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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  My First Ford ---From a MBZ buyer - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Marlena - December 22 - 6:03 am

  My last vehicle was a Land Rover Discovery. I was actually looking for a Hybrid and went to look at the Escape. The Hybrid tacks on an additional $10K, and I want to help the environment, but is it all up to me? I wont save $10K in fuel, and the Expedition came close in price, with so much more luxury. I drove it and decided, I always do for other, and do without. As a boomer, I decided it is time to spoil me for a change. It drives like a dream. You sit in comfort and luxury. And I dont have kids, but the DVD PLAYER in the back will be perfect for when I take my Mom to Las Vegas. She can watch a movie and stop asking "are we there yet?" Sometimes the Seniors are worse than the kids. Enjoy!

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  Watch Out For Later - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Matthew... - December 22 - 12:17 am

  This is my third Ranger. I bought it, I have loved it, I have taken care of it, and had fun with it. Now I have 65,000 miles on it and problems are getting bigger and more expensive. To start at 30,000 front windows not lining up and had tracks replaced by dealer (still having same problem), next at 40,000 miles, dash light goes out. $2.00 bulb + some absurd amount to install (still not fixed), next drivers side unlock button works when it wants (who knows), now O/D Off light flashes, told transmission needs rebuilt and it wants to skip gears, $1500.00 and this appears to be a known issue. I am now looking at a Nissan and Toyota.

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  Nice car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - December 21 - 6:45 pm

  The Mustang is a nice car! Price to performance ratio is very good and Ford has done many things right. That said, there are some annoying things about this car that Ford needs to clean up (see suggested improvements).

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  I love it, G/F Hates it - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Robert - December 21 - 12:40 pm

  Girlfriend hates it cause its for old people or police. My opinion, I hate FWD cars. V8-RWD is the only way to go. Only car left around $30k is Crown Vic. Actually paid $28k for the LX Sport. Love the auto climate, huge bucket seats, and power everything. Soft yet firm ride with the sport package. This thing is a real cruiser. People get out of my way going down the highway. For the money and the options, you cant beat it. Luxury car options and size for mid-size import cost. Lots of room everywhere. If police trust them, so can I. No problems with downshifting going up mountains. Everybody I talk to likes the car. I would buy again!

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  Nice solid car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Michael vanHaagen - December 21 - 11:43 am

  My dad gave me the Ford SES FFV with 70 thousand miles on it. I drove it from California to Texas. The car handles well on windy days and really likes to drive at freeway speed for hours at a time. Mileage on trip was about 30MPG. I also have a Toyota Corolla same year -- 2000. The Ford is more solid. However I am kind of scared to drive the Ford because of its reputation for problems. The car has had many recalls and some problems like fuel pump failures as seen by the repair history kept by my dad. The Toyota has none. I guess time will tell but so far I have not had any problems.

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  Dont buy this year - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Heather - December 20 - 9:02 pm

  Since I got this car I have had to replace a fuel pump (recall but still stunk), and am now having to mess with my transmission. I dont know if it is just my car or all 2001 Focuses, but I hate it.

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  05 MUSTANG GT AFTER 1 YEAR - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By B MARTIN - December 20 - 4:38 pm

  After having my Mustang for a year, the only complaint I have is the weather in Ohio. I would love to live somewhere I could drive my Mustang all year. Every little jaunt is fun because this car is so fun to drive. The Shaker 1000 rocks! The looks are awesome. Nobody will mistake a Mustang for a jellybean clone Grand Am.

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  Ride of my life - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Vincent - December 20 - 11:34 am

  Great car it makes it from a to b in good time with no problems.

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  05 Mustang V6 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By t3w - December 20 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an 05 Mustang V6. Power is adequate, nothing eye-brow raising but will do the job. My guess is the GT with the V-8 will be much stronger. However, the V-6 does the job! Styling is nothing short of outstanding. Ford really got it right this go-round!!! Nice unexpected feature... power windows now have "auto-up" as well as down. Bounce back feature prevents closing on an arm or hand, etc. Rear seating might be about an inch more than 04, and remains very unuseable except for small kids or small adults on a short trip. Not a concern for me, as I dont think Ill ever be back there!!! Head-turning quotient... unreal. Until more of these hit the streets anyway!

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  owner - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By mary ann clark - December 20 - 6:29 am

  Coil pack design will give you years of frustration. Where one coil works in most cars, Ford put coil packs on each cylinder increasing repair cost from $300 dollars per car to $2,400. Any the coil packs will need replacing more often than other vehicles and Ford will not pay for the increased cost ... so watch out