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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  Watch out for the transmission - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By unhappy Callifornian - April 6 - 3:00 am

  My transmission shop call the truck the "exploder." He loves them, because they bring him so much business. According to this mechanic, Ford used the Falcon transmission with the six, and a better transmission with the 8. My truck is a six. I have had one entire rebuild and a major repair for a cost of approx $3500. The transmission is going into fail safe again. Dont know how much it will cost this time. Truck has 190,000 miles. This works out to a major transmission repair every 65,000 miles. The ventilation system doesnt work properly. The truck will get stuck 4 wheel drive low. It will be a long time before I buy another Ford product.

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  versatile and fun - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By timo - April 5 - 11:46 pm

  Excellent vehicle in this class. Competent in many different roles and more fun to drive than we expected it to be. Very good handling (18 inch wheels and Pirelli tires) and brakes. Very comfortable and roomy. Mileage better than book - 20-26 mpg. Terrific a/c system, but wish for a pure fresh air vent system.

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  Best Choice I ever made. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By alspall - April 5 - 9:36 pm

  I am 62" and tried to look for a comfortable car. I was not disappointed. Plenty of leg, head, and shoulder room. Two kids are not crunched up in the rear. Plenty of trunk room. Very low level of outside noise. Very relaxed drive. No problems of any kind. Looks good, feels good. Gas mileage is good 19.5 city, 28 highway.

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  2012 Ford Focus - Tech Saavy Buyers Beware !!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By spbio - April 5 - 2:11 pm

  If you want to buy a new car that breaks after 30 days and cannot be fixed by Ford, the 2012 Ford Focus SEL is the car for you. I bought my 2012 Ford Focus on May 27, the BRAKES, Antilock Brake System, Traction Control, Uphill Assist and other Safety systems Failed before the end of June. The car has been at the dealership for repairs for >45 days and Ford does not know how to fix it . Attempts to resolve the problems at the Milham, PA dealership, service department and thru Ford Customer Care were futile. Ford markets this car to young tech saavy first time new car buyers, then treats them poorly. Do not be fooled or you will have a Bad Case of Buyers Remorse.

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  its a ten! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By pony man - April 5 - 12:33 pm

  Simply the best car I have ever owned and the most fun to drive. Bought it in Dec. 05; was a head turner then, and is a head turner now. Ford got it right. Bought it for my wife (lol) and will be buying another one for myself as soon as they come out with ... COBRA!

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  Sonic Blue Pony - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Stan - April 5 - 4:20 am

  Having waited since 1969 I was thrilled at the prospect of finally getting a Pony of the past but with the goodies of today. Mine was born 11/4 and she arrived the day before Thanksgiving. In many ways better than expected and in some ways somewhat disappointed. All in all I am very happy. She loves to run and sounds great out of the gate.

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  All good, but transmission - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Chris - April 5 - 2:56 am

  I bought my Explorer with 46,xxx miles on it. Now at 146,xxx miles, Ive grown really fond of almost everything about the truck. Except the fact that Ive had to rebuild the transmission twice! It went out once right before 100,000 and again about 40k later! The moonroof leaks pretty bad, too. Its treated me great otherwise, but Im sick of replacing the transmission and the 18 MPG, too.

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  Awesome - 1999 Ford F-150
  By dmoran - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck, no wonder its the number 1 selling!

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  Engine Dies at Highway Speed - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By steveou - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I was going 30 mph and the car totaly died. No steering, no brakes. No control of the car! Luckly, I was not in heavy traffic and did not crash. Morally, I am better off selling the two air bags, relatively new tires, battery, sterio, and getting $50 from a scrap yard too tow it away. If I was on the 405 freeway (Los Angeles), I most likely would be dead. I would not buy any Ford car based upon this engine. Your life or a kids life, is not worth taking a chance on this problematic series of Ford cars.

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  Inexpensive, reliable FUN!!! - 1996 Ford Aspire
  By AspireChick - April 5 - 2:00 am

  One review of the Aspire summed it up as BULLETPROOF. I concur with that. My car has 116,000 miles on it and I have done NOTHING to it, other then change oil & filter, and air filter. NOTHING else has been touched. While the 63 ponies under the hood my not break your neck accelerating, it does however manage to get you around decently.