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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  Can I trust a Ford car? - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jay Shults - May 7 - 2:43 pm

  Spend 30k on the Limited and you get *VINYL* seats. The perforated part is leather; the entire 3rd row is vinyl. "Low grade" materials is an accurate description. I hope Ford did not use cheap materials in the drive train. Overall, the driving experience is good--nice handling and braking. The cabin noise could be reduced, but is not too bad. This is a very functional vehicle and handles better than a minivan. We like the car for these reasons, but you have to compromise. The interior quality on other vehicles in this price range, Odyssey for example, is significantly better. I didnt even know that automakers still used vinyl. Also some frustrations with color choices and options.

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  Replaced my Windstar - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By AJinDAYTON - May 7 - 2:00 am

  6000 miles, looks great, accelerates & handles well, brakes are fantastic, nice turning radius, Advance Trac is super in snow and ice, 15.5 mpg combined, good interior layout, great highway cruiser. Tows well-11 mpg w/4000# boat. Reliability-Rear axle seal leak/fixed; front tire wear/realigned, Axle whine 52-62 mph/not fixed-Ford service bulletin to replace driveshaft-no fix, Dealers been great-Fords another story - say they are working on it, 4 months no fix in sight.

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  t-bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By jerry blake - May 7 - 2:00 am

  this is one , that is a sleeper. it has the comford and power of a more powerful car. the mustang would its only equal in the 4.6 power plant.

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  ford experiece - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By turttle - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I believe i got my monies worth buying this vehicle

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  Fun Pony to ride on - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Chrislxf - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car. I was amazed by its power and handling. Burn everycar that "try" to cut me off. Beautiful exterior design. The interior isnt all that ugly, it just need some inovation and mod. Had my computer and 12 inch lcd build in my mustang. The coolest car in the parking lot. Not recommanded if you have more than 1 passenger (a dog is ok @ the rear seat) ......

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  Love my Mustang Convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gramfire6 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  So far, this car has been very good for me. It has a lot of style, gets very good mileage, and everyone who has ridden in it has been impressed. We plan to keep it for many years.

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  Cool Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By MustangFan2005 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Ford Focus came out only 3 years ago and now its almost the most popular car. I like it very much, its a great,raliable car. And Id recommend everyone to buy it. Thank you Ford for Focus.

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  New ZX5 is Great - 2003 Ford Focus
  By fairlanecobra - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Great styling. Good performance. Ride is unlike any car I have had before, tight and easy to control. Plently of room for 4 people and the dog in the hatch area. Gets looks everywhere.

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  A good car... for the price. - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By J Bourdeaux - May 7 - 2:00 am

  It has been a fine car, great on gas mileage, even now at 121K, I still average 36 MPG. But with that great MPG, power is sacrificed, which is to be expected. Consumer Reports correctly stated that the Aspire is painfully underpowered. Although I can zip in and out of traffic, I cant accelerate up steep hills. It has been relatively maintenance free. In 8 years, Ive replaced the tires two or three times, struts twice (I guess I hauled too much with all the room in the back), brakes once, exhaust, headlights, rotor, cap, and timing belt. The road noise is somewhat pronounced. Overall, its been reliable, a fine investment, and has served me very well.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By klondikecat - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very good during the blizzards of 03, worked better than Explorers, and other 4WD vehicles.