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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  I love my van. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Very Satisfied - January 22 - 9:25 pm

  My family of four purchased our Freestar in 2003. We have throughly enjoyed owning it. We have taken several trips and in 40,000 miles we are extremely satisfied. We followed our sons football team all over the state of IL in it. The rear tail gate and fold down rear seat work great. The sliding doors have been a life saver with our 2 year old.

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  Road Cruiser - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By sk8teacher - January 22 - 5:23 pm

  Bought new with most options installed including sport suspension. Used primarily for road trips. At 65mph on interstate highways with cruise control gets 26-29mpg. Good power accelerating to highways speeds, 6-way power seats ensure a comfortable ride. The trunk space is superior, its amazing what you can put in it. The automatic air suspension allows for carrying extreme amounts of stuff while the car stays level and stable. For its size and weight, handling is exceptional.

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  It has been very good to me - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By joel - January 22 - 12:53 pm

  I have owned it for five years. Bought with 96,000 miles, it now has 146,000. I dont expect it to be as new, but it is the best $2600 I have ever spent. Had to replace one ball joint. The 3.0 doesnt have much power but it gets 30 mpg hwy and burns no oil. Also it has only a tiny amount of rust and it is a Wisconsin car. I should get a new car, but why? It owes me nothing and is extremely reliable.

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  Harley Truck 07 4X4 GREAT! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By toms gt - January 22 - 6:44 am

  Great truck had a 04 and loved it as well but the Harley option takes it to another level.

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  Disappointed in Ranger build quality. - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By DJ - January 21 - 8:51 pm

  Purchased 4 cylinder with automatic 07 Ranger based in part on positive reviews. Found truck to have poor build quality with little support from Ford. Makes excessive vibration from exhaust and very loud transmission whine in low gear. Dealer and Ford customer relations say this is normal for this type vehicle. Vehicle in shop 4 times within first month of ownership. Paint on tail gate and bed sides has large metallic runs. Door out of alignment. Ford fix for exhaust vibration is to install clamped on weight on exhaust pipe aft of converter. Fixed door alignment problem. Im afraid to have paint work fixed as the color wont match. Buyers, better due your due diligence before purchase.

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  Rear End Noise - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By panman - January 21 - 2:26 pm

  Rear end started making noise at 36K miles. Went to dealer with 36,600 miles. 600 miles out of warranty. $1200 rear end rebuild. Fought Ford and I paid $300. Started making noise again at 55K miles. Went back to dealer. Only wanted to sell me tires and brakes. I have driven it with noise for the past 50K miles. Ford knows they have a problem and they do not care. Wonder why they are in trouble and not selling cars?

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  F-150 No wonder it is the top seller! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By GSS - January 21 - 1:00 pm

  After 13 months of owning my F-150 SuperCrew I am still excited each time I drive it. It is solid, comfortable, looks great inside and out (even after 13 months with 2 kids).

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  Typical baseline Ford! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Frank Furter - January 20 - 10:44 pm

  Basic gas saver with no frills......poor quality interior with mostly plastic components! Stock Radio is absolutely awful! Good gas saver on the road.

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  Great Fun! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By banderss - January 20 - 9:46 pm

  After driving a Corolla for several years of commuting it was time to get back to a fun car. I owned a 99 Mustang so I know this was what I wanted again. In the past 6 months I have relished in my renewed love affair with this car. You just cant get this kind of performance for the money anymore. Really get on it and you can get the tires spinning even going into 3rd gear...loads of fun!

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Michael Bruer - January 20 - 7:06 pm

  The Ford 500 is one terrific automobile. The AWD handles snow and ice with aplomb and the CVT is a real treat, though it did whistle slightly for the first 1,500 miles. I give very high marks for comfort in front or back and I am over six feet. The sound system is excellent, but the six disc in-dash CD, as with most implementations, is awkward and slow. Overall, I would recommend this car to anyone who is more concerned with substance and value than hot design and blazing acceleration.