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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  Great truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Dave in Raleigh - April 9 - 10:01 am

  Its the price/performance ratio that got me. I wanted towing capacity and 4WD, and got such a great deal, I couldnt pass it up. Got tired of snooty foreign dealers who wouldnt deal. Thanks to them, I got an excellent truck - it rides great for a commute, or when I tow the boat. I dont need sportscar acceleration- its a truck!

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  Crown Vic LX Sport - a great car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By EddieJay - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great vehicle to own. Potential buyers should be a aware that youre looking at a car that has the same chasis, engine, and trans as a Town Car and its about $14K less. It performs exceptionally well and its overall comfort is exceptional. There has been some criticism of the fuel economy. 20-22 MPG is very acceptable with a V-8 that performs so well

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  Excellent Truck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Ecotec02Cav - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is My second Ranger....Coming from a 86 2wd 4cyl 5 spd to a 03 4x4 4.0l 5sp auto........Very comfortable and powerful!! as it says it is built FORD TUFF....I would reccomend this truck to anyone!

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  Great family car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By nj reviewer - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is so versatile as a family vehicle. It has as much cargo space as most SUVs and it is far more economical to run. The roof racks and large trunk make any vacation or camping trip a breeze. The ride is quiet yet firm and it is great fun to drive. I am impressed with the general build quality of this vehicle (a definite improvement for Ford). Another plus is the excellent sound system that comes standard and the handy storage bins and cupholders provided.

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  Back to Funtown! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By ScottG - April 9 - 9:55 am

  I traded my 05 Acura TL w/ 30k for this 07 GT w/ 7.5k straight-up. Says a lot about Honda/Acura resale vs. Ford. My TL was flawless in 3yrs so I hope the Stang does as well. The comparo. is apples/oranges but things Ill miss are made up for w/ the style, power and my love for Pony Fords.(got a 70 conv.)Ride is stiff or course, but handles like its on rails. So solid it feels like it has been carved from stone. Impressive! Big car, Im 66" and have plenty of head/legroom. Check back in a year to see if Im still in love. If so I may have to trade up to the Glasstop fastback coming ion 09.

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  Ford on Edge of Success - 2008 Ford Edge
  By ikebhm - April 8 - 11:50 pm

  This car is great. Pleasantly surprised after reading middling reviews from Consumer Reports and other car rags. The 3.5 engine is strong and economical, vista roof is a delight and the Sync system sold the deal. Sync is easy to use and set up and has USB to connect ipod for charging and full integration. Voice commands actually work. Heard about poor braking but have not found this is an issue, in everyday driving it goes and stops effortlessly. Getting about 25 mpg highway and 19 in town.

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  2008 Stang GT - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Stevie - April 8 - 11:34 pm

  This is one fun car to drive, I traded in a BMW 330 ci convertible. The quality if not of a BMW but, its also half the price. For the money the Mustang is the best deal out there. I owned a lot of Mustangs in the past, and you cant compre this one to the past stangs, the performace is outstanding. The old school look was very smart, if Ford keeps this good work up, I might even buy Ford stock.

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  Fun and, so far, reliable - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By TCSoff - April 8 - 11:04 pm

  Bought with 7k miles, now at 26k, no major problems, just the same tail lamp keeps burning out. All-city driving yields terrible gas mileage, but cruising on hwy at 70mph, I get 28mpg easy. Installed AirAid conical air filter which made huge difference in throttle response, power and exhaust note. In 2nd gear at 3000 rpm, watch out! Very fast. Full-size luggage can fit in trunk, something most convertibles cant boast. Stereo is amazingly powerful, even on hwy w/roof down. Brakes could be better. Bumpy roads reveal rattles and looseness mainly in windows & roof. But for combo of V8 power, stick-shift control, topless motoring, mega- style and storage space, theres no competition at all.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kim - April 8 - 10:50 pm

  Previously owned a 98 mustang - the 05 puts it in the dust! Loving every minute behind the wheel of this sweet ride. This car is a real head turner.

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  Tires - 2003 Ford Focus
  By crap - April 8 - 10:40 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage but has cost me a fortune in tires. I bought the ZTW focus 2.0l 5sp wagon new and it no has 88,000 mi on it. I get no more than 15,000 mi out of a set of 15" tires whether cheap or expensive (back have gotten as little a 10K). Called Ford up they said "never heard of that before" but yet supplies my dealer w/ alignment kits to try and cure. Struts blew at 10k . On 3rd set of rear seat belts. Rear latch changed under recall- new latch worse-latch sometimes opens when hit bump-things fall out. Can no longer read LCD #s on blaupunct radio. Dashboard different color than rest of plastics. ps pump leak at 30k.