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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  I miss my 02 SEL Taurus - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vincent - June 29 - 2:40 am

  This vehicle dosnt have the power of my 02 Sel Taurus, you would think having the same motor this car would fly like the Taurus. The 3.0 Duratec in my Taurus would give you whiplash, but not my Five Hundred. The inteior isnt as roomy either, but Ill get use to it. If your tall dont get a Five Hundred without adjustable pedals, the seats dont go back far. I do like the message center, it can be convienent. The Audiophile stereo is better than The Mach that was in the Taurus. It handles pretty good, It has better tires than the Taurus (Continentals) which dont last very long. This car is new for me, bought it used, its loaded and Im sure in due time Ill own an 08 Taurus Limited.

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  1995 Ford Probe - 1995 Ford Probe
  By GeorgeH - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The 1995 Ford Probe is a very reliable vehicle. Other than the regular maintainence, weve had to invest very little additional money to keep it running well. The only problem with the vehicle is that it seems to wear through tires quicker than most other cars.

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  The Ultimate Muscle Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By specmstr - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Classic styling and great performance...a true pleasure to drive.

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  Check out ZX2, better than Focus for now - 2003 Ford Escort
  By gkxp - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I like my ZX2! Styling being subjective inside and out and everyone will have their own opinion on it. I think the ZX2 is just better than the current Focus because it is MUCH quicker and that is fact! The ZX2 Escort to me is basically a car that has lived on for a decade ignoring the recent "taller is better" philosophy and is now a reliable, quick 90s car for sale in 2003.

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  93 Ford Explorer - Fun to Drive - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By RGFalter - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer was very reliable, however, brake design was poor. Had number of service calls due to brake problems.

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  never again!!!! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By corey469 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  After having this car for only about 3000 miles (41000 when purchased) the cv joints went. Then it was recalled for not having the shock covers on the front. Then the air blowers went, all the air came out the defroster!! 5000 more miles, the serpintine belt went along with the spark plugs. Now my car always says its cold. Broken Sensor. The air always smells like anti-freeze when i drive!! When i put the a/c on, i lose about 30 hp!!! The car is slow, unreliable, uncomfortable, and too much to maintain!!!

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  fun, fun, fun - 2002 Ford Escape
  By paulawala - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. More interior room than I anticipated just by glancing at them in parking lots. The V-6 has nice pick up. A great looking SUV, not too small like some but not too big like others. Gas mileage is definately a plus.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Drew - June 28 - 8:36 pm

  After months of researching what kind of vehicle to purchase, I decided on the Ford Five Hundred FWD Limited. I am a professional driver and have driven everything from Audis to VWs. I had rented the Chrysler 300 and was leaning toward that vehicle, but after getting into the Five Hundred I was convinced that it was the car for me. The cockpit is very similar to the high end European cars. So close to the Mercedes S class that its almost impossible to tell the difference. On the road the Five Hundred met almost all of my expectations. The cabin is quiet and there is no exterior wind or road noise. The only thing Ford could have done better is the sound system. Its ok but not great.

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  Biggest and best on the road - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By 155gunner - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV! The view is awesome and the interior room is big enough to live in. I can easily transport my family, cats, ferret, and Saint Bernard and still not feel crowded. The V10 has plenty of power for my needs and the mileage is not that bad considering the thing weighs close to 8,000 pounds and is 4WD. I get 11 mpg in town and 15 mpg highway, with the AC running full blast. If you need room and want a little more safety from a large vehice, this ones for you.

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  bjwegde - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By brian waller - June 28 - 2:00 am

  my edge has been great. i have had no problems, with any thing on it. i even upgraded the sound system with more powerful speakers and installed a bazooka amplifier bass tube and sounds great.