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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  ZX2 Kicking Ass On The Street! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By mac3546+54 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my car...for the price, dependability, style and last but not least quality performance. My car gets app. 30 mpg and still has the power and handling of a sports car that makes it fun to drive.

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  My Ranger 4.0 S.O.H.C - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By cyrus - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been good so far.I just have a few complaints......It seems to lean to the left (annoying) and I get a vibration on accell,it sometimes feels squirely on the highway,feathers tires way before it should (before 3,000 miles). hopefully the dealer will correct these issues.But,overall I am satisfied with my Ranger "POWERHOUSE".

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  Wild Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By GoStang Go - September 26 - 6:07 pm

  I purchased my 2006 GT convertible used from a dealer. It was 11 years old with only 22,800 miles on it. I had to see it to believe it. It was so beautiful. Black with red leather interior. I purchased the vehicle on site after a test drive of course. This is my 4th mustang and my third convertible. I am addicted to the mustangs. This model does remind me of my 1969 Grande coupe I had. The lumbar support is a definite improvement for the lower back on this 2006 GT premium. This was a problem in my previous mustangs for longer trips over an hour or so. The pick up in acceleration is fantastic. I agree Ford should cut back on the plastics in the interior because it cheapens the vehicle. I have a shaker 1000 system and it sounds really good. The cd player is garbage. The first cd I placed in it got stuck. I get plenty of looks and compliments all the time on her. This is a good cruiser car and the family and I enjoy the ride tremendously. Top down rolling down the highway is so soothing and therapeutic. I had a 2002 convertible and 2004 convertible and using the convertible top is a breeze on these newer models than the previous models. The top seems to completely fall into place without effort and you just lock it down with the lighter handles. I would have been great to have power passenger seat. I believe the passenger seat is too low and should have a power package or at least a manual lever to raise the seat or lower the seat and give lumbar support. The rear seats seem comfortable enough. For a convertible, it is roomier than the Mercedes, jaguar and camaro. The camaro does not compare. If you really look around, you can see more variations of mustangs by mustang owners than camaros. If you have a mustang, you can almost totally redesign the mustang to your personal needs with all the parts and accessories the market have available for mustangs. These have been very reliable. The previous fox body styles, 1999 - 2004 did have this seal leak between the transmission and engine that was annoying after about 90,000 miles and it was not a cheap fix. I am praying these new mach 1 body styles do not such flaws. I have noticed though, the a/c in my older models got colder quicker was much colder. I saw a comment to the opposite so I am not sure why this is. I have had an 02 and 04 and you could freeze to death in there with the a/c on max. Over all, good price for a fun and reliable vehicle.

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  Is it time for a class-action lawsuit - 2014 Ford Focus
  By R Green - September 26 - 5:01 pm

  3500 miles on my 2014 Focus and the transmission failed. Not only did it fail, but failed dangerously in freeway traffic. This resulted in sudden unwanted accelerations and decelerations; almost like I had no control of the car. This is ridiculous!

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  Love it - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jsiudock - September 26 - 5:00 pm

  My first hybrid. We have two Fords and two Nissans and a Mazda. The leather is wonderful and it looks great. The side air bags gives you a feel of safety. Wish Ford would have better map lighting up front. My daughter was cold about the truck as she drives a 2006 Nissan Maxima. Took her five minutes to warm up to the two tone paint and leather. Truck is a little top heavy but my wife loves it. Averaging over 40 miles per gallon. Notice that resale value is in the Honda area. Great storage for a small SUV. Taking it up North for winter break to check long term driving. Fords better idea

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  Excelent Economy Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Leavenworth_Boy - September 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a second For Escort I have owned. I have never had any problems with this car. Change the oil, and it goes any distance.

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  Nice Car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By stud1234 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Consistent performance. Tight car, handle, drive, feel, etc.

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  Mustant - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By MaxineDay - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I bought it from a dealership that sold cars that were rentals through Budget. Ive had no problems, other than the top deteriorating. But, I live in Las Vegas and the car sits in the heat quite often. I have no complaints

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  Shop before you buy this one - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By ForrestZ - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new 4 years ago, and have mixed feelings about it. I have a decked out 4WD version with 4.0 SOHC, 5SP Auto, leather and sunroof. I highly recommend all of these features. It has been an all around good vehicle, with no major problems to date (75000 miles). I use the 4WD for the beach a few times a year, and occasionsal trail use for camping, and occasional utility trailer hauling. It has served me very well in this capacity.

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  clock problems? - 2003 Ford Escape
  By eshanks5 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I cant seem to get an answer as to why my clock does not automatically come on. Why must I push the clock button every time i drive the car? I got nowhere with asking the service dept. One guy told me I must not have gotten that option!! It is just plain annoying!!