Ford is one of the top car brands in America and around the world. Its vehicles have been featured in movies and popular music, and its racing drivers have won major championships.
The company’s moving assembly line revolutionised manufacturing and streamlined production. It also led to the development of hybrid and electric cars.
History
In the 1950s and 1960s, Ford launched iconic models like the Thunderbird and Mustang that became emblems of American automotive culture. This period also saw the launch of the innovative Taurus family sedan, which featured an aerodynamic “jelly bean” body style that helped break away from boxy sedan shapes, as well as the introduction and subsequent demise of the Edsel brand (model years 1958-60).
Economic challenges and intense competition from Japanese manufacturers forced Ford to shift its production focus toward vehicles with better fuel efficiency. Today, the company produces several best-selling models worldwide.
Model T
The Model T was a car that changed the world. It opened up jobs in remote places and brought families together. Its impact is immeasurable.
The first one came off the line in 1908. It took 12 hours for a chassis to become a complete car.
Ford, at different times, has maintained control of several other brands, including Jaguar and Land Rover. Today, it’s primarily known for its SUVS and crossovers. Its SYNC system helps drivers stay connected without taking their eyes off the road.
T-Bird
While GM dominated the personal luxury coupe market in the ’50s, Ford launched the Thunderbird as a challenger. The model flopped when it entered production, but its successors found buyers and helped Ford capture a whopping 59 per cent of the segment for four years.
Decoding a ‘Bird’s VIN and data plate can help you figure out what equipment was fitted to a specific car. For 1957, a standard 292-cid V-8 was good for 202 horsepower and 285 lb-ft (manual) or 195 hp and 270 lb-ft (three-speed Ford-O-Matic). A rubbery chassis limited handling, but that hardly detracted from the cool boulevardier’s appeal.
F-Series pickups
The F-Series is Ford’s best-selling truck. It has undergone several major redesigns over the years. The current generation is now in its fourteenth year of production.
The F-Series includes pickup trucks, panel trucks, parcel delivery and cab-over engine chassis body styles. These vehicles are offered in different weight ratings and single, double, and crew cab configurations with short or long beds. In 2004, the fifth-generation models were redesigned with a new platform and fully boxed-in frames. They also included a new grille and more plush trim levels.
F-150 pickups
Ford’s F-Series pickups are among the best in their class. They offer a range of options so you can tailor them to fit your needs.
The twelfth-generation F-150 debuted in 2009. It cribbed liberally from its Super Duty brethren and introduced squared-off styling to set itself apart from the rounded predecessors.
The Raptor and the Tremor show off Ford’s commitment to off-road excellence. They offer features like Trail Control and Hill Descent Assist that make it easier to navigate rocky trails. These trucks also have an impressive towing capacity of 13,500 pounds.
Focus
Ford’s fourth-generation Focus is a small car that’s a lot of fun to drive. Its sweet engines, agile handling and superb steering make it one of the best cars in this class.
Its EPA-rated fuel economy is impressive, too. You can also get a 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild hybrid that uses a starter/generator and battery to boost torque and improve efficiency even more. Options include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with over-the-air updates and a cinema-sized Sync 3 infotainment screen. Handling and winter packages are available too.
Fusion
The Fusion has an attractive design, impeccable reliability and a fun driving experience. Its comfortable ride and agile handling make it a compelling alternative to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system is user-friendly and allows drivers to use voice controls for phone, audio and navigation functions. A standard FordPass app enables remote start and scheduling, as well as vehicle location tracking.
Fusion’s suspension minimises body roll and isn’t upset by bumps midcorner, and it makes curvy mountain roads a joy. Even the base engine doesn’t feel sluggish on the highway.
Mustang
Since its launch in 1964, the Mustang has become one of the most sought-after cars on the market. It spurred the “pony car” trend that encompasses sporty coupes and convertibles with agile handling and a selection of powerful engines.
The 2025 Mustang continues to use Ford’s big-displacement, naturally aspirated V8 engine, putting out a healthy 480 hp with the option to upgrade to a 460 hp with active exhaust. That’s plenty of power for a sporty car. Yet, this model remains accessible to a wide range of drivers.
Ranger
Ford has resurrected the Ranger, turning a once-dowdy also-ran into a modern midsize pickup with a comfortable ride and a powerful evil twin in the Ranger Raptor. Its cabin is a standout, offering better passenger comfort than rivals like the Chevy Colorado and Honda Ridgeline.
Standard front cloth bucket seats are comfortable, although taller passengers may wish for more legroom. Higher-spec Rangers get a large infotainment screen, Ford’s Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower-spec models make do with a smaller screen and a simpler version of Sync.
Edge
Ford’s Edge is a midsize SUV that competes with upmarket alternatives such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLC. It offers spacious and comfortable accommodations for up to five people with a brash US-centric exterior design.
Inside, the Edge has big-screen tech but lacks premium appointments that distinguish many of its rivals. Its handling feels bulky and stiff in corners, and even the sporty ST-Line model’s sports suspension isn’t very comfortable over bumps. It’s a good choice for commuting and running errands. The Edge is also a safe pick with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assist technology.
