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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  Love my Pony - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Pony Tail - March 18 - 10:40 pm

  I have had my Red Fire 2006 V6, 5 speed coupe for a month now. The more I drive it the happier I am I bought it. Having come from ownership of smaller Japanese economy oriented vehicles in the recent past this car was a dramatic change for me. I owned both a 69 and 70 Mustang in the somewhat distant past. My 06 is all that those cars were and so much more! The performance from the 4.0 lt. V6 is impressive. It is deceptively fast and has a very V8 feel and sound to it. The cars handling is very planted, responsive and predictable. I did a 200 + mile fun trip in the twisty mountain roads to the west of here and had a grin on my face the whole time.

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  Fun SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By cb - March 18 - 9:50 pm

  This is a great little SUV. Its small enough to not feel as cumbersome as many of the larger utes, but still avoids feeling like a "toy", which I did not find to be true of the RAV4 and CR-V I took a look at. We got the Limited with every option except towing and sunroof. Ive never had much use for a sunroof, and if I wanted to tow, I would buy a larger vehicle intended for that type of use. Highly recommend the titanium green color. It maintains a clean appearance longer than many colors, and looks great in sunlight. Overall a very nice vehicle, with surprising options. Highly recommended.

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  40th Anniversary Special - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By alias - March 18 - 12:34 pm

  Good on the road, parking, and looks. Would buy another one.

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  Dont buy a Ford Probe - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Matt - March 18 - 12:00 pm

  Its a fun car to drive but reliability isnt great. Ive replaced both cv joints, alternator, catalytic converter, two distributors, and to top it all off, right after I bought it with 29,000 miles on it, the electrical "brain" that controls all electronics crapped out. Even with the extended warranty that came with the car when I bought it used it still cost me 200 bucks to fix it! RIDICULOUS! Thats why Im going to buy a Toyota.

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  Former Ford Employee - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - March 17 - 8:57 pm

  Some minor dashboard build issues, especially the cover for the passenger airbag and the instrument panel -- only stopped getting loose via lock-tite. Seats are basic in the XLT model, but this is a small pickup sufficient though. Initially I turned the cigarette lighter thinking it was the volume, several times switched it to 4X4 high trying to increase the volume as well, took a little getting used to. Base stereo is very good, no issues with any CDs. When I worked for Ford as a Service Writer people complained that it would not play certain CDs must say Ive had no problems, even going over good sized bumps in the road -- no skipping.

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  Fine Ride - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By John Floars - March 17 - 8:00 pm

  Our Fusion SEL is a firm, tight, well-built car that feels more expensive than it is. The 6-speed automatic transmission gives it excellent acceleration for a V6, and the braking is excellent. The controls are generally well placed and accessible. The car is a pleasure to drive. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

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  Ford Ranger - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By kyler - March 17 - 11:45 am

  It is good truck but i think that it needs more power in order to compete with the Toyota Tacoma.

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  Ford F-150 4X Experience - 2005 Ford F-150
  By D. Stellmacher - March 17 - 12:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle after several years in a Ranger. The main reason for the move to a larger truck is so I could load an ATV in the bed and do away with a trailer. Excellent move, but at the time of purchase the longer beds were not available thus I have to remove the cross-over box if I want the ATV totally inside the bed, or I have to secure with the tailgate down. Just returned from a week long trip in the wilds of the Nevada desert and found the F-150 perfect for my needs and excellent ride. It does NOT get the mileage in the city as advertised; a little better on the highway, especially if you utilize cruise control, but off-road, for some reason, it got excellent mileage!

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  My New Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Terry Kobza - March 16 - 9:04 pm

  With less than 600 miles on the car the only real problem I have is the fuel economy. Could use better seats with lumbar adjustment. Also a temperature gauge like my F-150 SuperCrew and a compass. Other than that it seems like a real nice car. My wife drives it and appears pleased. Oh yes. Power disc brakes at least in front, all as standard equipment. Ford I hope youÂ’re reading this.

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  Great car, awesome value. - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By johnfinson - March 16 - 7:21 pm

  First of all I bought this car with 42,000 miles and drive it everywhere and donÂ’t drive it nice. I have 144,000 on my Taurus now and it drives like new. I service it and it keeps running. My wifeÂ’s Honda Accord has seen the shop endless times with 33,000 on it. Buy American, better cars, better value, more comfortable and theyre all worth the same in 10 years.