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:

• 

  Dont Walk, Run From a 1999 Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mroberts35 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Windstar used from a dealership. It had 36,000 miles when we bought it and we thought we were getting a good deal. The engine light went on befor we got it home from the dealer. Thank goodness for the extended warrenty we bought, and a good dealership, becasue the light went on 4 more time within the next 4,000 miles. I had read about all the problems others had had but we bought it anyway, figuring who writes in good reviews. Now I know why they were all bad. Dont buy this car..please!

• 

  Reliable, but has problems - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Fronches - February 24 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Escort Pony is a reliable car. It has never let me down when I needed it. Problems include malfunctioning automatic seatbelts, failing gas and unreliable temperature gauges. Also, check engine, and check coolant lights come on normally. Despite these problems the car operates fine, and is a good fun car. The 5-speed transmission is great, but the clutch is weak.

• 

  My stang is my buddy - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By miamiu alum - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mustang. I only drive it in the Spring/Summer months. It doesnt go well on roads in SW Ohio in the Winter. I have a Ford Taurus I drive then. I do thoroughly love my car. The white finish and beige interior and accenting on the body is awesome. Its the pony I never got for my 4th birthday! -)

• 

  Cool car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kgirl - February 23 - 8:16 pm

  Really great in the Cleveland winters. Great ride quiet and roomy. Getting 21 mpg combined city and highway, with weight of AWD.

• 

  BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Alex - February 23 - 7:43 pm

  My parents surprised me with a 2006 black GT on Christmas eve. I was completely shocked. I have had the car for about 3 weeks now and am loving it. I recommend the Shaker 1000 stereo system. I has the 5 speed manual transmission which is smooth shifting and a short throw. It accelerates like none other! I also have the interior upgrade package with the red leather which looks incredible. I get compliments on the car every time i drive somewhere. The exhaust note turns heads all over. Great buy for 30,000 300HP car. Wont disappoint!

• 

  Early Ownership Impressions - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By David - February 23 - 11:40 am

  This car is the best combination of room, comfort, features and economy in the marketplace. More after 20,000 miles or so.

• 

  ZX3 Nirvana - 2001 Ford Focus
  By DC Boomer - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great commuter car, perfect for quick maneuvers and fast stops. Im tall and the seats are comfortable and the visibility is great. The only defect was a faint rattle in the rear which was quickly repaired by the dealer. The ZX3 is a great value for the money.

• 

  2002 Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Stick shift fanatic - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I love the 5 speed stick shift . It was great getting this with 4WD. Handles great in bad weather. Seating is comfortable especially with teenagers in the back seat. It is fun driving my sporty bright red Escape.

• 

  Will overlook first trip to the shop... - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Rita - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Sure didnt think Id have to have the fuel pump and sender replaced at 1600 miles. Now at 2700 miles Im still waiting for the advertised mpg to kick in. This is my first Ford so I have to admit my expectations arent that high. The rear view mirror was stuck and the exterior molding started to peel away in week one. Ford has since fixed these things. Im hoping for no future problems to sour me because I do enjoy driving this fun little car. I can feel the difference when the Advance-Trac takes over. Handling feels safe I just hope I dont get hit ; this car will surely crunch.I dont plan on keeping it much longer after the warranties expire.

• 

  Worlds Greatest Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By SPage - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the fastest and most fun vehicle I have ever driven! I plan on owning a Lightning as long as they make them!