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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  At what point should I scrap it? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By C Horton - October 31 - 9:01 pm

  We bought this from German friends who were returning back home. They kept detailed records and had every service done and every repair done imaginable. I figured we should have a good run. We bought it with 80k miles. After 2 1/2 years, with only 98k miles Ive had to repace the transmission. The door locks never quite work and the check engine light goes on every and ever trip to the dealer/service station costs at least $600 to fix it. Im crossing my fingers to get six more months out of it as the inspection comes up at that time. Im fed up with all of the maintance costs for this poorly designed vehicle. Ford dealerships love all of the high margin work they get from this car.

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  Top of the heap! - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Seminole61 - October 31 - 3:15 pm

  This Bronco outperforms the Jimmy I had by a long shot. I live in the woods in MS 4.75 miles from black top. A lot of mud, creeks and hills. Havent had to do much of anything to it. Love the ride, clearence and power. This 5.8 is much better than the GM 5.7. My daughters Jeep cant keep up on road or in the mud. And a Dodge cant make it out here.

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  Quiet Ride - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Max - October 31 - 3:09 pm

  My 2007 Explorer rides very well, the seats are comfortable, and the interior noise is minimal. The driver buttons/controls are well laid out. The tan leather seats look dirty after six months, and the leather does not continue into the rear pockets in the seat backs. The V8 drives nicely, and the transmission is very smooth, except when coming to a stop, where it jerks forward and makes a clunking sound when from 2nd to 1st gear. The dealer recalibrated the transmission...issue is not resolved at this time.

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  Wagons are Back! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By RMN in NOLA - October 31 - 5:36 am

  This is a very underrated wagon. It is cheaper than most but has almost everything you need.

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  F 150 Super Crew - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Steve Melton - October 30 - 11:13 pm

  Good overall truck, nice interior with leather captain chairs with floor shifter and console. Build quality is so far been outstanding. Much stiffer ride than 2001 F150 I traded. Dealer easy to work with

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  Rolands Ford Five Hundred Review - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Roland - October 30 - 10:40 pm

  I love the comfort, look and feel the car. It is large and has plenty of rear seat and trunk space. The interior is ordinary, nothing unique about it, but comfortable. The seats sit high. The acceleration from a stand still leaves a lot to be desired. Acceleration for passing at road speeds in good. The blessing to the 203 hp engine is the gas mileage. Ive been averaging 23ish in the city, not bad! All in all I am happy with the car.

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  Expedition - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Matt - October 30 - 7:05 pm

  This is my 4th Expedition. 6 spd auto is fantastic, this has tow pkg, geared lower than previous models, city mpg lower, but highway mpg higher. 18 easy, almost 20 if careful. This also has a lot more features included at a lower price than my last 2004.

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By sgallagh - October 30 - 11:39 am

  Not impressed with the cheap tires I had to replace after 25,000 miles. Brakes have been replaced twice within first two years. Just took it in for its 30,000 mile maintenance and had to pay $600 for the parts and labor. Seems like Im always needing to take it in to have somthing checked out whether its alignment or brakes. For a car that was rated well by Consumer Reports, I am not all that impressed by the Focus. I was hesitant to buy a Ford but took the chance. Not sure Im happy I did. The "fun" aspects of the car dont make up for its flaws.

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  My Dream Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jen - October 30 - 11:16 am

  All my life I wanted a Mustang, and Im glad I waited till now to buy it. The mix of the old body style, in and out sold me on this model. Handles like a sports car should, road hugging smooth that pulls threw any curve. Power is more than enough, there may be faster, but I dont see people breaking their necks to look at the grandma styled competitors. Going top down is an experience everyone should have. From 6 to 6o year olds, Ive had them all point and compliments abound.

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  One of Fords best cars yet - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By akirby - October 30 - 10:26 am

  So far Ive had 5000 trouble free miles. The V6 has plenty of power for a FWD vehicle - its as quick as my V8 Lincoln LS. The steering is nicely weighted and very precise with a Germanic feel. The handling is superb but not too harsh. The interior is one of Fords best to date. The exterior is striking and really stands out. Tungsten grey is one of my all time favorite colors. In the sunlight it almost looks like granite. The audiophile stereo sounds ok but not fantastic, even with 8 speakers. Rear visibility is hampered by the tall rear deck but that also gives you a huge trunk.