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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  Ford Edge Sport Review - 2011 Ford Edge
  By mikeyv823 - January 6 - 5:13 pm

  I could not stop thinking about the Ford Edge Sport model once I saw the new 2011 come out. The black front grille, the body colored moldings & spectacular 22" wheels. Ive owned mine for 3 months and havent seen another one on the road! Thats how rare they are and how much youll stand out. I couldnt afford a new one so I purchased a 2011 demo in Nov 11 for 8k off sticker! Mine is red. Interior is beautiful as well. System is super super slow though. Its an amazing technology but just not there yet. Its slow to respond and sometimes frustrating but its whats next. If you have an iphone this screen will bug you because its not as user friendly or responsive. Still love it!!

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  Very impressed so far!! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By benzcrazy1 - January 1 - 5:35 pm

  I just recently purchased a 2008 Fusion SE with 44k miles from the dealer that I work at. I own 5 cars already so trying to find number 6, I was going to be picky, this was going to be my daily driver but I wanted to have something fun, reliable but efficient. I am completely impressed with everything so far! The gas milage is great! so far its staying right around 25. It is so comfortable and fun and easy to drive as well! Amazing trunk space and such a smooth ride, almost as equal as my Mercedes! I am a huge Ford truck guy but never thought much about their cars, I am definitely converted! Great job Ford!! You definitely reeled me in with this one!

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  Hands Down the Best! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By mdokell - December 31 - 9:03 am

  I have owned many differant makes and this truck does it all! Even gets good gas mileage on the highway. It tows, huals, and drives like a dream. No issues with maintenence, quality is throughout this truck.

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  94 Ford Thunderbird V8 Cross country - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By ashlyk - December 30 - 11:45 pm

  I have had my Ford Thunderbird for about 4 years. I got it from its first owner. My mile counter broke about 3 years ago. It had 175,000 on it when it broke. Since then I have driven it back and forth from Texas to Florida 4 times and recently just drove it from Texas to Virginia. It is the most dependable car I have ever had! I have had a couple of small problems but it is worth the money that i put into it. I have gotten well worth my money out of it with how many places this car had taken me.

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  Gas guzzler - 2000 Ford F-150
  By homerrocks2 - December 30 - 7:39 am

  The truck is awesome to drive and I like the high riding feeling. It also has quite a bit of power (especially when you floor it, sounds like a racecar :D). The thing is it uses gas like its water. It seems like every time we go somewhere, we stop at the gas station.

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  Gotta love it - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mrfilter2u - December 30 - 12:23 am

  I bought a 2001 extended cab 4x4 (fully loaded) for my daughter, after she had about a year behind the wheel. She had been driving a 2009 Mazdz 3 and was scared to drive the taller 4x4. I am hoping that she will soon learn to love this truck as much as i do. I runs really well, has every option, well kept extended cab with the 4.0 motor. CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT. WHY WANT SHE DRIVE IT? SHE WANTED A JEEP AND A 4X4 PICK UP IS THE NEXT BEST THINMG.

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  2012 Explorer = Excellent SUV - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By jwinco - December 29 - 10:41 am

  Recently purchased a 2012 Explorer XLT 4WD for use in Colorado. Traded in an F-150 with the 6.2-liter V8 engine primarily for the mileage and its paid off -- mileage is about 30% better, averaging 21.5 MPG in mixed town/highway. Overall have been more impressed with the Explorer than I thought I would be. Drives and handles beautifully for an SUV -- I dont agree at all with some of the magazine reviews that the ride is too mushy. Extremely comfortable interior that is whisper quiet even at highway speeds. Its just a pleasure to be in and drive this SUV.

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  Rock Solid, Fun to drive, great on gas, value for money... - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By jacob40 - December 27 - 4:16 am

  I was not a big fan of American vehicles, after considerable research and after waiting one year I purchased a 2012 full lodaded XLT model, my first American vehicle. After 45 days & 2500 km, I am glad I made this choice, do not have any problems to report except for some samll glitches in the voice command, need to get the software updated. The Exterior looks great, engine is crisp and refined. Overall the vehicle feels rock solid, the stiffer suspension provides a nice sporty ride. Engine power delivery is excellent with the torque peaking at lower rpm compared to competition. The interior is rich and sophisticated which you typically find in more expensive luxury SUVs.

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  Boss 302 - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By z51hdtp - December 25 - 6:43 am

  Having owned many muscle cars over the years I did a great deal of research before deciding on the Boss. It is definitely the best bang for the buck. You can tool around in the car and it is docile as a lamb but if you want performance it is there in an instant. Achieving 20 mpg in town and 25 on the road in normal driving. Spirited driving results in 16 mpg overall. The handling is superb and the engine power is as expected. This is not for the faint of heart, the ride is somewhat choppy and stiff, there is a lot of road noise at highway speeds and it is easy to spin the tires in the first 3 gears but if you are a muscle car lover this is all just part of the fun.

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  AWD SEL Edge 2012 a Great Consideration - 2012 Ford Edge
  By mtschida - December 21 - 12:35 am

  I live in a mountainous area and have been struggling a few mos. a year with my FWD. It was time to go for an AWD. I also need room for 2 dogs, musical instruments, groceries, grandkids on occasion and was struggling with my smaller FWD sedan. Id put the back seats down on my sedan and the dogs (Border Collies) would slide into the trunk. Needed a bigger car that could hold the road and get up all these hills while filled with stuff...In making my decision, I looked at several vehicles but liked the Edge. Had rented one and was very happy after a week of driving in snow and up and down some big hills. Also loved the tech.