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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  Thrilled With This Purchase - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchell - April 28 - 3:13 am

  After 2 months, I could not be happier with my new 500. I test drove 20 cars before choosing the 500. I was close to buying a Benz E320, but the 500 delivered much more value. The cvt seemed like a sales gimmick, but the smooth shifts are so unnoticeable in my hilly neighborhood. The rear leg room made possible by the raised front seats means my kids do not fight over the front. (The rear is as roomy as a BMW 700 series or Mercedes S Class!). The trunk is massive. The inside feels totally luxurious. Please do not compare with a Honda Accord, this is so much roomier and luxurious. And the 6 cylinder may not be a rocket, but it delivers enough power with good gas mileage. Go buy this car.

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  2005 Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Stanggirl2005 - April 28 - 1:13 am

  I special ordered this car in April of 2004 and received it last October. It was worth the wait. The front passengers have plenty of room compared to the older models, and the car is driver friendly. This is a gorgeous car! Im still getting used to people hanging out of their cars staring as I go down the road.

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  I hate my car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By ihatemytaurus - April 28 - 12:29 am

  I am 17 and this car was a hand-me-down from my grandparents. Its extremely slow, looks like a bubble, and doesnt get good gas mileage. It also takes about 1 full second to shift from 1-2. It might also be nice if they made some performance parts for it besides an air filter, but they dont.

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  the winner - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Aaron cis - April 27 - 10:18 pm

  I bought this cute SUV for my family needs and dont regret it at all. One of the best compact SUVs in the market with plenty of interior space. The reliability is outstanding despite the high mileage i got. Not a single complaint to make. Wife and kids love it. So why buy RAV4 or CR-V when you got the Escape?

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  my car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kandi - April 27 - 6:10 pm

  this was my dream car. my husband suprised me with it and I love it .......I do hate the gas mileage..

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  Fun drive, but - 2007 Ford Focus
  By John - April 27 - 5:46 am

  This car is enjoyable to drive, I have a long commute and needed good mpg. I would love to give this car all 10 rates but for one problem, there is a very irritating squeak from the back end that the dealer cannot seem to fix yet so quality and fun suffer. Mpgs are not up to advertised claims but still not bad.

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  Good Value So Far - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By J.K. BURGE - April 27 - 5:33 am

  I bought my 2000 Taurus LX new. So far I am very pleased with it. I currently have 44,000 miles on it. I also have a 2001 Toyota Corolla, which is a good car on the city streets, but on the highway the Taurus is far superior.

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  9 years for the original owner - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Don - April 26 - 11:37 pm

  I still commute daily (70 miles) in my LX that I bought new in 96. It will turn 162,000 miles by May 05. The Duratec V6 still runs strong, the leather interior survived 2 kids and daily abuse and looks almost new. The car handles New England winter driving just fine and has never broken down on me. This one was built in Chicago. The brake pads & rotors wear quick but years of stop/go driving may have played a role. Overall - the cars been great.

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  Satisfied Owner - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By JRW - April 26 - 8:35 pm

  The overall experience with my Eddie Bauer Expedition has been very good. I purchased the vehicle new nearly six years ago and it has delivered dependable and comfortable service. Having always been a GM man, I wouldnt hesitate to buy another Expedition.

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  Im hard on vehicles, but... - 1998 Ford Escort
  By andreaguinn - April 26 - 8:34 pm

  I adore my Ford Escort! I drive constantly because of school, work, and club outings. Not once has it died or not started up on the first try, and I got it at 110,031 miles. I would highly recommend this car to anyone at all. Its wonderful. Perfect for a busy teen like me.