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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  What Cheryl thinks... - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By CHERYL - July 23 - 10:51 pm

  The car is a blast to drive. I still get looks every day. Even by Corvette owners. I have the James Bond 007 version. Only made 700 of them.

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  An Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Puchie - July 23 - 8:40 pm

  Coming from and SUV this is a truly wonderful ride. There is so much room and comfort and the safety features are great! Kids dont like the mini van as it is for OLD people but I LOVE it

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  Not what you would expect - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By disappointment - July 23 - 12:47 pm

  I own a V6 hardtop coupe. Its a beautiful dirt color with black racing stripes. The horse power stinks. 4.0L and only 210hp. I also have a Nissan 350z thats a 3.5L V6. It puts out 300HP stock. My Mustang is flawless in style and looks but I am very disappointed in the performance.

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  Built Ford Tough, But Quiet - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Greg Wilson - July 23 - 12:10 pm

  Ever since I first test drove the vehicle, I was impressed with the vehicles quiet drive, response, and handling as though it were actually a sedan. The cabin presence I believe is unmatched and rivals the attention to detail of most European sedans. The heat treated box frame demonstration on the TV commercial, the results are unbelievable ... superior ride, roomy interior cabin.

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ford - July 22 - 8:13 pm

  This vehicle was purchased to tow small trailers and it performs fine. Gas mileage is not acceptable as it is well below the advertised sticker quote. Workmanship is poor. Have had problems from paint and loose body parts to major mechanical problems. All were promptly taken care of by the dealer, but some are reoccurring and the vehicle is no longer under warranty.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Randy Zick - July 22 - 7:26 pm

  This has been a great car. Dealer had to replace wire harness for the radiator fans, and also had to replace the windshield washer pump. Just had a major wire repair done, something with putting gas to the engine. Good engine, great performance, and nice handling. Still a great car and gets great gas mileage. Love the idea of the side air bags. Just had to replace the freon in the air conditioning system, but could do the myself. Would recommend this car to others.

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  looks great - 2005 Ford F-150
  By C.W. - July 22 - 6:13 pm

  I love the 6.5 ft stepside bed with the extended cab look. Awesome looking vehicle, especially in black. Many people complain about the 4.6L power... but unless you are racing your truck, it is more than adequate. You cant expect 0-60s like a sports car in a full size pick up. The power has been more than adequate for me, the transmission gets it moving just fine. I got 17.7mpg on a recent 500 mile trip. Get the 35 gallon fuel tank, well worth it with the low MPG. I get about 15 day to day, which is what I am used to so it doesnt bother me much. Nice heavy truck, solid, and almost silent in the cab. Looks much more stylish than any other full size out there.

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  Good machine - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Bill - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  This has been a very good van. Hauls a goodly load, pulls the boat, and have had no maintenance issues at all. Bought it used for $7,500 in 2003 at a cheapo used car dealer and it has taken us on many a trip. Now has 139,000 miles. This has been one of the best car values I have ever owned. Reading some of the other reviews I see some real disappointments in this very auto. It seems Detroits big problem is being consistently good, not hit-or-miss in quality. The engine has always been noisy in the cabin, and that would be my only complaint.

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  Great Comfort - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - July 22 - 10:46 am

  Great comfort! Mostly freeway driving, better than expected gas mileage 18 mpg. Great ride, better than my wifes Cadillac. Plenty of room for the kids and their teammates on way to games. Unbelievable turning radius. Parking no problem. No blind spots, great visibility all around vehicle. Once you get it rolling good top end power. When towing cant hardly tell there is a trailer on back.

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  168K 96 GL - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Russell Wickham - July 22 - 6:21 am

  I purchased my 96 Taurus GL from an individual when it had 64K miles on it, and drove it for five years and 104K miles. During that time, Ive had a few problems, namely the cam position sensor, the EGR valve, two window switches, and the transmission. First the 4th gear shift solenoid failed, and the transmission shop said it needed a full rebuild because the part is very hard to get to. That cost $1500. Two weeks ago the torque converter seal fail, draining all the fluid out of the converter and leaving us stranded. Aside from that, its been a good car.