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 MUSTANG - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By TAMMY - May 18 - 11:16 am

  I think that this is a great car. Ever since I knew what a Mustang was I wanted to get one I would recommend it to anyone.

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  The Ford Five-Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karen - May 18 - 8:46 am

  So far The Five-Hundred has been a nice smooth ride & easy handling. I love the heated mirrors in the nasty weather & the all-wheel drive. It is a definite must in bad weather.The roomy inside is nice also with leather seats & heated seats. It has a lot of features to enjoy. It is good for long trips. Very comfortable. I like the fact that you are sitting up higher then most other cars. It gives you a clear view of the road.

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  Not pretty, but pretty reliable - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By Elisa - May 18 - 6:15 am

  Many electrical problems, oil leaks, make sure you get the ignition switch replaced (it was recalled for this), had trouble with the starter twice in 2 years, but it has the engine that just wont die. It was always pretty reliable. The transmission didnt need replacing until 145,000 miles. The design of the radio/air conditioner switches is horrible and breaks easily. The seats are very comfortable and it rides pretty smoothly for a small car. It isnt much to look at but the paint lasts a long time with no rust. Just about everything else will fall off but the engine will keep going!

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  comfortable to drive - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By comfort - May 18 - 6:00 am

  I drive about 2500 miles per month and I have had occasion to be in the car as long as 11 hours with just short stops. By far this is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven. Love the pep on the highway, cruise is constant and does not drift. Best car Ford has ever put on the road!

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chitown - May 17 - 10:26 pm

  The car was a dealer demo but with only 1,600 miles on it when purchased it was basically new. I love the fact that it is a 5 star safety rated sedan. I get 26mph on the hwy and 22 around town. The Continuously Variable Transmission once you know how it works is great. Get to speed and let off the gas a little and the RPMs fall giving you the added fuel economy for such a large sedan. It looks good, is very comfortable to drive and the trunk is large enough to carry luggage for a family of four on a weeks vacation. I have 54,000 miles with no trouble except two turn signal lights. I recommend this car two everyone who is looking for a family sedan and would buy it again.

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  I like my Truck. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Rich - May 17 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 Ford Ranger brand new. I currently have 139,000 miles on it. I have always changed my oil before I hit the 3000 mile mark. I have not any major problems. I tuned it it myself at 100,000 miles. I have had the cooling system flushed 2 times and the transmission flush 2 times as well. This is just maintenance items that I personally like to take care of. My front brakes lasted well over 100,000 miles and the rear drum brakes I changed at 105,000 miles. It is a great truck. I wash my engine every 2 months at the car wash (I cover the electric parts and so forth of course). My paint still looks nice, shiny and clean. Next time I will get the 4x4 for winter driving.

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Rodney - May 16 - 6:26 pm

  So far so good. The ride is really rough but I guess that is to be expected from a compact car. Overall, excellent car for the money.

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  Best Buy for the Money! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By EscortLover4-Ever - May 16 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this car brand new, after giving up my 88 Escort with 216,000 miles on it. This car currently has over 220,000 miles on it and Im going for at least another 30,000! The car has been very dependable. Have spent maybe $2,000 on total repairs (other than maintanance) in 8 years. Still get great mileage on the highway (checked last week and got 36 mpg). Theyll have to peel me out of this one before I give it up. Im just sad that Ford did away with the Escort - cant beat the value and the performance!

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  Love my RANGER - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By MadMax - May 16 - 1:41 pm

  Very impressed with the build quality, and ergonomic features of the vehicle. Great support and service from my local Ford dealer (surprisingly). Former BMW and Porsche owner, so I know how service and fit and finish should be.

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  Just an Amazing Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mark - May 15 - 4:46 pm

  Like most here, we were looking for a Hybrid or other fuel efficient car, but it had to have all luxury appointments. Traded out a Mercedes for the Fusion. (THINK ABOUT THAT !) Because we drive under 10k miles/year, all highway, and we questioned whether we should just purchase a new luxo- cruiser or go Green. We chose to split the difference. After short-listing the expected cars, we drove this Fusion Hybrid in full-tilt trim. Almost on the spot, we were sold. Expected fears of buying American, build quality, reputation, status, etc weighed on us, but this car has the goods. Seriously. Drive one. This car is much better than the Mercedes it replaced.