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:

• 

  Cheap and good mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By roper-girl - November 4 - 7:26 pm

  Had car for about 3 months. Great affordable car with good mileage. I get 32 town and 35 highway driving 60 MPH. Lots of road noise, having transmission concerns. Visually appealing design inside and out. Much better quality and ride than other comparable vehicles in its class. Would recommend if you are looking for a really affordable new car that gets decent mileage.

• 

  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Green - November 4 - 3:46 pm

  After owning this truck for just over two years, I am loyal to Ford. I really like the performance and handling of the truck. It is a sharp looking vehicle, as well. I would buy again, except I plan on upgrading to an F-150 or better.

• 

  I love my 05 Mustang! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steve - November 4 - 11:46 am

  Just turned 1,000 miles on my 05 V6 Mustang. Acceleration and braking are great, as is the 5-speed auto trans. The car is very responsive and controllable, but the rear end can scoot sideways on you a bit when cornering fast on rough pavement. The solid rear axle handles differently then independent suspension, but the car is a blast to drive. The sound of the engine/exhaust is deep and so nice you will keep the radio off. The interior is comfortable and very cool looking. I highly recommend the interior upgrade package. The extra chrome, computer, gauges, My Color, and skid plates are worth twice the upgrade cost. The engineering and build quality of this vehicle is outstanding.

• 

  some problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By wayne - November 4 - 5:00 am

  nice car to ride in and drive, but have had problem. rt rear brake hung up wearing out entire brake assembly at 28000 mi. now, today found out rt front bearing/axle assembly wore out. cost over 500 $. these things should not wear out this soon under normal driving. now have 38800 miles and glad i purchased extended warranty.

• 

  This is one AWESOME Truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By AWESOME Truck! - November 3 - 11:05 pm

  I just bought this truck about a week ago, and LOVE driving it! So far, my only complaint is the fuel economy (14 city, 17 highway...not too bad for a full size truck I guess!). This should get better as the engine breaks in - Im still under 1,000 miles on the odometer. I opted for the King Ranch F150, 2WD, SuperCrew, equipped with a sunroof & the 20" wheels. It feels like a very solid truck on the road, yet fits into the garage. It drives like a dream on the highway. It is very nicely appointed on the inside & out, and the King Ranch Castano leather is second to none! I HIGHLY recommend this truck to anyone who appreciates really nice trucks (my wife loves it too!).

• 

  Modded 92 GT hatch - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Mike M - November 3 - 9:16 pm

  This is the best and nicest car Ive owned to date. Sure, it has a few upgrades, but thats also what makes this car amazing. It has an incredibly large aftermarket that supplies Mustang enthusiasts with high quality yet affordable parts. My GT came with: Cobra intake manifold/Cobra 65mm throttle body, headers, catted h pipe, catback, lowered, welded subframe connectors, upper/lower HD rear control arms, Tokiko shocks, short throw shifter, HD clutch, 3.55 gears, MSD 6A ignition, more. These mods made it handle like its on rails, and beat EVOs and SRT-4s whenever I feel like it.

• 

  Work truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dale - November 3 - 8:08 pm

  This is a good overall truck, with the exception of the bed. The tailgate will not handle very much weight at all. 100 12 1x4s bent the heck out my tailgate, cant even shut it now. Ford refused to do anything for me. It is obvious to me these trucks are geared more towards SUV status than work trucks anymore.

• 

  5 stars...out of 100 - 1997 Ford Escort
  By snowdozer - November 3 - 4:59 pm

  This car is a piece of junk. We went through not just one, but two cars: 97 Escort wagon, white. Same problem: the engine seized! Oil level was checked religiously. All preventative maintenance done. Welcome to the Ford family! Have I mentioned that this car is a piece of junk? Propriety prevents me from properly conveying my complete and heartfelt disgust at this putrid broken-down bucket of bolts. I would love to level both barrels of my indignation at the pinhead engineers that designed this car. Have I mentioned that this car is a piece of junk? Treat yourself right for once and DONT buy this money-burning horror show! Not one but TWO cars, both donation material now

• 

  06 Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Harold - November 3 - 3:46 pm

  I never expected such a big, comfortable car to be so economical. 22mpg city, 29 highway. Handles great and its built like a bank vault. Solid and rattle-free after 20K miles. I am completely satisfied.

• 

  Fantastic Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Happy Ford Owner - November 3 - 8:41 am

  A great truck. I get 18 MPG around town which is fantastic for a full size truck. I have 55,000 miles on it & been to dealer only once for a tire wear issue. They aligned and gave me 2 new tires at 12,000 miles. Rides and handles great, seats are comfortable. The 4.6 engine has plenty of power. I am thinking of trading for a 2007 Crew Cab. My 6+ sons have outgrown the back seat.