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:

• 

  Great Car / Bad Fuel Milage - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Paul - September 20 - 6:20 am

  Really like the car, the way it looks feels and responds. Just dont like the fuel mileage, we are only receiving around 14-16 mpg on the hwy and 10-12 in the city. Really disappointed in the projected fuel economy for this car because it is such a nice car to drive. I feel we will run the lease out and get something better on fuel mileage next term.

• 

  Very Good Small Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By DJM - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Oct. 2001. So far am very satisfied with it. Huge amount of room for a car this size. Good engine performance, good handling. First time in the small wagon market. Bad dealership experience with Ford. They should learn how to treat the customer.

• 

  2000 Ford Conversion Van - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By David Rien - September 20 - 1:33 am

  We purchased this "used" vehicle from the dealer in 2000, it was never registered but had 4,000 miles on it as it was used as a model. It has been a great family car/van. It has never given us any trouble in the ten years that we have owned it and it is now fast approaching 100K miles. We have properly maintained it, so no major issues. Great for long trips especially when you have young children and much better to own than a conventional family van. Now though at 10 years and 100K miles, leather interior is starting to peel away. It might require some transmission work soon, but heck havent had any transmission issues in 100K miles. My biggest and only complaint, gas mileage.

• 

  Bought used at 35k miles, cant tell tho - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Michael Lubawski - September 19 - 6:47 pm

  Purchased this truck used from a dealer. Have had nothing but good luck other than normal wear and tear. The 6-disc player and speakers finally went south (I wonder why?) after 97k miles. Transmission seems to skip a beat at stop signs when brake is pressed hard. Stiff ride, 4x4 typical, fun, looks good with chrome wheels (color is black). Plenty of power and punch. Never been the shop for major repairs.

• 

  Great "big mans" vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chris - September 18 - 8:53 pm

  The Ford Five Hundred fills a small, but important niche in the sedan market - the "big mans" sedan. In an era of rising gas prices and shrinking budgets, the Ford Five Hundred nicely meets the needs of those of us who are large framed. Unlike its many counterparts in the large sedan sector, the Five Hundred is actually comfortable, allowing for easy entrance/egress as well as ample head, leg, and seat room. Yet, it is not an SUV, which seems to be the only other alternative for those of us who prefer not to feel like we are in a middle seat on a commercial airline when we are puttering about town or commuting to and from work.

• 

  Great replacement for my Honda - 2006 Ford Focus
  By G Clark - September 18 - 2:07 am

  Believe it or not. Bought this car after my Honda wagon got smashed. I know its now 10 years old but has been a great car for the last 40K miles. Only major repair was alternator at 90K. It is NOT a cheap fix. I fit well into it, and I am 64". Much noisier than my Honda, but most of that is road noise and wagons are just noisier than sedans. My only major complaint is that mileage is below expectations. 26 mpg for city driving with lots of freeway. I can tow a 450 lb. trailer and still have 500 lbs of cargo capacity. I like the looks. I love the utility. The paint has held up well. I have used the integrated roof rack several times. Glad I had one. The center arm rest/storage bin is a cheap piece of junk and mine, like so many, is broken, too. But the engine and drive train have held up well. Shocks are not very robust and need replacement at 92K . I plan to drive mine for many more miles. I really like this car and have same affection for it that I had for 2 Volvo wagons and one Honda wagon.

• 

  03 Lightning = Great Buy - 2003 Ford F-150
  By George - September 17 - 4:35 pm

  Year 3 of owning my Lightning. It is daily driven for most of the year. She gets into the occasional spirited acceleration now and then. Picked it up with 25k on the clock, now have 73k. I take good care of it, pretty much looks and runs the same as the day I got it. Only issue Ive ever had was the starter going around 50k. Beyond that plenty of tires (my fault haha), and recently rotors and pads. Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned!

• 

  Great car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By 3.8guy - September 17 - 4:22 pm

  For the money you cant beat it. Ive put 35000 miles on it since Ive had it with little to NO trouble aside from regular maintenance. 85000 on it now and still going strong. Very practical car for daily driving, but also good fun when the mood strikes. So far Ive been able to get 31mpg on the highway and about 17/18 in the city with a 5 speed trans. Not bad for an 8 year old sports car.

• 

  Great for 12 years - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By randy - September 17 - 6:39 am

  I bought this truck new, it was inexpensive and all the more truck that I needed. It was a bit of a challenge in four wheel drive( tough turning) and had very little off road hill power,in my back yard. The engined revved all the time, when stop at stop signs etc and would not idle down, I believe this cause this truck to really use the gas. I had to replaced five idler pulleys because of the screeching from the engine compartment.I changed the oil every 3000- 5000 miles. The truck had 79,000 miles 9-16-09 and without warning the engine went. It was a good vehicle but low mileage and its now JUNK.

• 

  Fun car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By j.edgar - September 16 - 8:02 pm

  The car has been very enjoyable. A very reliable car other than the tranny overdrive went out at 80000. Has never left me stranded though.