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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  New Owner - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By TheBoxer - September 14 - 2:00 pm

  Have only driven the car 1,000 miles since purchase in March but very satisfied with its overall quality and speed. The Mustang is a great sports car buy for the money spent compared to others.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2007 Ford Focus
  By SAXTRAIN - September 13 - 5:35 pm

  I find the Focus wagon to be just about the right size for all my needs. It can carry 5 passengers, though the back seat might be a little cramped for large people. With the back seat folded down, it can carry a surprisely big load. It handles nicely in all traffic situations. It has plenty of get-up and go. Merging into expressway traffic is no problem at all. At highway speeds (I tend to have a heavy foot) I average about 32mpg.

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  Nice littler car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Nice little car - September 13 - 11:47 am

  With a few little tweeks I can get About 38-40 mpg on the highway at around 65-75Mph. Its not the fastest car but Its absoulutely the best car for fuel economy and reliability. I put over 33,000 miles on it in 24 months, and it still run great. Road noise is a problem but $350 or less if you do it yourself will fix the problem (Road noise foam or strips).

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  An American Classic - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By NavyDoc - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I get lots of looks and comments at stop lights. Nice acceleration. Incredible sound system. Not too bad gas mileage, all things considered. My mineral grey with black convertible top and black leather interior stang looks great. My main complaint is that, on 3 separate occasions, the gas flow to the engine shut off when I was decelerating with the clutch pushed in - probably a computer chip problem that can be fixed by the dealer at no-cost to me. I plan to keep this car forever, although I will likely be buying a 4-wheel drive Escape for winter driving.

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  Overall Pleased - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 4x4Sport - September 13 - 2:00 am

  For the most part, I have been very pleased with my Sport. It is very nice looking inside and out. GREAT transmission/engine combination. Acceptable fuel economy (avg. ~17mpg in combo driving). Handles great for a SUV, but rides pretty bad - mostly due to the short wheelbase I am sure. Fairly capable offroad. I have three main complaints: too many rattles, too much body flex, and terrible resale value.

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  nice light duty truck or heavy duty car? - 2001 Ford F-150
  By bohunter - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Smooth riding, comfortable. Reasonably quiet. Has developed one rattle in 56,000 miles, in door panel (I think). Had to replace ball joints at 40,000 miles. Accomodates the family very well. Plenty of space in the back seat for the kids. Limited bed space, though, for actual truck use. Overall a good compromise between a truck for work and a car for the family.

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  Original Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Britton Maier - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely awesome vehicle! You cant buy an SUV like this any longer; the new model does not compare to this one.

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  F150 4dr SuperCab - 2005 Ford F-150
  By malibut100 - September 13 - 12:40 am

  I find the vehicle to be very comfortable, and would recommend the vehicle to anyone shopping for a pick up truck

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  Not Very Reliable! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jarred - September 12 - 1:32 pm

  I love my Mustang but I have had so many problems with it I wish I could get rid of it! The first problem was the rear end started leaking at 2,000 miles, fixed. Hood insulation started burning at 2,500, fixed. Trunk popped on its own, fixed after 3 dealer visits. No start or die at idle, dealer cant find a problem. Mustang stripes below doors bubbled up, not fixed! Two weeks ago my car totally died, after fighting with Corporte Ford a week they let the dealer look at it, ignition coil pack fell off, yeah fell off, how in the hell! Car still dies and trembles hard at low RPMs! Oh to top it off Ford gave me a Chevy Cobalt to drive while they fixed mine...Id buy a Cobalt, thats the truth!

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  Ford talk to your consumers - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Jim B. - September 12 - 6:59 am

  Great SUV for the price w/3rd row! ConÂ’s: Poor acceleration 40+. Keyless entry key pad buttons are small. Car makes a loud beep noise when you lock doors. Gas lid does not lock. Only driver side window has auto down option. Lacks passenger side feature no auto up feature. Car mat quality is poor. For a family SUV 3rd row seating has no mat and no option to buy one,. Gas mileage. Lacks front parking- assist sensor option. Engine key lacks keyless remote control integration. When parking itÂ’s hard to see the front passenger side. Noisy when accelerating uphill. No HD radio option. No power following side mirror option. No built in child booster seats. No bike rack option when purchasing the vehicle