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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  Awesome King Ranch 4x4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Wade - November 8 - 10:26 pm

  This truck is great looking, nice leather and the older the leather gets the better looking. Truck handles well, however is a little on the heavy side.

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  Great Ride - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ray - November 8 - 9:00 pm

  There will always be a 05-09 mustang for sale and their fairly reasonable. Purchased mine as second car and I believe it was a great investment

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  Fun Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By p_medic - November 8 - 4:56 pm

  The leather sold me. I had never had a 4-door truck before. I will never have a truck that is not a 4-door now. All I did was add dual exhaust an a K&N air filter and drive it. Keep your foot out of it and the MPG will be good, 18-19 MPG. The leather still smells good at 45K.

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  FORD GT: FERRARI SLAYER - 2005 Ford GT
  By zitro - November 8 - 4:35 pm

  THIS CAR IS AMAZING! ACCELERATION IS QUICK, AND I MEAN QUICK! I CLOCKED 0-60 IN 3.34 SECONDS. HANDLING IS AMAZING AND RIDE IS GREAT FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS CALIBER. BUILD QUALITY IS IN LEGUE WITH THE BEST. ENGINE IS TOTALLY SMOOTH, AS IS EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CAR. IVE ALREADY DRIVEN MINE FOR JUST OVER 17OO0 MILES AND I HAVENT HAD ANY RELIABILITY PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT IS SURE FOOTED IN NORMAL DRIVING, AND A BEAST WHEN YOU BOOST UP THE SPEED. STOPS WITH THE BEST OF THEM. VERY USER FRIENDLY. AND WITH A PRICE MUCH LOWER THAN OTHER CARS IN THIS CLASS, THE COMPETITION DOESNT STAND A CHANCE. A HOME RUN FOR FORD. ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT FORD COULDNT COMPETE, LOOK WHOS GETTING THE LAST LAUGH NOW!

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  Excellent value - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By mewilly - November 7 - 6:30 pm

  My Fusion has 3,000 miles on it. Fit and finish are excellent. The heater fan, in defrost mode, makes more noise than I expected. Otherwise, interior is excellent and quiet. Automatic transmission shifts nicely. 4cyl engine accelerates noticeably faster than my 6cyl Ranger at low and high speeds. Fuel economy averages 29+mpg with 35% stop-and-go city and 65% unimpeded highway (63-67mph)on cruise control. At each fill-up, I have figured the mileage manually to check the computer. The computer is accurate. On the highway, I have seen 33.6mpg on the computer at 63mph. Excellent value at an affordable price.

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  A real user - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Alaskmoose - November 7 - 5:22 pm

  The excursion is an SUV that can work like a truck and be a wonderful family auto at the same time. We have been able to tow heavy loads, and just use as an everyday rig.

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  My New Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Peter Leech - November 7 - 4:20 pm

  Having owned Lexus LS Cars for last 8 yrs this Van sure is a contrast, but we love it. I am an automotive engineer and a car lover & have never been more satisfied with a new vehicle purchase!!

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By musikmika - November 7 - 3:44 pm

  Wonderful all around vehicle. Would not take anything else, especially after driving a Chevy for the last 4 years...this is truly a dream.

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  hand down the best - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By waso - November 7 - 1:31 pm

  I researched all large SUVs before this purchase and for the quality and price you cant beat it. A smooth ride great power and bold yet elegant look the Ford Expedition should definitely be your next purchase!!!!

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  Ford exp - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By clyde817 - November 7 - 11:26 am

  Love the truck, it is the best possible truck to buy. Had a Jeep Gand Cherokee and that does not even compare to the Expedition