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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  And I thought my Tundra was good........ - 2005 Ford F-150
  By TJ Vollman - May 2 - 2:10 am

  I bought my "baby" after having a terrible accident with my Tundra (it was totaled). I swore I would never buy anything but a Tundra (it saved my life) but then I saw the new F150 and it was LOVE at first site. WHAT A MACHINE ! Towing my 24 foot SeaRay became a walk in the park. Built like a tank....rides like a Benz....Im a Ford Man now and Im never looking back.

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  good car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By dood - May 2 - 2:00 am

  THis car is fun to drive, powerful, handles well

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  its my problem - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Itsmyproblem - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Driver side window replaced and back driver side window replaced. The front driver side light cover still needs replacement.Purchased 2 new tires before 25000 miles they were splitting and next to bare. Hood latch was replaced. Brakes have been replaced 3 times and rotors twice less than 65000 miles on the vehicle back breaks are continuous coming out of allignment. Alternator went out with under 65000 miles on it. I love all the space. # road trips since Ive owned it. Twice with a child and her toys and once with four adults. We all fit comfortably.I also find it to be very comfortable for sleeping.

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  Freebie Satisfaction - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By md-freebie - May 1 - 6:13 pm

  The first three months and 3400 miles have been a joy. No issues that required a return to dealer. Build quality was perfect. Went from nearly $34,800 on sticker to $29K plus taxes. Took a little time to warm up to CVT. Now I like it. Especially at speed -- no lag in response. Ask for it and the tranny is already pulling; no down shift. More like how a manual feels at speed. Push harder and things change quickly -- RPMs willingly go to 6k with no down shift delay but pulling all the time as the ratios go lower.

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  i LOVE IT - 2002 Ford Escape
  By KAYRON THOMPSON - May 1 - 2:00 am

  i HAVE HAD MY ESCAPE FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW IT RIDES VERY SMOOTH. ITS REALLY GOOD ON GAS AND COMFORTABLE WHEN TRAVELING MY KIDS LOVE IT ALSO

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  A Car to sink your money into - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By maycat - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car I bought it for five thousand and had to put another ten thousand into the car to keep it on the road. It did survive several road trips but on the last trip a piston broke in the engine after I did a routine oil change. If you like repair bills this is the car for you.

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  mine is yellow - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By therick03 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  could use a few more horsepower, but overall a cool, fun to drive little car..any help on modifications would be greatly appreciated

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  1999 Ford Windstar SEL - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By psalm37v11 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Too many mechanical failures. Required immediate replacement of power steering pump when brand new. Has needed two rebuilt transmissions in less than 80,000 miles at over $2,000 apiece. Neither transmission incident was covered under any warranty. In short, total cost of ownership of this vehicle is way too high. It was expensive to buy initially, and the repair costs make it infeasible to keep.

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  Dependable - 1996 Ford Escort
  By jrossodi - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car wont die. It has had a few minor expectable problems, such as brakes, tires, battery, etc. But the engine is tough, the mileage is great, an it has NEVER missed a start in its 8 years of life. I am now looking for another one for my son, same year. I know what to expect from the Escort.

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  Stang Happy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By StangHappy - April 30 - 11:33 pm

  Great driving experiences this stang of mine. The handling is very responsive meaning I have a quick way to get out of the way of all those SUVÂ’s on the road today. IÂ’m very pleased, and impressed, with FordÂ’s better idea for the 2005 Stang. Keep up the good work, a 9.5 in my book.