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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  Another unhappy owner - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jimohio - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this because of the safety issues, great dealership and good price. However, this has turned out to be one of the worst cars I have owned. It was in the shop so much that I started to wait on the minor things so that I could get several things fixed with one trip. It started with the power window controls, twice on the drivers side and once on the passenger side being replaced. Then came rotors, (3 sets), air conditioning controls, new transmission, new intake manifold, new tie rod ends, leak in the rear floor seat mounts, tailgate pistons, power steering pump. The interior lights and seat belt chime come on at will, muffler hanger and others.

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  MystiChrome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Big Snake - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Power is tremendous. I have the MystiChrome paint that changes colors, as do the seats! Car does have some flex and takes a few minutes to calm down after hard acceleration.

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  40th #289 - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By #289 - November 2 - 12:56 am

  Truth be known, I was disappointed when iI first purchased my 07, not because of the over msrp, but what I expected from Shelby. Truth is I dont think Mr. Shelby got what he really wanted from Ford when it was finished. I took my car to Las Vegas to CSM (shelbys garage) a year after purchase. WOW!!!! Now lets talk finish! Carbon fiber everywhere! new suspension! New exaust! 20" wheels and tires! Stripes back on the drop tops! Numberplates and signature plates! The car is a blast to drive, handles like a dream, and looks 10 fold better. Worth every nickle for the 40th package! And Ford still warrantees it. Nope, I dont work for him, just satisfied with my Shelby now! 07 owners inquire!

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  Sweet F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jeff - November 2 - 12:46 am

  Traded a 1999 F-150 XLT on this truck. What a difference. I loved my "99" but this truck is far superior to my 99 in every aspect. Power and handling are top notch. Quietest cab Ive ever had the pleasure to ride in. Quality and workmanship are outstanding. Layout of the instrument cluster is refreshingly different and very easy to read and access. I ordered the 18" wheels and would recommend this option to everyone considering a purchase of the F-150 FX4 This truck has made me a Ford owner for life!

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  Great Benchmark - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Richard - Maryland - November 1 - 10:20 pm

  Im a sales rep and the 500 is my company car. Best one yet. Im 6-2" and I can easily fit 3 customers and myself comfortably. My wife is looking at luxury cars and were using the 500 as a benchmark. So far were disappointed in what a $36K luxury car can give us compared to this car. Example, if we were to take friends out to dinner wed feel more comfortable asking them to sit in the back of the 500 vs. the Lexus ES330 or the Acura TL. 500 has great visibility, plenty of room, a place for my Blackberry, cell phone, chargers, notebook, coffee, bottled water and more ... all at the same time. Im tempted to get one for my wife with leather et al and forego the "luxury" cars.

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  New Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - November 1 - 4:40 pm

  This is a smooth transition car. It doesnt have the big jump when you step down on the gas but it accelerates very quick. The ride is great for both driver and passengers. Everyone appreciates the leg room, both front and back. The trunk space is almost unbeatable! On my drive across the Midwest in 90 degree weather, I still was able to drive 500 miles between fuel stops. It is not a car for high-speed, tight curves and the rear end will feel slow through those tight turns.

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  A great little car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Chuck - November 1 - 2:46 pm

  I have only drove about 400 miles, but this little car is great; handles very good, plenty of power, the seating is very comfortable. I like the 6 disk CD player. I have not driven it far enough to get a good idea on gas mileage, but feel it will do well.

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  great economy sedan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By frank fehenbecer - November 1 - 3:50 am

  It is a super reliable vehicle with easy maintenance and a great overall warranty. Has excellent gas mileage as well as being able to transport 5 people with 5 pieces of luggage.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dombi - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I was excited to finally drive a Mustang, that is why I decided to rent one for a few days. The 6 cyl engine with the automatic tranmission is underpowered. This car is slow and feels heavy. The interior build quality seems very cheap. The plastic holding the window buttons on the drivers side door is already loose (at 14K miles!). I am 62" and the height of the interior seems OK. The seats are alright as well. The 6 disc changer stereo sounds good. I have not tried to remove the top, because it seemed complicated. This might be an OK car, but I would expect much more from a Mustang in terms of performance (even if this is an automatic one).

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  exp - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By grow - November 1 - 2:00 am

  luv it! Dependable and roomy. No problems. Tires are expensive, but only need then every few years.