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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  2006 Ford 500 SE CVT Tranny - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By mts35 - May 16 - 3:44 pm

  Just a quick review due to character space. The car has been very reliable. No transmission issues (CVT does not shift like the 6 speed. I feel others who voice transmission problems actually have the 6 speed as you do not notice gear shifting in a CVT, it is constant and smooth). Bought with 62k miles and presently I have 128k miles and only work needed was a brake change. Now to capture reasons on car rating. Performance: slow and mild engine. 203hp is a little weak for this size car. Comfort, design, quality I put 4 as they are nice. Reliability excellent as Ive had no issues. Value poor. Typical of american cars with high mileage.

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  Well laid out, poorly built - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Phil - May 16 - 11:05 am

  We bought this car as students, and chose the wagon because we took lots of road trips and camped a lot. The car is very roomy for cargo storage, and the roof rack has come in handy more than once. The ergonomics of the dash and radio are great, the fuel economy is good. Our issues with the car have really been in the quality of the build rather than in its design. Front springs broke at 50K, one spark plug stopped firing at 30K (covered by warranty), weve gone through three sets of tires despite regular alignment and rotations, brakes are small and wear away quickly, and rear license plate light fell out at about 22K miles. Rear window no longer goes up if it gets put down.

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  Not recommended for families - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By b austin - May 16 - 11:02 am

  The gas mileage is not good for the amount of comfort and conveniences that a van should provide. The rear seats are not very comfortable for adults. Seat belt reminders are annoying. Tire pressure gauges are very handy. The brakes are prone to glaze over. Maybe they are not equipped for the weight of The vehicle. This surprises me since this vehicle is designed for the "soccer mom". The expense of the vehicle, the cost of fuel, the constant brake repairs, and the cost of registration for the weight of this vehicle are not worth it for the amount of comfort or conveniences supposedly offered in a minivan. I would choose something else if I were looking to take a big loss on this and trade it in.

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  Brakes are insufficient for weight of vehicle - 2014 Ford F-150
  By sam cassidy - May 15 - 9:00 pm

  The rotors warped when the truck was new and with no wear on the brake pads. Dealer turned the rotors and they warped again. Ford refused to replace the rotors. i took it to a repair shop and they installed better rotors and I have had no problem since. Cost $1400. I had other warranty complaints as well. Very poor warranty. Dealers response was we fixed it like Ford told us to. "Not my problem, talk to Ford." Thats Freeway Ford in Denver. Stay clear. buyer beware. I am adding this in 2018. The work I had performed (upgrading the rotors) solved the problem. Ford nor the dealer did nothing to help.

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  Ford Tempo - Works For Me! - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Matthew - May 15 - 8:20 pm

  I have had little to no problems with the car. I did have to have the speedometer cable replaced several times due to it being noisy. Otherwise, while keeping it maintained, its been a perfect car for 13 years.

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  My Black Beauty - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By bluologist - May 15 - 5:21 pm

  I purchased my 2001 Taurus used in 2004 and for a year now I have had no major problems with my car. Very quiet ride and safe. I do a lot of traveling and I give it three thumbs up.

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  Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim H. - May 15 - 2:09 pm

  This is my first SUV. The Eddie Bauer is a great looking truck, with great interior room and features. I like sitting high and the view over other vehicles.

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  I love it! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 03stangboy - May 15 - 10:03 am

  I purchased my 2003 V6 Coupe in Nov 2004, with only 17000 miles on it. It is now May 2006 and Ive put nearly 22000 miles on it since I bought it. Not a single problem has shown up. Nothing has broken. I change my oil regularly and service my air filter when necessary. I get great performance for my uses. Im a college student, and driving home on the holidays is such a joy in my Mustang. I think its a GREAT car for anyone. Mine is black, so it has definitely forced me to learn about proper car care and Im glad for it. Ive entered several local car shows and everyone who looks at my car compliments me on how clean it is. The Mustang V6 is a great car for anyone!

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  Terrific small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By David McDonald - May 15 - 7:40 am

  First time purchase of an SUV. Fun to drive and relatively cheap to operate. Highly recommend.

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  Rocket miser - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Scott S. - May 15 - 7:16 am

  The PROS: The car is a pleasure to drive. It looks sharp when shined in black. I like the interior, very sporty and different than other vehicles. The car comes with so many surprise and delights - what a value - leather, heated seats, great stereo with sub woofer, HID lights, sunroof, and super brakes. The most amazing spec is the actual gas mileage of 27 city and 34 highway - while driving it hard enough to smile! I average one offer to buy it each month I have owned it. Too bad Ford dropped the SVT. The CONS: Longer trips are hard on your comfort index, must get additional wheels for winter, and a seventh speed for overdrive would have been awesome .