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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  Best Mustang Ever - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By edorgon - July 20 - 9:45 am

  First had a 67, and of course regret ever getting rid of it. Bought this as a leftover in December 06 for a steal, loaded with rebates, dealer concessions, etc. Best buy in a car ever. Solid as a rock. Fast, and the sweetest engine rumble. Handles exceptionally well, and goes almost as quick as my supercharged 01 Jag XKR. Rougher, more raw power, but it adds to fun. Amazingly solid for a conv. A truly fantastic value with auto, premium everything, etc. Great car. Tempts me to get rid of my Jag and match this conv with an 08 fully loaded GT coupe!

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  Ford got it right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BB - July 20 - 4:50 am

  Whats not to like? The car is roomy, the ride is very smooth, the steering is quick and I get 29 mpg with regular gas. As for performance, I traded a Lincoln LS Sport V6 and the Five Hundred feels just as quick. I like the looks of the car, especially from the side but my gray SE interior is kind of plain compared to my friends much more expensive Five Hundred Limited. People that get in my car are amazed at the rear seat room. My car has the CVT transmission and Ive always seen 28 - 29 mpg in the 4,000 mile that Ive driven the car (usually 65 mph or more with the A/C on).

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  Good truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By ARFER - July 20 - 1:37 am

  The 07 Ford F150 is a very well built truck. This is my 3rd Ford truck. My first one came out of the oil fields and it took a lot of abuse. It had 167000 on it when I was done with it and was still running strong. I can tell you the 07 is built a lot better than that truck. So I have high expectations for it. This truck is not going to win any quarter miles, but it will pull, which is what you want in a truck. It is a heavy brute with the comfort of a luxury vehicle. I read the reviews on the 07 before I bought it. Some complained about acceleration. I did not think it was bad at all from taking off. It could use a little more at higher speeds, but trust me, the rest of the truck will out weigh this. If you want to race, buy the Mustang. Low end torque trumps.

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  Love our Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By artphelps - July 19 - 7:07 pm

  Most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. Great car. Sorry it is no longer made. Had a power steering whine or moan that was due to a crack in the reservoir, low cost to fix.

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  Best handling car, ever! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ksmith - July 19 - 6:31 pm

  I absolutely love this car! I received this car as a gift, and the first thing that came to my mind was, oh no a Ford. But once I took it around the block, my view about the car changed completely. Has plenty of power (more than BMW 318i), stops on a dime, very comfortable with a spacious, quiet interior. The car is very solid, when I close the doors it shuts with an air tight thump like that of a Mercedes or Volvo. If I had to sum up this car in one word it would have to be responsive. I have driven a BMW M5 before and my Focus is tighter and handles better than the BMW. My Focus saved my life a few times thanks to its perfect handling! I have driven Hondas and I would take the Focus!

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  An Okay SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Al - July 19 - 6:01 pm

  Dont get me wrong I love my Explorer but I have had problems with the transmission when putting it into reverse - the engine produces a big bang noise. Ford claims that they cant replicate the problem although other Explorer owners have told me they deal with the same problem. Another problem that I face is when I fill up the cars tank, the fuel indicator dosent respond and sometimes looks like a clock moving all over the place ^_^ im trading it in.

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  Reliable van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By nymetfan - July 19 - 3:47 pm

  Engine is a bit crude, gas mileage is poor (16-18 mpg), but it has been a reliable, reasonably comfortable, safe family vehicle. Not a single mechanical failure in the 60000 miles weve driven it, and it now has 85000 miles on it. A refreshing change in reliability from our 97 Caravan.

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  Sloppy Transmission - 2007 Ford Escape
  By rockdoggy - July 19 - 11:08 am

  Blazing Copper: Great looking vehicle, good ergonomics except the arm rest/center console and cup holders. My wife cannot use because it is too far back. Gas mileage not as good as sticker suggests, about 19-22 with 50/50 highway/city driving. Transmission can sometimes jerk into gear. Also when needing to merge on freeway its like breaking then jerking into gear. Need to work on that. It is as if the vehicle has trouble deciding which gear it wants. Handling is great, tight turning radius, easy to park and lots of room.

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  Cracked Radiator - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Paul - July 19 - 6:54 am

  With Less than 30,000 miles, had to get it towed twice and went through 2 cracked radiators. Not happy

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  2003 Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By w. sick - July 18 - 7:53 am

  This has been a reliable and totally trouble free vehicle with lots of both passenger and load carrying capacity.