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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  WOW - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By mach1daddy - October 13 - 2:00 am

  What a blast to drive... This baby handles and looks great. Real eye catcher. Chicks love it!

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  87K+ and still going strong - 2001 Ford Focus
  By navalghost - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new in Mar 01 to commute between VA and CT plus a lot of around town. 87,500 miles latter Im just doing my first brake job. Other then oil and gas and the occasional windshield wipers Ive had no, repeat NO, problems. I had the fuel pump upgraded for free at 67K due to the recall, but it wasnt a problem yet. Could always use more power, but its got enough for commuting and I routinely get 30+mpg mixed driving. Oh, Im 62", 230#, so the interior room is GREAT for me solo. My three sons are all teen agers and the oldest is a big 16, so it does get a little crowded with all four onboard. Good enough car to give to the oldest for his first ride.

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  Shouldnt have hung in there... - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hutleyman - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought it when it was 5 years old w/88,000 miles on it. Paid $5,500. Didnt have a single repair problem for 4 solid years. Thought it was the dream buy of my life. Then I hit 153,000 miles and had to decide whether to keep regular maintenance up (new tires/shocks/some front suspension work/brakes/battery) and decided to bite the bullet since it was such a great car. Then the floodgates opened. After sinking $2 grand into it and thinking I would be set for another 3-4 years, look out. Be ready to get a new loan when the tranny goes and hope they get it right the first time. New computer, EGR, alternator, water pump all went within the next 5,000 miles. Im now milking it for all its worth.

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  Get it while you can - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Doctieu - October 12 - 11:36 pm

  Love the power and all the attention I get with this car. Having the name Shelby just explains it. The ride is quite comfortable for a muslce car. Paid over MSRP with no regrets. Absolutely incredible rush driving it, even at the speed limit. I want to be selfish and not recommend it to you because it will only be more prestigious for us to own.

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  A good car, but getting wary now. - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vance - October 12 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car at the end of the 2006 modely year and have enjoyed it a lot. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive. Excellent handling in snow and wet conditions. I am a bit disappointed with the mileage, but I can live with what is delivers. The big issue is that it has had problems starting in the last month. Five times now I have jumped in and it wont start. I had it towed last week but the service desk could not find the problem. It failed to start yesterday when I was running errands. fter 20 minutes it did start and I took it back for service. I am very unhappy with this reliability issue. Ford has enough problems.

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  Pony Performance - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Propman - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Thos is an awesome car to own and drive. Shes very dependable and corners very well. I love this Special Edition Mustang and it is the 3rd Mustang I have owned. I am surprised that I get 28 miles to the gallon with cruise set. When i need the power, its there with no hesitation. I have had a little trouble with the air conditioning system but the dealer repiared it after several trips. I am very happy with this Mustang. I love it!!!

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  Love to Drive It - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By BarLman - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My Excursion is a 2003. I love the room and the fuel economy. Have had it over a year and have had no problems. Is the only vehicle that I have bought that I have not had to take back to the dealer and get a lot of small things fixed. Took a 5000 mile trip with it this summer and had 4 adults and three children in it. All were very comfortable. My fuel economy is 18 to 20 mpg at 70mph+ and 14 to 15 mpg in the city. There is no comparison to my wifes Chrysler Town and Country mini van. The Excursion is more comfortable.

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  Love it - 2003 Ford Escape
  By pandora0703 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  So far my Escape has been fun and reliable. We use it for camping and long trips. I am also on the short side. What I like the most is the adjustable seat and that I dont have to sit on top of the steering wheel to reach the pedals.

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  I give it a 10 - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Melissa Dobson - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Its easy to get my daughter in and out of the van.

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  2004 freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By debb - October 12 - 2:00 am

  it rides like a car very smooth and comfortable.