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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  It could be better, what is up with Ford - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Toni - June 29 - 11:01 pm

  It was an OK car. No major repairs, but I guess I was lucky. I have another Taurus that was a lemon. I will never buy Taurus or Ford again. I hoped Ford could improve it rather than make it less reliable.

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  Good buy for the money - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Donna - June 29 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car back in February of 2005, when the car I was driving at the time suddenly dropped dead. Im a little upset that I didnt get in on the "family deal" & get a few thousand dollars off of the car. But I had no choice. I needed a car. I went to the dealership and pretty much looked for the cheapest cars they had. I was very surprised at what I got for my money. Actually a great little car. Great sound system, very fast pickup, pretty good gas mileage (except when you run the air conditioner -- it sucks up the gas). Huge trunk, back seats fold down. Had to talk the salesman into giving me an ashtray out of another car.

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  Definitely a performance tuner - 1994 Ford Probe
  By PrbAdctn - June 28 - 11:26 pm

  One of the best cars IÂ’ve ever had. Definitely a fun tuner. Currently running about 320hp with the KLZE engine, twin turbo with 2.5 intercooler, polished headers and a Borla dual exhaust system (and thatÂ’s the big parts). Not very roomy under the hood but relocating a few things makes up just fine. Great car to have and my gas mileage is still decent (about 23mpg). HavenÂ’t found any problems yet and you wonÂ’t as long as you know how to take care of it. Interior is nice. IÂ’m 62 and IÂ’m never uncomfortable. Highly suggest this car if you come across one thatÂ’s still in good shape. Very fun to drive

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  Updated review - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have now had this car for 7 months, and I have some more thoughts on this car that may be helpful. I still agree with many of my other positive feelings associated with the car, but I have become disenchanted with a few items. The engine is sluggish; it needs more pep. But the aspect that aggravates me the most is the poor gas mileage. I average 20 miles/gallon. This may be good for some consumers, but I came from a car that was averaging 28, and with our gas prices today, this is a big turn around.

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  Luv My Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WVJim - June 28 - 3:53 pm

  I just bought a used Lariat Crew 4X4. I love it! It handles like a car, much better turning radius than any other truck Ive driven. I feel confident when I buckle my kids in the back seat that they are safe! I think my wife loves it more than I do.

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  Not worth it! - 1991 Ford Probe
  By mike - June 28 - 12:02 am

  2.2l auto-trans. I bought the car in 1994 w/ 47k miles. I preformed full tune-ups on the car every 12k miles and changed the oil every 3k miles, timing belt and everything else. Despite this, The Probe was a nightmare. I had to replace both front axles twice, the transmission went out at 75k, the a/c went-out at 85k. Every mechanic said it was an $800 or more fix. When the car hit 110k the engine became tired and the mileage went down to 22mpg on the highway. Finally, the clearcoat started to fade and chip. I traded it in for a Dodge in 2001.

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  Good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By vbchick - June 27 - 4:24 pm

  I have had my car for about a month. Overall the car is great. It gets great gas mileage and is a great little car for me. I am 61" and fit pretty good. There is lots of head and leg room. Other cars I sat in my legs hit the steering wheel, but in the Focus the adjustable up/down feature of the seat gives me lots of room. Overall this is a great car.

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  Not enough leg room driver side - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Piere - June 27 - 2:50 pm

  Fun to drive, but for a 62" i need 3- 4" to adjust the driver seat back. Major design fault, the seat can not be adjusted back far enough, so most tall guys can forget buying this car.

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  I love my Focus SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SunGirlAmber - June 27 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this car used, I am so glad I purchased the extended warranty though. Over all the car is great and fun but repairs and parts are pricey.

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  Only Drive Fords - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Kris - June 27 - 9:15 am

  I purchased this vehicle after owning an Explorer for about 4 years. I wanted something a little bigger to haul kids, friends, dogs. Explorer didnt have 3rd seat yet. I love this car. Weve driven it a long time for family trip, etc. including 2 large dogs. I love this car, its just time to start looking for something newer and with a 3rd seat that folds in instead of has to be taken out (very heavy).