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 2004 mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By roger pace - December 18 - 10:00 am

  6 cyl. is underpowered for this weight. Automatic transmission is not responsive in lower gears and passing is not good at high end. Convertible top does not return far enough when putting the top up. Pull down is difficult for average person to do.

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  My Cobra Experience - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Barrientos - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a super car and my 2003 Cobra meets my needs. I have had a few problems with the suspention making pop noises and had trouble getting the dealer to hear them. Of course thats with most cars. In the past year I have gone through 1 alternator, but that may be because of my sound system driving it too hard. All in All this car is extreamly fun to drive and is an eye catcher. I cant immagine my life without it. The 390 horsepower+ can easyly get away from you if you are not careful. This care is for experienced drivers only. If you are wanting this car get it before they are out, my vehicle # is 2457 of a build of 8394.

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  Ford Warranty - 2007 Ford Edge
  By stahjam - December 17 - 1:10 pm

  The Edge is a good overall vehicle. Major complaints - CD changer broke, should never be sold in anything - old Delphi junk. 36,000 mile warranty too short compared to other cars available. Cheap Mazda/Ford rotors rusted after 18 months, but I was over the mileage warranty, so I paid $200 for replacement. Just received Ford recall that the coolant system may cause engine damage. Overall-not a bad vehicle if you buy low end model. Not sure if its worth it for the fit/finish/warranty and lack of quality in the SEL/Limited versions. When this one is paid for, probably wont purchase another Ford until they improve warranty. I sent my concerns to Ford and received no help.

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  Third truck and the best - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Alexander Allen - December 17 - 12:43 am

  The truck is comfortable, well laid out, and easy to drive. I do mostly country long distance driving and I find it powerful for passing and quiet at high speed.

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  Bad Back - 2010 Ford Escape
  By WILLIAM COYNE - December 16 - 4:43 pm

  Own a 2008 with leather seats and I lve it. Bought 2010 with cloth seats and I hate it. The seats are too soft and have no support. My wife has no problem with the seats, but I call the truck the "torture chamber" If you have a sensitive back DO NOT get cloth seats. Other then that , the truck is great. I drive the 2008.

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  93 ford festiva - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By doug allen - December 16 - 6:45 am

  just purchased a 93 festiva this car i very dependable and gets a consistent 40 mpg fun to drive and handles well they should be making these cars again tires are getting hard to find easy to work on.

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  I missed my old one! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By P/U Guy - December 15 - 10:15 am

  I bought this truck with 107k on it. I love this truck! Its handsome, incredibly dependable, and comfortable. I had purchased one new (a 2003 model) almost identical to this one. I drove it for two years and traded it in on a HEMI Ram. I regretted that day ever since. After much searching, I found one just like my old one. Same color (white), same body style, sport package, same drivetrain (4.2 V6 and 5 Spd), same interior color. With 120k miles on it, it runs and drives just like my new one did. The guy I bought it from used it to pull heavy trailers, so I replaced the clutch because the old one was showing signs of wear. I love this truck!

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  Does the Job - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By MW - December 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had a good experience with the windstar ( our first minivan) The seats are removable, though heavy, but make for very versitile use of space. Our three kids and the dog have plenty of space and still room for luggage. We havent had any significant problems that werent addressed promptly. The side power doors are great, thought the pass side door often moves slowly. We only have 38K miles on it and I hear the horror stories about the trans. but none for us (knock wood) My wife and I swore we would never get a minivan, but this has been the best, and most practical vehicle we have owned.

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  A 16 Year Olds Dream - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By bigcuntry - December 14 - 8:27 pm

  I had this truck handed down to me from my dad, who has had it from 1996. He bought it from a private owner with 20k +/- , with the cruise control already not functioning. This has not bothered me though, I put about 30+ miles a day driving to school and back. My MPG stands at about 18-19 city, 22-23 hwy with the 3.0 V6. There have been no major issues with the truck, just routine maintenance, such as oil, brakes,fluid levels, etc. There is a oil leak at the universal joint, but its not major. at 110k, It is still going strong and I do not intend for it to quit today, or for that matter, a long time.

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  The first 2,800 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By affhowner - December 14 - 6:56 pm

  Overall I am pleased so far. Issues: 1. At 30-40 mph part thottle, engine/transmision audibly "groans" while in 6th gear, possibly lugging. Too much pedal travel to shift to 5th. Subtle adjustments to vehicle speed at these conditions is difficult. 2. Highway wind noise near drivers ear. Sounds like leak in the door seal; cannot locate source. 3. 3" depression in rear bumper just right of center near one of the reverse sensors. No evidence of being hit. 4. Small scratch on instrument panel. 5. Coolant smell inside once after 15 minute idle. 6. 21.3 MPG mixed driving. 7. Heated seats warm up slow vs. VW Jetta, then get too hot. On a 10 minute timer. Distribution not as good.