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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  Great little wagon - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Rod - June 26 - 8:33 pm

  Bought this car new in 1998. As of June 2011, it has 193,000 miles on it. Only failing were the rear springs at 150K in 2005. Regular maintenance and regular (3K interval) oil changes. Starting to show its age (some rust), but still gets 29-32 mpg to/from work in mixed highway city driving.

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  Ford is now a global force - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By bill davis - June 26 - 2:25 pm

  I traded in my 2006 (Pony Package) Mustang on this new one. There is no comparison between the two cars. The stiffness of the frame, the handling the BlueTooth Sync, the peppiness and the quality of fit and finish all say Alan Mullali and his crew have made the turn. They can compete Globally without apology. It is as if the two cars were made by different companies. Ford engineers have taken the best from Asia, Silicon Valley, Germany, Italy and Aerospace and incorporated them into Ford products- especially this Mustang. Bill Ford put Alan Mullali in charge and gets high praise for his choice.

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  Keeps on runnin! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Scorp67 - June 26 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this truck used with about 40,000 miles on it. Ten years later I have over 261,000 miles and its still running great. I have had to put a couple thousand into it but nothing major. Clutch, tires, brakes, etc. I am NOT good at getting the oil changed but that hasnt slowed it down any. Definitely have gotten my moneys worth AND MORE out of this truck. I plan on driving it until it wont drive anymore and then give it a dignified funeral! :)

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  Loving it! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Austin - June 25 - 11:21 pm

  To be honest I never thought I would have purchased a ford in my life. I just got this car almost 7 months ago and after driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse for the last 4 years i was very surprised on how much I love this car. Not only does it drive better than Cadillac cts (less boat like), which I test drove before getting this, but you really get your moneys worth. Although I do miss having the speed and cutting the corners that my coupe offered, this car really handles very nice and looks sharp. I will never go back to Mitsubishi now and really feel that ford is making quite a comeback. Ive had no trouble at all. It is built strong and see it lasting quite a long time.

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  Love This Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By chuck - June 25 - 9:26 am

  I purchased new in August 1997 to replace 2003 SHO. Fun to drive, a tenth of a second slower than SHO in 1/4 mile. Runs even with current 5.0 Mustangs. Looks great, gets a lot of attention. Have had no mechanical problems just regular maintenance. No service issues. Used as second vehicle. This was an early model year vehicle so it has dual exhaust and trim items cost reduced out in later 1968 SE and performance packages. It is on its third set of premium tires, maybe due to driver style. Never thought of selling it until I drove the new SHO but it will still be a tough decision.

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  Very strong small truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By eric - June 25 - 6:52 am

  Owned this truck a few years it is strong has about 16ok miles. This truck is stronger than alloy of full sized with plenty of power. My only complaint is the seats are not very comfortable the metal in the seats is poorly located and covered. I expect this truck to last a long time. Air conditioning and heat on this vehicle is top of the line.

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  Ok - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Antonio - June 24 - 12:01 pm

  Traded in a 2006 Mustang for this Escape. This is a nice family SUV. But if youre a single guy like myself and have a sports car and thinking about trading in your sports car for this SUV, dont do it. I miss my Mustang like crazy. But getting used to the Escape. Nice looking SUV but power isnt so great. But like I said, my old car was a Mustang and I miss the power.

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  Meh - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joey - June 24 - 8:02 am

  Coming from a Grand Prix GT (3.8 V6) I am getting the same mileage in the city as I am in the SLOWcus (~23 mpg city). Seems to be reliable though. Trunk unlock is a PITA. Lifetime air filter. Sporty kinda. Get blinker & steering wheel controls confused. Ceiling compartment (sunshades, garage door) blocks part of view from rear view mirror if your tall (6 ft).

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  Nice people hauler - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By 3kids&adog - June 22 - 10:07 pm

  We bought this van used with about 17,000 miles. It has cloth bench seats and an optional factory overhead DVD player. Has been quite reliable so far. Now has 113,000 or so miles, and has developed a bit of a miss, maybe even transmission shudder, but the dealer says it just need a tune up. Good value, Ill post again after the tune-up.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By angie - June 22 - 8:49 pm

  I bought the freestyle after driving an expedition to save on gas. It is really good on gas I get 27 mpg on highway in traffic. Plenty of room no repairs have been needed after 50,000 miles.