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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  Would buy another one! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By jwagen02 - April 22 - 10:46 pm

  Overall we have been very happy with our 2006 Ford Fusion. Until the air went out, we had zero problems in 84000 miles. Oil changes and tires and thats it. We are having to pay $600 to have a $10 sensor changed behind the dashboard, which seems outrageous! The car rides well, we get high 20s for mileage on the highway, and the car was a great price. The 4 cylinder engine has enough power but produces some noise in the cabin. I will probably buy another Fusion in a year or two.

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  Shes exactly what I wanted - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Marshall - April 22 - 8:25 pm

  My 2006 Mustang GT is my seventh Mustang and by far, the best. The car runs 13s in the quarter, gets over 20mpg, sounds great, and is a blast to drive. Not the best handling car on the road, not the fastest either, but a solid platform that you can make into whatever kind of Mustang you would like. Tons of after market support including: wheels and tires, body kits, suspension system upgrades, power upgrades like blowers, turbos, nitrous oxide injection, super chargers cams, heads, etc... You take care of your Mustang and shell take care of you. I run premium fuel and full synthetic oil. Follow the maintenance guidelines, dont be cheap and skip over expensive services.

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  Return Customer - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Janz - April 22 - 4:47 pm

  We used to buy Fords in the 80s and 90s but went away due to poor quality after 2000. Due to incentives and promises of quality from Ford, we decided to take a look again. We are very glad we did. We love our Escape and feel like we have one-upped everyone else since we found a jewel that most people overlook. We got 0% finance for 60mo, $500 rebate for college student, $1K below invoice, full retail for trade, and full 6/60 warranty + maintenance (oil changes) for only $1800. Our XLT ended up being $21K fully loaded, before trade and warranted included. You cannot beat these deals.

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  engine light - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Eugene Stewart - April 21 - 9:17 pm

  Since i first had this van i loved it but know i just dont know? I had to replace the catatly conveter, manifold,oxygen sensor,all four of them witch is 200 a pieace,conveter was 800 maniford 120 and to put it on the machine and that was about 130 for a test yeah!!!! all n three month period all because the engine light keep coming on. i just cant win? plus it was time for and emmission test also .

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  Fun to Drive lots of small problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By PeteNc - April 21 - 9:09 pm

  I like the escape well designed easy to see good size good mpg. It is definitely noisy. My main complaint is numerous $300-$500 problems. The antitheft starter went out $500 plus took forever to figure it out, it would crank but not start then battery would die. Lock broke $300 and forever. Valves broke $600. A/c out $900 so definitely getting into repairs.

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  Great So Far - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By xploder06 - April 21 - 8:26 pm

  I have had this vehicle going on almost 3 years and love it! First, the negatives. The first year I owned it I had the 4WD motor and shifter replaced. During the second year, I experienced the common "clunk" when starting from rest or moving slowly then pressing on the gas. Initially, dealer replaced faulty transmission part and re-flashed computer. Computer had to be re-flashed again recently to totally fix the problem. All covered under warranty. Now the positives. The cabin is ultra quiet when driving highway speeds of 65 mph or more. Lots of cargo space, decent performance, and very comfortable seats on long trips. Best mid-sized SUV out there IMO!

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  One Tough Truck - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By SJack - April 21 - 6:19 pm

  My Bronco was bought from an Auction with only 27,000 miles on it but being a Fed. Fish and Wildlife truck it had been horribly abused with a broken front axle as well at one time going for a swim in the Sacramento Delta. I now have 195,000 miles on it, of hard Nevada backcounty dirt road driving and its still going. Repairs have been minimal considering the abuse and has never not started or gotten me at least to a paved road without hesitation. I wish ford had never stopped building them because I know they would sell. For us who make our living in the back county there is no replacement.

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  been a good truck - 1996 Ford F-150
  By like my ford - April 21 - 10:57 am

  This has been a good, strong, reliable truck. Wish i could have found an extended cab for the same price but i am satisfied with the reg. cab. I have warn lockers and prefer them to auto locks. Body style is one of the best Ford has had. 5.8l is strong but only get about 13mpg, and the valves rattle if i dont burn Premium. Two mechanics have been through it and say theres nothing wrong with it. 161,000 miles and am not afraid to go any where in it.

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  Suprisingly Good - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Neil - April 20 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my car for about three months and have been pleasantly surprised by this car. It out-handles and has a more comfortable ride than my Infiniti I30T that I had before. The room (interior and trunk) is wonderful. Everyone who rides in the car leaves positively impressed. I am running mid-grade gas and the performance is more than good enough unless your interest is flooring it and being pressed back in your seat. I seem to notice a more positive "carving" feel to turns with it but I am not sure if that is the AWD kicking in or not. Turn stereo treble and bass up nearly all the way to get best sound.

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  V8 power - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Raul - April 20 - 11:18 am

  After owning a 98v6 mustang, and investing almost $2000 on paint, rims, body work, and lights, I new I needed a v8. I bought my gt because I got a good deal, and because Ive always wanted a v8 mustang. Acceleration is awesome, you can hear this thing breathe. Handles well also. Takes corners like its on rails. Interior is ok, not as bad as some say, well to my standards. Leather is great, convertable top is awesome. Mpg is not that bad for me. I get around 18 city, and 26 on highway, I have a heavy foot too. Love the retro style... Dont regret purchasing this beast. Wish I had more power, but I can fix that with aftermarket stuff.