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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  Repair or replace - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By rsmith45694s - April 6 - 6:41 am

  This car is absolutley a blast to drive. The transmissions seem to be weak, second one in two years but easy to replace had it out in under 2 hours. Brake lines rust through up here. And the rotors are difficult to replace due to hub bolt design as a whole this car is easy to repair I wish I had a whole car lot of them bought it for $200 best thing I ever did. I would not sell it for $2000 now.

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  This car still rocks! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By GARY - April 6 - 12:00 am

  I used to have a 1967 coupe, it was solid, but I really dig this car! I am in the process of upgrading interior, exterior, performance, ( cool air filter, headers, jba exaust system, nw 9 mm spark plug wires.) new 18 inch chromed bullett rims. It is a car I am proud to own, and would recomend to anybody.

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  All Aboard! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By PauL - April 5 - 9:27 pm

  Needed room for 6 people. This one fits the bill perfectly. Comfort is A1. But when the back windows are rolled down, sounds like a freight train and the high pitch humming sound kills your ears. The front end shimmies even with new tires. Really disapointed. Gas miliage stinks too. Seems as though braking could be better.

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  Fun to Drive Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Andy - April 5 - 5:03 pm

  My Legend Lime V6 convertible has been a wonderful experience. I bought it instead of a motorcycle due to 2 little ones at home because it has a back seat. I drove it to Illinois by myself from Minnesota the first week I bought it and put the cruise on with the top down and tunes cranked. I havent had one repair. It is hands down the best value for a sports car! I had 2 69 Stangs growing up and this one hasnt let me down for performance!

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  Awesome Car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By chris - April 5 - 3:09 pm

  My parents bought me this car about 4 years ago. I dont get good gas mileage because I have a heavy foot. The power is great for it being stock. Ive had to change the alternator once, no problems with the engine, changed the o2 sensors, had to taken the stabilizer bars off and replaced. A/C still works. I added a magnaflow exhaust (sounds great), put a sound system in. Im never going to sell this car, I love it. Now Im working on a turbo. The handling is great, a whole lot better than others cars Ive driven.

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  Fusion to the Future - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff1949 - April 5 - 1:36 pm

  Perhaps the greatest thing about this car is that it does it for you. The ergonomics are such that you think that they built the car around you! The seat adjustments were perfect for me and support of my back was spot on! I guess the most important thing that I can say about this car is that the handling is comparable to a race car! I have driven race cars and this car is on par! This car goes through the turns like it is on rails! The feel through the steering wheel is awesome! I have been buying Fords since 1967, and I know quality. If I were you, Id buy a Ford!

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  V8 Lurching Transmission - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Stephen - April 5 - 1:14 pm

  Ive owned a lot of Fords and this is the worst. The V8 with the 6 speed transmission lurches from 1st to 2nd gear and again when slowing it feels like youve been rear ended. Ford has issued a lot of TSBs and none can fix the problem. Dealer wont or cant do anything for you, and Ford is playing the deaf ear. Mines been in the shop 6 times, had a Ford engineer confirm the problem, and they still wont buy the darn thing back. Im going the Lemon Law route to get them to take the lemon back. Too bad for Ford!

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  Quarter of a million miles still OK - 1999 Ford F-150
  By karaokeman - April 5 - 11:29 am

  Bought it new, dealer installed lowering, 2" front, 3" rear, rides great, very fast, comfortable, easy access. Tricked out with $6,000 extras, snug top tonneau cover, air lifts, running boards, pin striping, etc., still get compliments on quality & looks. Never used 100,000 extended warrenty, however R & R differential at 158,000, and R & R radiator at 190,000. Otherwise just routine maintnance. Only disappointment is brakes, low pedal, too much effort, warp at drop of the hat, & early wearout until changed to drilled rotors & ceramic pads at 120,000...should have done this when new. With front end lowered, went through factory & top-of-the-line Big O with 28,000 to 33,000.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By FusionChica - April 5 - 11:10 am

  I love this car! It is faster than my V6 Mustang was! I love all the options it is very luxurious but has the spirit of nascar. When you hit the gas, it goes! I love the sound of the exhaust. This is a super fun car.

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  High Expectations for Expedition - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By chuck54 - April 4 - 10:06 pm

  With my height of seven foot tall obviously I cant drive just any vehicle. Thank goodeness for Ford and the Expedition, its the only vehicle I can comfortably drive my 1,000 miles a week as a salesman.