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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  My mint green - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By BIG BEAR RODDER - September 21 - 9:20 pm

  Im 58, a hot rodder, and owned over 100 cars. I had no intention of buying one of these, until I drove one! I bought used with 18,500 miles. Im getting around 26 MPG with my foot in it. I live in the mountians and love the way I can take curves at 2-3 times faster than any of my privious cars.I use the select shift like a manual. This car romps! They say 280 HP. They lie!

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  Fords best car. Period. - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mark - September 21 - 2:50 pm

  I have had very good luck with Ford Crown Vics. I put 150,000 miles on them and then sell them to folks who proceed to drive them for years. Reliability is probably the best of any American car. No electrical problems, no head gasket problems, no tranny issues. I never spend money for repairs other than regular maintenance. My 2005 LX Sport is very comfortable, great in the snow and ice with the traction control and gets 25 mpg. on the highway. I also like the safety as I live and travel in Minnesota and the drivers here are the worst in any state I have been in. I have tried other cars, none compare in value and reliability.

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  A Reliable Brute - 1991 Ford F-350
  By Jackpot Jerry - September 21 - 2:37 pm

  Best full sized truck I have ever owned. Reliable, powerful and carries or tows a big load. I use it mostly as an RV. 90% of its mileage is at or near GVWR or GCWR, but I never had a mechanical problem. I do not use it as a daily driver because it is long, wide (DRW) and mileage isnt a strong point. However, as a working truck it is super. The lariat interior (captains chairs) is surprisingly comfortable even though it is just plastic with cloth upolstery. Lots of room up front but the folding rear seat is a bit low and narrow for adults.

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  Ford Centennial Limited Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rse628 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is such a beautiful truck!! The comfort level inside is perfect, heated, memory seats, pedals, woodgrain, self tinting rear view mirror, & of course great 3rd seat!!! It seats 7 very comfortably! Very happy with its elegant beauty, & effortless speed, (careful in everyway, of course)! So many admirers, & very proud of it! Thanks Ford for a great 100 year gift!!!

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  Explorers allow you truly explore - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cdf1223 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the first American made car that Ive ever owned, and the first automatic that Ive ever driven. I love this SUV!! Mine has the towing package, and it turns on a dime. The handling is superb, and I love the way it drives. My job requires me to be on the road somewhere new every 3 months, which means Im usually driving for 10- 15 hours at a time. The Explorer is very comfortable, and the interior is well designed. I also love the space and the extra versatility the third row seat gives me. I would definitely purhase this SUV again. Great work!! Gives me faith in American automoblies again!!

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  The best vehicle Ive owned to date!!!!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Diznufus - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best vehicle Ive owned. And Ive had my fair share. Most currently this Explorer replaced my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I was talking to a fellow coworker and said this has to be the best car Ive owned, the only fault I can find is that when I have the sunroof open and all the windows that the seatbelt for the center seating position in the second row slaps against the seat. Outside of that the Explorer is flawless in my book. By the way, better fuel economy then my 4.7 V-8 Jeep.

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  A terrific hybrid entry - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gomermaid - September 21 - 9:43 am

  Excellent performance with good, not great mileage (about 27 mpg), but much better that comparable SUVs. Fun to drive and handles exceptionally well. Cannot think of a major drawback. A little sluggish on pick up, but once at highway speed its all there. Windshield wipers not balanced and leave major areas uncleaned. Might be just a dealer adjustment.

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  Great MPG with lots of Utility - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Rockdoggy - September 21 - 9:27 am

  Got this little truck last week and it handles great. Nice shifting 5 speed manual, great gas mileage and lots of utility. If you need a reliable truck for everyday hauling and the occasional large item haul this fits the bill perfectly. Solidly built 2.3 liter engine has plenty of power. Sits up high where you can see clearly. The design is dated but still looks great. Ford decided to stop the 3.0 next year. Should have retooled the 3.0 like they put in other vehicles. I think Fords marketing team needs their heads examined. Instead of tying to sell options, sell trucks with options people want without all the extras people dont want. Can you say plastic wheel covers for $190 or Sirius!

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  Best Ford Yet - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By duds - September 21 - 8:49 am

  Test drove many cars before this purchase and the Fusion was the most comfortable and stable car for the money. Sync is the best in car innovation, all cars should come with this but you can only get this on Ford.

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  Good mileage, handles well - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mike Bretz - September 21 - 12:47 am

  No problems with vehicle. Good MPG in city/highway driving, very good MPG highway driving. Comfortable, and decent acceleration. ABS and 15" alloy wheels a must.