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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  A lot of fun for the money - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By 1trickpony - April 14 - 7:25 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Mustang V6 with Pony Package at the beginning of 2009 and I love it! You cant beat the beautiful styling for the dollar. Pony package adds a performance look with fog lamps and Bullitt wheels. GT handling package really makes cornering a BLAST! Mine also has the optional Shaker 500 audio system, which I HIGHLY recommend if you are a music fan. Fuel economy is OK, I would have expected better from a V6 but its not all that bad. The enthusiast in me cant help but want just a little more when I press the gas pedal, but this car has PLENTY of pep for most people, and it sounds really cool when accelerating. If you want power I suggest paying the extra $ for a GT.

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  Satisfied longtime owner - 1996 Ford Contour
  By original owner - April 13 - 12:20 am

  If youre reading this, youre probably wondering about a 96 Contour as a used car prospect. There were some early recalls and warranty problems, but Ive done decent maintenance and ended up with a reliable, fun-to-drive, economical car. The timing belt broke at 90K (no harm done I should have replaced it sooner), but routine maintenance has been fine, brakes long-lasting, transmission no trouble. Ill be selling it reluctantly, cause I think it has many more miles on it!

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  Utilitarian - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Tim - April 12 - 9:17 pm

  This 95 is my 3rd Bronco. I seem to flock to one every other year because they do what they do so well. Best vehicle I have ever seen in the winter. I pulled a 22 FedX truck out of the snow last year. The 351 has huge torque but the 302 is adequate for most. Add a snow plow and make money or the old lady next door happy. Drinks gas, rides high, and gets you anywhere. Can I order a 2009?

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  I sync and temperature guage - 2009 Ford Focus
  By chrisw - April 12 - 8:32 am

  Car is exactly what I paid for, SEL loaded for what it costs, as an ex 2007 BMW 3 series driver, more than surprised at the drive experience and standard equipment level.

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  Best in class, Period! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Randall - April 12 - 12:28 am

  I bought this car as my first sports car and have been loving every minute of it. The sound, the ride, the style, everything is amazing. With an intake, tune, and an exhaust system, and the car turned into a completely different animal. I have the California Special in Performance White and it stands out from even other Mustangs.

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  What a suprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By steviegood - April 11 - 8:13 pm

  It was time to get better fuel economy what with 30-35k miles a year. I never buy a car the first year out but convinced myself to try this one. GREAT ride, above the average mileage for the size, about an average of 23 overall, 26 in the highway. Cheaper parts and finishes are more then made up for in the great smooth ride. Size is more than my past SUVs. Ease of fold down great. All in all a great new product.

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  Good value for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bcamp55 - April 10 - 11:59 am

  The car has performed well with very little service issues other than the computer going out at 135K ($1,400). Other than tires, one brake change, and oil, I have put no money into this car considering I have almost 150,000 miles on it. I would feel quite confident driving it to Alaska today if I needed to.

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  Bad Mileage "Gas waister" - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Carlos - April 10 - 11:12 am

  I read the specs on this car and suppose to give you 16mpg city and 21mpg hwy. But every time I fill the tank I reset the odometer and I always get only about 10mpg city. If some one had the same problem I like to know how to fix it. Carlos

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  Focus has gone way downhill - 2007 Ford Focus
  By hh - April 10 - 9:15 am

  This is my second Focus. At 40K miles, the stock 6 CD player started draining the battery, causing me to need jumps as long as the main fuse allowed power to the radio/Cd. I spoke with Ford - not covered. Nearly new car, dying nightly, now working again only because I pulled the fuse. Ford is aware of the issue, but wont work it. This has soured me on Ford, and the Focus, and I wont be buying another FMC product.

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  Middle age - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - April 10 - 4:53 am

  Very comfortable. Very roomy but does not stand out in a crowd. Like the AWD and CV transmission.