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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  190,000 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By bergie44 - March 11 - 12:28 am

  I have a 2007 Five-Hundred SEL, with 190,000 miles on it. It runs great, and did not have any major problems. Did normal tune-up, replaced brake pads about every 50,000 miles. Replaces Uni-Royals about every 70,000 miles. Great, great car.

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  Thanks, Ford! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Linda - March 10 - 5:16 pm

  A vehicle with a Lincoln feel, for a very affordable price. Stepping up from a Taurus, I am blown away by this cars performance and luxury features. This is the first lease vehicle that I am seriously considering as a purchase at lease end.

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  pretty good workhorse - 1999 Ford F-150
  By myziopix44 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Use the truck as a truck to haul hay etc. also commute daily in it to work as well as 4wD for fun occasionally. No problems so far. Feels safe and powerful. Mileage is about 14.5 overall, not bad for a 5.4 V8. Good lighting at night. Stops fast for a truck, I have the optional 4W discs.

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  Lucky Out on Used Car Purchase - 1995 Ford Probe
  By trenp - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Probe SE used in 1997. It was a 95 with over 50k miles. I figured Id have it for a few years, but its going on six years and I really love it. Im about to plunk my first big money into it around $1,000 for trans problems Im starting to have. But overall Ive had no major problems and its been a joy to have. I hope to have it for a long time to come as a second car.

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  Bills Review - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Bill2 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Great design, extremely reliable.

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  Bold Moves! bravo to Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By bug - March 9 - 7:56 pm

  This car handles exceptionally well, it has a lot of power in the acceleration with the V-6. It handles the highway and curves very well. I like the fact I purchased with the maximum options on this vehicle, otherwise I would not be satisfied. The basic versions just dont have the same kick! I love the butter leather seats, I feel like I am driving very high quality expensive vehicle, without the expensive price!

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  What happened? - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mike Engels - March 9 - 10:00 am

  The first week was great. After that things deteriorated. In the second week and only a few hundred miles, the AC would grind when put on and vehicle would dive and lose power. The tailgate started chattering while driving. The auto locking doors stopped working when placed in drive. The belts starting squealing. I have had two belts replaced along with the pulleyes and tensioners. Also there was a loose bolt in the rear passenger door, and a 3 inch seat securing bolt loose rolling arounfd the interior! All of this in three months of ownership, bought new. Only 3500 miles and the problems still mount. Never will own again!

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  2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Buyamerican - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had no complaints at all. It has reasonable acceleration, but I always prefer more. 85% US parts beats the foreign junk competition and supports our US companies and workers. Drives like a car, not a UPS truck like the ugly CRV. Plenty of room on the inside for taller people and the interior is significantly nicer than the 04. Plenty of cargo room, especially with the seats folded down. Gas milage hovers around 19 for city driving.

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  great car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By SaRaH - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car before starting college. Its been a great car. It did have a fuel pump recall, but other than that I havent had any more problems. It is a very dependable car and I would recommend it.

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  good bang for the buck - 2003 Ford Focus
  By smacks - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 4 months and I love it. My dollars went a long way in QUALITY, which is more than I can say for the competitors in its price range.