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 SUV EVER - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By kevin - December 10 - 11:46 pm

  This SUV can do all the things a large pick-up can do but still has a soft car ride, not to mention the air suspention and the indepedepedet rear suspention. It also has about twice the size of leg room in each seat, compared to yukon or the Toyota seqoia.It also has a styleish design inside of the car and out side of the SUV.HEated mirrors and good derability it is the best truck/ SUV ever, had a seqoia and yukon last year and didnt like it at all, this can beet , any other car out there.Plus to many small luxurious things to list.

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  pretty much a bullit-proof truck - 1999 Ford F-250
  By luvmytruck - December 10 - 7:14 pm

  Ive put over 60k miles on this beast including hauling a 36 fifth wheel trailer from California to Tennessee. We make yearly trips down into Baja Mexico. Only one time did it let me down, a rare failure of the camshaft sensor shut it down. That is my only complaint but a risk we take with modern computer reliance. We love this truck and have no intention of ever giving it up. Jus tneed to add a posi unit to it!

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  My first SUV and I love it. - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Dude - December 10 - 5:33 am

  I am Ford loyal. This Explorer is my 6th Ford vehicle. I love everything about this new Explorer however I do feel there are some improvements that need to be made. 1st the headrests in the middle seat arent so bad but the 3rd row when the seats are up need to be down to see out the back. 2nd the door pulls are too low. I do like how heavy the doors are makes it feel more sturdy. We love the reverse sensing system. The gas mileage could be improved. I traded a 05 Ford Ranger that I was able to get 30+ mpg on highway. Im getting 22 average on the highway, big difference. My wife was sold when she found out that the Explorer came standard with side impact airbags and a 5 star crash test rating.

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  Ford Flex is Outstanding! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mickey Ranyes - December 9 - 7:56 pm

  What a very pleasant surprise from Ford. We chose after a test ride and paid $29,800 out the door. Second and third row legroom is very strong. Vehicle tracks perfectly straight on highway! Safety for rollover on an SUV has to be tops with this car, as center of gravity is lower. Cant believe how much this auto has won us over. Ford is definitely heading in the right direction. Very proud we dropped Mercedes and saved $60,000.

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  My Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Sonia - December 8 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had my Escort for 6 and a half years. I bought it brand new and it is as reliable today as it was back in June 1998! It has almost 130,000 miles and going strong. It even survived about two years of being used by my wild teenage son. When this car finally retires, I will definately want to buy another Ford. Wish they still had Escorts.

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  04 EXCURSION - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By EMAGEE7132 - December 8 - 5:57 pm

  PERFECT TOW VEHICLE AND PEOPLE HAULER TURNS SHARP FOR LARGE VEHICLE AVG 22 MPG HWY 16 CITY SOLO 14 WITH 32 FOOT CAMPER IN TOW. PERFORMANCE IS WOW!NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF TOWING WITH A VEHICLE LIKE THIS. ENGINE AND TRANS WORK TO PROVIDE BRAKING. HARDLY HAVE TO USE BRAKES TO STOP IN TOW MODE. ALTHOUGH I KNOW ITS NOT FOR EVERYONE PUT IN ITS PLACE TO DO THE JOB IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO NO SUV COMPARES THE DIESEL MAKES IT AS ECONOMICAL AS MOST MID SIZED CARS AND IT TOWS HAULS LOTS OF PEOPLE A CARGO FOR SAME FUEL USE RIDE IS GOOD YOU MUST REMEMBER IT IS FIRST AND FOREMOST A TRUCK.

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  Happy - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By crystal darsow - December 8 - 9:50 am

  Might be the best car Ive ever owned.

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  ZX5 2.3 Auto - 2004 Ford Focus
  By paul - December 7 - 1:24 pm

  Bought a used(12000 miles) ZX5 Premium with auto. Wanted a manual, but couldnt find any with the 2.3 engine. Have put on 3000 miles, no problems. Im getting 28 mpg on the highway, I expected to do better.

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  This truck rocks baby - 2002 Ford F-150
  By coolguy - December 7 - 12:36 pm

  After seeing Dodge and Chevy, Ford looks more like a urban (city) riding truck than dodge or chevy. Great Acceleration compared to 3.9L Dodge.

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  This Is "One Bad Hoss" - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Big C - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Mustang. I traded my 1999 GT for this Stang and although I regretted getting rid of it, I couldnt resist this MACH I. This Hoss likes to run. The ride is much improved, quieter, and the bigger brakes and traction control really improves handling. The shaker hood and low V8 rumble turns a lot of heads. This car has a "Dont mess with me" kind of look to it. The only problems Ive found was a non- functional windshield washer pump and a cracked headlamp cover, which were promptly replaced my local ford dealership.