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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  Fun little work-a-bout - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By truck-guy - June 9 - 11:11 pm

  This is my third Ranger and all were purchased used. I like the Ranger and this one has not dissapointed me. I must say the previous owners took good care of this truck, I got a bargain when I found it. My own loot at it followed by my friendly mechanics evaluation confirmed that this rig is in top shape. I like the 4.0L V-6, it has plent of power for fairly heavy hauling and medium towing.

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  Big PT - 2016 Ford Transit Connect
  By Backporch Music - June 9 - 10:07 pm

  After 5 PT Cruisers wasnt sure what would replace our long time preference when it was discontinued. Easy access with wide doors and right-height sitdown seats coupled with room for second limited ability passenger PLUS two Rollator walkers make the Transit Connect BETTER than the 20 different makes and models we checked. The seating arrangement for 3 or four is better for us than the limited (2) seating in out NV200. The easy fold or remove seats enable use of ALL space behind front seats with plenty of tie down locations. Gas mileage isnt impressive, but since we travel short distances, it is less consequential. Proximity alarms take getting used to and when the radio cuts out, it isnt obvious that its caused by the sensors because youre getting close (in the garage) even when its intentional. Like every new vehicle, there are so many bells and whistles that youll be discovering surprise capabilities until the day you trade for you next vehicle.

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  Have Focus will travel - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dan - June 9 - 4:40 pm

  I have had my Focus since Thanksgiving of 2001. Over the past few years the car has been pretty solid transportation for me. I live in Cleveland OH, so it has been through some serious weather. The car handles pretty good in snow with the front wheel drive. I can only speak for the ZTS model on this , but the car has pretty good pick up for a four cyl. It eccelerates nicely while mergining on the highway. I did have a recall on the door latches, which was no big deal. I did get an oil leake around 83,000 miles. It turned out to be a valve cover gaskett. It cost me $35 from Ford for the gaskett. I do have some rust forming around the Ford logo below the spoiler. My grade: B, a reliabl car

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  I waited for this - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By C. Evans - June 9 - 7:56 am

  I actually waited for a two seat sports type car that had room in the front seat. The bird has as much room as I need. Also it is a head turner. Everwhere I go someone says something or points to it.

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  Transmission and brake pedal problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By NotAFordFan - June 9 - 3:23 am

  This is my wifes car, and she is happier than I am. Im 62", 275# and I find the seat lacks back support on long drives. My major problems are the transmission and the brake/gas pedals. We got the 6 speed with FWD for the mileage. Im used to being able to use engine braking by using a lower gear in my car. This is not an option with the Five Hundred. We had some very hot brakes coming back down from the mountains. With my size 13 feet, I find the pedals too close together both laterally and vertically. With the spongy feel of the brakes, Ive found myself pushing down on both pedals at the same time at stop lights. I was thinking about the Freestyle for me, but not with these problems.

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  Ripped Off! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Ripped Off - June 8 - 4:40 pm

  We bought our Windstar as an upgrade from a Honda Accord, only because thats all that we could get financed for, unfortunately! From day one, the "door ajar" arlam constantly goes off and the dome lights dont turn off. No mechanic can seem to figure out how to fix the door ajar problem. Weve had a "clunk" sound coming from the front end since day one as well, we cant find the problem. The AC cuts out all the time, our brakes squeel even when brand new....We paid a little over $9200 for this vehicle and will never buy another Ford again!This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  What a joke this thing is and continues to be.Not - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Georg - June 8 - 11:35 am

  What a massive screw up ford made her...Shame on Ford for producing such a poorly designed Car The car would be better if their was some room inside, a VW Bug has more interior room. Plus this Tranny even after its so called fix sound like a Carton of tin cans or a bad sounding wind chime. .At freeway speeds it is stable but the quality of the ride is so poor. If youre single and need a cheep car then its ok. But dont buy it new you will loose way to much money on that deal buy a 2 or 4 year old. Cabin filter replacement can cost you as much as 120.00 due to the stupidity of Ford where they placed it extraordinarily poor designe All in all not one of Fords better ideas, But they think its cheep so lets sell it to the Unsuspecting public. I would not recommend this Car to anyone who has a Partner and rides in the car. A/C is so so at best Radio another not so bright idea, Mirror lights, wait till you have to change a bulb. What a Stupid design this is. My view of Ford after owning this Car is extraordinary poor

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  The best value in trucks! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Justin Rempe - June 8 - 10:05 am

  This truck is far and away the best overall value when it comes to full size pickup trucks. You get more towing capacity and interior volume than any other truck out there when comparing total statistics and capability vs. the price paid. Toyota and Nissan also build great trucks, but option them so heavily that its impossible to get the same level of value. The only close comparison to this truck is the Chevrolet/GMC twin, and it lacks a bit in the towing and interior space department, as well as falling behind in the incentives category. Fords F150 is reliable, handles well, gets decent mileage and is very comfortable. You cannot go wrong with this vehicle!

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  2003 ZX3 with PZEV - 2003 Ford Focus
  By micweb - June 8 - 10:00 am

  PZEV = 2.3L, 14ohp engine. Excellent handling, spacious cabin, easy to operate controls, comfortable seats, and a supple ride. Best seller in Europe, just another compact car over here makes for some great bargain shopping. Only three negatives: rear passenger windows are small and make lane changes tricky; and both window cranks and door locks operate in the "wrong" direction (not an issue on power models). But, the sound system is great, with standard CD on all models and MP3 on above Base models.

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  WOW! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By deeedeee - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Had my mind set on the Saturn Vue. Also drove the CR-V, Outlander and Rendevous. Nothing compares for power, options and comfort in this price range as far as I am concerned. I got a 201 HP engine, moonroof, 4WD, 6-disc changer and power seats, and ABS all for the same price as I would have paid for the FWD V6 with no extras in the VUE. I love my new truck.