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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  Giddy up horsey! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tess - October 22 - 5:43 pm

  We never thought wed love a car the way we do! Our 2006 is a dream to drive. The V6 is more than enough horsepower under the hood. She zips around just fine and hugs a corner like like a cozy cup hugs a beer! DAILY we get compliments on her. I wish we had a quarter for every one weve received. The only negative is the gas mileage. However, we believe it might have a lot to do with the WAY we drive it too. We wouldnt hesitate to recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  2010 F-150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By cjj - October 22 - 5:23 pm

  I recently changed jobs and had my previous companies truck taken away, 07 F-150. I drove all four major brands of truck and decided upon the Ford. So far it has been an excellent choice. Ford has done a tremendous improvement on the interior compared to the previous generation. It is a much nicer truck on the inside compared to GM, Toyota and Dodge.

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  Misunderstood Vehicle - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By K.C. Courier - October 22 - 2:59 am

  I am a courier and have used this vehicle for 7 years. Upkeep has been low for a very heavy demand car. Gas mileage is still very close to 40mpg on mainly a city driving route. AC is excellent but has required upkeep. Visibility is excellent with higher clearance. Speed to 70 mph is comfortable but gets rough past that. The Aspire is cheap to purchase and operate. You must maintain this vehicle with proper care - if you do it will take good care of you. Do not allow transmission fluid or engine oil to get low. Front axles are cheap and should be maintained. At 198,000 I have not had to do any major engine work. This little car still hums and with the 5 speed my acceleration is fine.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By patricia dunn - October 21 - 11:16 pm

  I have never spoken with more strangers or had more people talk cars with me than when I started driving this 05 Mustang GT convertible last year. It has called for so much attention because of its incredible beauty! It has awesome power and iI never fear pulling out at intersections anymore because NOW I KNOW I can make the turn without getting in someones way. I GO! "She goes!" Entering and exiting military posts has guards drooling over this gorgeous retro Stang. With the top down, folks pull up beside me and start chatting about it. I just wish I had bought this earlier in the year to enjoy it longer!

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  Aerostar still going strong - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Aeroman1 - October 21 - 8:59 pm

  This van I consider to be one of the lowest maintenance & highest reliability vehicles that I have owned. I drove it 235000 kms on 1 set of plugs. It starts in temps from +30 to - 30 *c, I have had 9 passengers + full camping equipment & loaded 15 foot fiberglass boat & trailer on a 1000km round trip, the van never missed a beat! The v6 Vulcan engine is incredible, I think it will outlast my next vehicle too ( Ford Escape). It has achieved almost 40 kms/imperial gallon on a highway run. Look after this van & I reckon it will look after you. Smashing vehicle, if I could get a new one I would def buy one.

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  2011 Crown Vic - 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
  By deep_southwest - October 21 - 3:36 pm

  From the first gen mustang, the full size Bronco, the 90s taurus, the 7.3 diesel powerstroke, and now the Crown Victoria; Ford has developed a reputation for killing the winners...Why Ford didnt throw a couple bucks into an updated interior, along with exploring options such as offering this vehicle with the newer Ecoboost and Coyote V-8 engines will forever be a mystery.

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  5.0L Mustang - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By bennsanford - October 21 - 3:40 am

  Great car. I own a 2006 Mercedes Benz and it does not compare to my 1990 Ford Mustang GT. Awesome power, for a great price. A thrill to drive, with a ton of aftermarket parts to choose from for top performance.

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  Only a bit shy of perfect! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Gary - October 21 - 12:20 am

  Ive driven Explorers and 1 Mountaineer since 94, about 600,000 miles altogether, you might say I liked them. This is definitey the next thing. Ill admit to driving around 70-75 mph far more than the cops would like, and am getting 28.3 - 29.7 mpg. Its very comfortable, and I love driving a hybrid and still have awd, 4 seats and doors, some cargo space, an actual suv, yknow! -I think (hope) that Fordll notch things up a bit in the next couple model years. Mine will kill the engine and then restart it 10 sec later (or even less!) regularly. You/it must start the engine to use the car. In this century all cars need locking fuel doors (actually they always should have had them)

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  I love my Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By K. Hegmegee - October 20 - 7:04 pm

  I drive 50 miles a day and my Escape is wonderful. I has a cool sporty growl and is a practical mom bus. Mud? No, problem. I wish I had a lumbar support but otherwise my next car will most likely be another Escape just fancier.

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  Update after 33,000 miles - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ken - October 20 - 12:40 am

  I like my Escape less now than when I first purchased it. I dont know if my problems are isolated or if other vehicles have the same issues. The heated seats stay warm only minutes after being turned on. The seats warm quickly but then fade to cool within about 5 minutes. The air conditioning system is a joke. When both driver and passenger sides are set to the same temperature, the passenger side, will blow 8 degrees warmer than the drivers side...but only sometimes. Also, the system can be set at 72 degrees and blow hot but can also blow cold when set to 76. Its frustrating. I think the a/c system may be bipolar. The dealer says the technology is in the motor...hes right.