little Truck - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Matt - May 30 - 9:30 am

  This is my first SUV. I was looking for a car and the Escape caught my eye. I tried the Escape then the Explorer. I am 63" and my head rubbed the top in the Explorer, I had plenty of room in the Escape. The XLT model had all of the amenities that I wanted, not cluttered with useless things to jack up the price. I was sold after I drove it. It really drives like a Car AND Truck. I am very happy with it. On to get another soon, to replace my wifes car.

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  Beautiful Rubi Red and Smooth - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Rubi Red - May 30 - 6:59 am

  Its not too quiet but its quiet enough while driving. Its very smooth on the road and it just makes me feel rich! The rubi red color is so Beautiful. I love the feel of all the buttons on the steering wheel and dash. I love the big screen!

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  Big ole Truck - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Red - May 30 - 4:17 am

  Well, I have wanted one of these for a while havent had it too long, but so far it is everything I wanted in a truck. Used it for a long road trip to see family/friends, got 13.5 miles a gallon, drove in extreme comfort. Also have a 1997 Kia Sephia and didnt want to drive it this far, so I bought my Excursion, and I absolutely love it. People see this thing coming and get out of the way. Took out third seat and laid a full size air mattress in the back, love all the power options, and the power/manual hubs for the 4X4. And all the room in this thing. Buying used it was cheaper than you think.

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  Very Nice Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By TommyBoy - May 30 - 2:21 am

  This truck is by far the most reliable of them yet. Maybe after a few years then new F-150s will bypass the milestone Ford has set for the reliability of its F-150 models.

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  Good Reliable Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By dball - May 29 - 1:13 pm

  This is my third Ranger Truck and by far the nicest. I like the new two-toned high back seats and interior design. This truck is small enough for decent gas mileage yet is roomy inside and has enough power to get you where you want to go.

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  Unexpected 40 mpg on highway! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Eric - May 28 - 9:43 pm

  My recent purchase of the Focus was the right choice. On my first tank of mostly highway miles I got 40.4 mpg. Good power with the manual 5-speed. Satellite radio is a big bonus. Cruise control is steady and the overall ride is smooth. A great feature is the constant mpg reading that helps you ease up on the pedal to get optimal mileage. I test drove the Corolla, Aveo, Cobalt, Mazda 3, Yaris and Kia Rio. Ford focus has good looks, a solid engine and was the best bang for the buck. I highly recommend it!

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  2005 Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By St. Louis - May 28 - 2:28 pm

  Traded in my 2001 Ford Escape. The Explorer is just like my Escape on steroids. My local dealer offered $10,000 off sticker which put it at the same price as my Escape four years ago! Seems to be a great vehicle so far.

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  big and easy - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By bill - May 28 - 10:30 am

  Overall good, and fun to drive.

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  Great SUV! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By DREQUET - May 28 - 9:34 am

  I traded in my 2001 Expedition 4WD XLT for the 2005 Eddie Bauer 4WD - what a difference in handling! The 2005 has more power and drives more like a car. I really liked my 2001 and wouldnt think of getting anything other than an Expedition. In comparison, the leather interior was of better quality in the 2001 and there were more storage areas. I use my Expy for dog shows and it makes a great dog vehicle. Crates it in the back with all the seats down and room for all the gear! Love this vehicle.

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  My Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By BG - May 27 - 11:02 am

  I love my Explorer. I have always owned Ford pickups, and it rides like a luxury truck but with the convenience of the cargo space instead of a bed.