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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  Simply Amazing - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Dave - April 12 - 9:53 am

  Im very fussy and hard to please technically (and not often given to spending the time to write these things). But after 800 miles I am very impressed with this vehicle. The technology in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is simply amazing and Im happy with my decision. (Did I mention I was impressed?) Ford build quality has significantly improved since my last Ford. I heartily recommend this vehicle. (If youre near Columbus OH, go see Mathews Ford in Newark - they were very accommodating.)

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  So far so good! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By SportDriver - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Havent finished going through the "break-in" period with the truck yet, so my rating may be a little premature, but I digress... From past experience driving Expos with the SOHC V6, I know power delivery is and will be outstanding! Seats feel good, though the headrests are waaay too low. Lotsa storage space, and the truck feels generally well screwed together, though the long-term quality outlook still has me sweating... Overall, if this type of rugged truck- based vehicle appeals to you, and you find the right price, than I heartily reccomend the Explorer Sport (at least till years end when Im told theyre being canceled...)

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  F150 7700 package - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Bacchas - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new vehicle I have ever purchased. After selecting a white,F150XL 2dr LB model, I added on the 7700 payload package which increased my towing GVW to over 10000lbs. It included a 3.73 gear diff. I tow 2 horses regularly with no problems. Ive even towed a 15,000lb Skid Loader (Although that was a workout). Ive never had a single problem with this truck. The truck is plain durable. I figure about 12-15 MPG when towing a 5000lb horse trailer. Id still purchase this truck all over again unless I could afford to go diesel.

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  Great SUV, Horrible MPG - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ptspitz - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Explorer because my wife didnt like the F150 Supercrew I had. We traded the F150. I love the Explorer. With the V8, it roars down the road and responds immediately to any request for power. Sadly, it also sucks down gasoline like a thirsty horse in the desert. Our average MPG is about 12. Even my wife cant get over 15 with her delicate driving. If you dont pull a trailer and dont have the need to embarass 4 cylinder "sport" coupes at stoplights, opt for the 6 cylinder version.

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  2005 Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By oakley1 - April 11 - 3:23 am

  Great gas mileage. Comfortable to drive. Not too pleased with the interior. Had a 2002 Explorer XLT, interior was first class; the Freestyle has a lot of low-grade plastic and the seat controls are weak. Would also like the tailgate window to open. Very comfortable on trips, stable in wind and rain.

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  This truck can do it all! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mike M - April 7 - 3:00 am

  Ive owned mine for just over 2 years and am the second owner. Truck has been nothing short of perfect. We take it everywhere. Vacation Road Trips, to the Beach, to the Mountains, around town, everywhere!! Ive not yet found the task/chore that it couldnt handle and I do a ton of yard work and home improvement. The bed is approximately 2-3 inches deeper than a traditional pickup bed which makes it a breeze to pack gear into. I take good care of my truck and it takes care of me and my family.

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  My First Ford! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Nicci - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Ford and I was very hesistant in purchasing it. First, since this is the last year for Ford Explorer Sports, I felt that the value would depreciate quickly. However, with all the nice features, I wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  2004 f150: funtional and ergornomic - 2004 Ford F-150
  By fins - April 5 - 10:00 am

  My new 2004 f150 is an outstanding synergistic design .Both ergornomically and funtionality are met with this one.. You can drive in luxury, take your dogs to the beach and haul around everyones wishlist with one vehicle.. Driver vision is unsurpassed!!!

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  More than meets the eye - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By briggleman - April 4 - 12:20 pm

  The acceleration is great, once you get use to the CVT transmission. It handles like a nS80 Volvo. Gas mileage so far at 24 mpg on my 44 mile round trips to work. Lots of room, wish the front seat went back about another inch. (I am 65") Good head room and I love the adjustable brake and gas peddles. Air bags everywhere, even in the canopy. Facts you need to know. The 3.0 duratec engine is from a Porsche designed 2.5 (Ford bored it out to 3.0) the AWD is the Haldex system from Volvo. Suspension is also Volvo derived from the S80. 0-60 is under 8 seconds. CVT transmission is German designed and built from ZF transmission group. Very underrated car.

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  Comfort - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By gary maddox - March 30 - 8:33 am

  The car isnt designed for tall people to drive. Cant tilt the steering wheel to see fuel, temp. gauges. Not good tilt system. Not enough leg room. When seat is all the way back arms are extended so far youre tired when you drive very long. The car wanders. Trunk is too heavy, hard to open. Hood has prop. Trunk light isnt located good and times off to soon.