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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  Ford Aspire...Aspiring to be a Real Car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Bandito - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ford Aspire (Teal Rocket) for about 3 years now and I must admit that even though I do believe it is the SLOWEST car on the road, it is my favorite car. Its Small and convienient, and still gets the job done. But I have just learned that of my four cylinders, two have next to no compression, I think it is due to working the engine so hard. =)

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  Great car for Getting Around - 1995 Ford Escort
  By The Artist - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had some problems with my little scort, but we are working them out. I had a intensly bad problem when I was at an idling speed the car would begin to jolt, this was especially scary on the highway at fast speeds. My mechanic told me that it was the EGR (exhaust gasket registor), it is a emmisiions control device that was causing the exhaust to plug up. Now that I have this problem taking care of I have fallen in love with this car. I am currently adding performance parts under the hood. I also plan on painting it Emerald green in the summer of 2003!

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  Still A Gem - 1996 Ford Probe
  By JohnAllan - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my 5-speed GT since new following a Base 92 Probe. Have only had to replace spark/ignition wires and front half shafts in 6 years/5800 miles. A thrill to drive every day with a beautiful engine and exhaust note. Considered trading last year but car sales rep was so interested in buying it from me personally ("Its like new"), I realized I couldnt replace it for less than 5 times its trade value and it is still more comfortable and fun than most new cars! I still love its looks and acceleration - especially in passing situations!

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  Drive it and you will buy it - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By TommyB2513 - December 18 - 10:10 pm

  This is one of the best vehicles I have driven in quite a while. It is comfortable, has plenty of power, large interior space, A/C cools well - I am in Texas and that is important - large truck and best of all, a quality vehicle. Too many people are saying it has no power; it does have what is necessary for a professional/family sedan. I have had many compliments after people have ridden in the car. You must take a look at it before you take the word of people who just like high priced fast cars. This car is for the normal everyday Joe who wants a car that will last him a long time.

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  Great job Ford!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By MB - December 18 - 7:26 am

  Ford got it right with this car! Test drove a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and a Jetta TDI....no comparison. After my Fusion test ride I was hooked. Solid car, handles well, smooth engine acceleration and very comfortable. If you had told me that after test driving all of these vehicles I would have picked the Ford I wouldve said you were crazy!! My first American car (in my 40s).....traded in an Accord.

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  Mediocre - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Ted in MT. - December 18 - 2:00 am

  If you have lots of time and money, keep it. Four speed overdrive transmission drops down when driving on long trips making the engine red line. Temperamental, many small repairs. Captains chairs too low. Wipers lousy as with all Fords.

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  What a piece of $*%(!! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By wondrme - December 18 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 96 Windstar GL. Bought it last year because it was a great price and only had 42K miles on it. Took it on several road trips and each time the check engine light came on. If I did not put a CERTAIN brand of premium gas in it, it would sputter and drive like a deisel. The transmission shifted strange, the ABS light was on when I got rid of it, the power steering was eating it (hissing whenever I turned), the steering felt mushy. Oh, and it ate up batteries like candy. I was CONSTANTLY having to jump it!!! I would _NOT_ recommend this van. Mine had 64k on it when I traded it and it drove like it was on the verge of a breakdown.

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  2nd Ford Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bigfoot - December 17 - 7:36 pm

  This is our familys second Focus. We also own a 2000 Focus that my son and daughter fight over. Even with all the recalls the 2000 Focus had, we still love driving that car. The 2005 Focus was purchased fully loaded, and that means it even has remote start. The new motor has even more pep than the 2000. In real life every day driving, its just a whole lot of fun. The steering is very responsive, and the motor gets up and goes!

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  93 Thunderbird V-6 - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By The Phoenix - December 17 - 2:00 am

  In the 30 months that I have had this car, I have changed one power window motor. Asides from that this 10 year old baby has not required any attention. The factory paint has held up to our Florida sun and the interior has done the same with out tints. It is fun to drive in the sense of its handling. I would have given a higher fun rating had the V-6 had some more power. The fuel economy is pretty good for a car that size. Sadly someone ran a stop sign and the ins. company is declaring it a total loss. Still it is a very solid car. The ins. company says it has frame damage but when I drove over the weekend it drove straight. Ill miss this car very much.

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  The 1991 ford mustang - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By alia - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is powerful. Although it is powerful it gets very good gas mileage. It has speed! 6 speed!