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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  Ford is a Ford is a Ford - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Elderchuck - September 3 - 8:56 pm

  Tie rods go out too often or am I driving it too hard? Acceleration is great, AC takes way too much and Ford knows best and wont let you turn the compressor off while leaving the fan on. Seats could be more comfortable are good for about an hour. Stiff shifter needs lubing too often. Best thing car goes fast and gets 34 MPG. Brakes too light for car.

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  Freestyle Hits the Mark - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kevin - September 3 - 8:33 pm

  Our kids are now as big as us! We needed a car (not a van) that would fit all of us and occasionally more. We traded in a large 4-Door Chevy pickup that had plenty of room, but the V-8 was gobbling up more than the kids and it REALLY rode like a truck (well, duh!). We bought the AWD Limited with everything on it. All the automotive reviews moan about how underpowered the Freestyle is, but I can tell you it has plenty of power, especially in the 50- 70 passing range, when you really need it. The CVT tranny is incredibly smooth and the AWD keeps you glued to the road. I dont know if any car can truly be all-purpose, but this comes close. For those who want more acceleration - Buy a Mustang GT

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  Phat GT Ragtop - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Phat Ragtop! - September 3 - 6:19 pm

  Have waited a long time to find a ragtop which was not driven into the ground by a youthful driver. If you are lucky enough to find one as I did, adult owned by only 2 owners, it is a GREAT car to drive and performance is very good!

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  HOT 05 GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ken - September 3 - 12:20 pm

  Outstanding, could not find a better car so I bought it. I would do it over again and again. A far out automobile.

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  Loves this car conditionally - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Ives - September 3 - 2:59 am

  I went to the Explorer Limited after having a MKX. What I like about the Explorer is the light steering, the room with all the seats down, and the third power folding row seating. I have the two seat configuration in the 2nd row to allow for moving them back or forward for more legroom in the third row. I wish the auto fold didnt fold and tilt. I usually only want to fold the second row rather than tilting. What Im not pleased with is the short drivers seat, and the narrowness of the seat. Far more uncomfortable than the MKX. Im not the smallest person, but not overly large either, and they feel like a kids seat rather than an adults seat. I think they are more suited to a lean person. I am also not pleased with the power plugs. They are nicely placed, and I like the 110 plug in the front console. The problem is they arent always on. They shut down not long after shutting down the car. When camping, I need an always on plug to recharge a lithium ion battery I have, which means I have to run the car for 3 hours to recharge it. This was not the case In my MKX. I like the adjusting pedals as my wife has shorter legs than me, I like the 3 seat memory buttons, and the power tilt wheel. I also think the voice recognition has improved. The phone hang up button works much better than my MKX. All in all, I like the car with just the few issues I show above. If they fix those items, I would buy another one.

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  Great truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Trixxie - September 3 - 1:23 am

  I bought this truck brand new and as I say Ive had it since it was a baby. It has been a great truck. Of course I have given it its proper maintenance and has really paid off. I have been a Ford Woman since I was able to be a Ford Girl at 18. I am now in the decision making of color for my new 2007 F250 diesel with that new engine. I believe I need to order it in November for shipment in February. It seem like it will again be a white with tan leather interior.

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  More than I expected - 2006 Ford Escape
  By zookeeper - September 3 - 12:44 am

  Looked at small AWD vehicles and picked the Escape based on ride, looks and mileage. In the four months we have driven the Escape it has done everything I had hoped for and more. We saved on gas usage by half over our other vehicles and other than oil changes it has not seen the dealer for any reason. The fit and finish on the car was perfect and even with the four cylinder the performance has been great.

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  First Mustang Ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Class of 65 - September 3 - 12:36 am

  This is a great car!! I always wanted a Mustang when I was kid and it only took 40 plus years to get one. I love the retro styling and the price for new age muscle car. This is my first Ford ever and I cant believe its as comfortable as it is, for an old guy like me.

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  Dont Buy This Car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jwood23 - September 2 - 7:03 pm

  This is a great mid-life crisis car. Very fun to drive. Its almost impossible to keep your foot off of the gas.

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  Fun car but not reliable - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Julie - September 2 - 10:45 am

  I bought my Contour in 2002 because it was a great deal. I enjoy the V6 engine and the low end torque, but thats where the fun stops. The car has had so many problems over the years - if it werent for my handy father, I would have sold it years ago. The major problem that the car had was that the wiring harness got fried because it was placed too close to the engine without heat protection so the wires overheated and fried. Then, shortly after that, the power windows stopped working and dad jerry-rigged the wires and now they work sporadically. The car has also recently started to "eat" oil and I need to put almost one quart of oil in every two weeks.