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:

• 

  Escape Limited is Great? - 2004 Ford Escape
  By lottie - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Test drove liberty, cherokee limited and escape. Liberty small in elbow room for driver and front seats.

• 

  More Problems More Money !!! - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By MoonNStarsGirl - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Well I bought it with 115,000 miles on it. So far I have replaced the Gas tank, Starter, entire exhaust system, 4 wheel drive doesnt work anymore, LOTS of rust, Leaks to name a few power steering,oil,gas.... The brake caliburs went this week and the list goes on !!!!!

• 

  You sure Ford made this? - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By whatta ford - September 5 - 5:13 pm

  This car is to be left stock. Bigger wheels slows it down. It handles well with the stock 215 60 17 but for a great upgrade you can go to a 235 55 17 without altering your odometer and making an amazing difference in conering(they are cheaper too). The factory radio is very blah but a local circuit city can add a rca converter, an amp kit with a small sub with enclosure for less than 300.00 and you got the bass fill the factory 5x7s do not pick up(do not waste your money on new door speakers). As for the motor its an off the line slug but the six speed is a champ on the freeway. Take your time and get 30 plus mpg on the freeway.And last tint your windows to help the big beasts car lines!

• 

  I love my little pony - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steph - September 5 - 9:13 am

  I ordered from the factory and waited five months for my pony to arrive. It was so worth it! I am so happy with this car. It looks amazing and still is one of a kind in my area. It is so much fun to drive. There is, as expected, limited back seat space. She doesnt get great gas mileage. However, she handles beautifully; love the real wheel drive, very sturdy around corners. Realistically, this is not a family car. It is a fun, play car. And she is more fun that words could adequately describe! Assuming you invest in a V8, 5 speed. and do something to personalize it and make it yours .... and be greedy about letting people drive it. It is rare and it IS YOURS!

• 

  Awesome - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Nail - September 5 - 2:00 am

  this is an awesome car

• 

  Good, Solid Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Miamiboy04 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger in 6 years. From day two the truck had an electrical short in the wiper motor that made it impossible to turn the wipers off once activated. The dealership replaced the wiper motor w/in a few hours and now everything works perfectly. The 2.3L engine is more than powerful enough w/the manual transmission for daily driving. If you plan on using the truck to tow, I suggest the 3.0L or 4.0L.

• 

  My mustang - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By HockeyJAM2006 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  sweet car. needs more power.

• 

  3000 MILES / 3 NEW TOPS - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By mjbeamer - September 4 - 9:13 pm

  My top was torn on delivery; it is having its 3rd new top installed (the installer messed up). Most of the miles to date are going back and forth to the dealer. The interior styling is kind of stone-age, but it looks nice from the outside. Gas mileage isnt as good as I hoped. (21-22 mpg) Suggestion: Wait for the Camaro.

• 

  Ford Fan - 2015 Ford Focus
  By David Watson - September 4 - 7:49 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, very good gas mileage, no complaints.

• 

  GL = Good Luck! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mtalk - September 4 - 2:00 am

  No wonder its got a good safety ratin: it never leaves the driveway. Check engine light goes on, only to go off a month later with no explanation from Ford. Door ajar bell keeps ringing and interior light stays on until 20 mph, so replaced the sensor. Then the big stuff. Cylinder went down at 100,000 ($1200). New engine at 112,000 ($3000). Just waiting for the tranny to drop now. We will be getting rid of this soon for something better and will never buy a Ford again.