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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  Luxury at a low price! - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Randy Swenson - February 25 - 6:26 pm

  This car has been week maintained with all records available. It has newer tires, new battery, all electrical checked and only 109,000 freeway miles. It rides and drives like a dream and has a huge trunk and plenty of legroom in back. The front seats are lumbar adjustable, making for a comfortable long driving experience.

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  Gets me and my stuff from point A to B - 1997 Ford Escort
  By kfhoz - February 25 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this little station wagon about 4 years ago. I was looking at Subarus because that is what I had owned before, and my husband has one but this one was much cheaper. It has worked just fine the whole time! The engine revs lots lower than the Subaru at highway speeds, so it gets lots better mileage. This car has worked for me as well as the Toyota Camry I drove for 5 years. It has not needed any fancy mechanical work, gets great mileage, and I dont worry about it. I carry kayaks on top, and camping gear inside, and have moved a portable dishwasher with no problem.

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  Worth every penny, and then some... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cobragt - February 25 - 3:01 pm

  It would take me all day to describe everything I love about this car. As a faithful Mustang lover, and owner of several, Ford has really outdone themselves with the 05 GT. Handles great, plenty of power, and looks awesome. I have already driven the car a little over 37,000 miles, and let me tell you, Ive enjoyed every mile! Its a pleasure to drive when you have a car this B-E-A-utiful!

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  Good SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By carl miller - February 25 - 1:13 pm

  It is fun to drive but Ford keeps lowering the tow rating on the Explorer and it is becoming a less usable tow unit for a home owner with a family of 4.

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  Great car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By lulu54usa - February 25 - 9:43 am

  Comfortable to drive, easy for kids to get in and out of. Great flexibility with 3rd row seat or fold it flat for cargo space. I love this car. I wish they had come out with this car years ago. Have had two Ford minivans and this doesnt even compare to them. Doesnt feel like a van, doesnt feel like a truck but has the capabilities of both. I honestly cannot find one thing I dont like about this vehicle.

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  Love My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lisa - February 25 - 12:50 am

  I drive 600 miles minimum per week and wanted a car that was reliable, and comfortable AND quiet (cell phone talking). I got all I wanted in a Ford Fusion. It is elegant and comfortable, classy and still feels a little sporty because it has a lot of get up and go. Love the interior and all the features. The only disappointment so far has been the mpg. I have not achieved better than 21 mpg and was hoping for more.

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  Fords cost-cutting shows - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Verbal - February 25 - 12:25 am

  I bought this car slightly used, based on favorable reviews in the car magazines. It is a sporty sedan that packs a lot of value for the money. The engine, suspension and brakes are well-suited for the enthusiast driver. However, this is the most fragile car I have ever owned. With less than 75k on the odometer, I have had to replace the water pump (a flawed design with a plastic impeller wheel), the catalyst, and the starter motor. The check engine light turning on is a quarterly event. The stock CD player would skip if you looked at it cross-eyed. Owning this car makes me believe that when Ford lines up suppliers, it always takes the low bidder. Ford: you have lost this customer.

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  Owned for 11 years - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Verbal - February 25 - 12:00 am

  I bought the car with 12,000 miles on the odometer, and have been driving it for the last 11 years. The handling is tremendous every freeway on ramp is a blast. The V6 winds out nicely, and the car still looks contemporary today. The seats are very comfortable. At 147,000 miles, it still has the original clutch, and the engine feels tight. Problem areas: the distributor quit at 50k miles the rear brake calipers have been replaced a couple of times due to locking the paint is fading despite regular wax jobs the hatch has rattled since day 1 the valve cover gaskets leak and the wind whistles around the passenger door seal.

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  love this car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By marcotte,dave - February 24 - 10:10 pm

  Bought this car for my wife, but now cant wait to get home so I can drive it. Deceptively roomy inside, rides great, love the height of the seats easy to get in and out of. Want to see how the awd feature works in the snow. Have had car for only three months and have gotten lots of compliments on its looks. We got the Limited awd in black, with tan leather interior really a sharp looking car. I love to keep it clean, a real head turner! Makes me feel like Im 18 again.

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  Disappointed in MPG - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mater2 - February 24 - 4:30 pm

  I did my research and this vehicle stood out as far as looks and supposed mileage. I really love it in general. Very smooth ride, and fun to drive though the braking system takes some getting use to. I am however very disappointed in the mileage. I consistently get 25mpg MAX (after 1200 miles). From the other reviews, this is very low. I have a friend with a 2006 that gets over 30, has from the beginning. I dont know if I have a "lemon", but Ford will not even hear about mileage issues until 10,000 miles. Even though 25 is good for a SUV, its not that much more than my Explorer. And Im driving very conscientously. I recently drove a rented Charger, that got this mileage!