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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  Mechanical Problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By lindasprouse - October 5 - 11:40 am

  We have had several repairs to the truck including brake replacement. The major problem now is the transmission. We need to repair and/or rebuilt transmission at $1,500 to $1,800. One service shop tried a fix for $300 after finding a service bulletin on it. The transmission is still slipping in third gear. It is now at a reputable transmission shop to be repaired. We were told by them that there was an article in a transmission magazine about this problem in this particular vehicle and that also Ford is not very good about transmission recalls even though there seems to be major problems with this model. This is why I have always purchased Toyota.

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  Great Replacement F150 2014 - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Dave Kammerer - October 5 - 8:42 am

  I owned a 1981 F150 for 36 years. I had 337,000 miles and still going strong. It was the three speed on the column shiftier with an inline six engine. I decided to upgrade to 2014 F150 XL Regular Cab V-8 with 5.0 engine. I bought one with a full size bed (8x 4). This vehicle is outstanding. I travel every day and it provides me with dependability as well as comfort. I get 13 -15 miles per gallon in the city and 20-22 on the highway. It has kept me safe and it has been a work horse so far. I am enjoying the features that my former 1981 F150 didnt have available. I choose this over the current F150 (2015 - 2017) as this has a steel bed. It gives me all the features that make my job easy. It has good acceleration and handles good at higher speeds. I plan to keep this one for a while. My family and friends are in shocked that I would upgrade but are proud of me for getting a great newer truck. The ironic part of this upgrade was that I went to a Chevy Dealer and bought this truck for a great price. I would recommend this model to anyone who wants reliability, dependability, stability and comfort in one vehicle.

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  Surprise Choice - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gross Family - October 5 - 3:06 am

  My husband and I were in the market for 2 new vehicles. He purchased his 2nd Explorer. I really had my heart set on a Chrysler 300. However being a "Ford Family," I had the salesman write up another Ford vehicle for myself. Just before signing the papers, I thought I would walk through the car lot one last time to be sure. As I walked out the door my eyes glanced at a car that I had not seen previously. It was the Ford 500. I had never heard of a Ford 500. Immediately I rushed into the sales office and insisted that I test drive the car. I was hooked! Great car! It was extremely important that I get a car large enough for my 14 year old son who is 6 foot 2 to ride in comfortably.

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  23 months and 67,000 miles - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rfkfsf - October 5 - 2:36 am

  Onwed my 2010 FFH for 23 months now just over 67,000 miles. I drive 135 miles per day combination city and highway. Mileage is 41 -44 summer (over 70 degrees) winter never worse than 35. 2 minor issues that dealer took care of rear brake squeek at 20,000 and fan blower motor replacement at 30,000. Owned a 2008 Honda civic hybrid before this, no comparision to the refinement, seemless gas/electric operation and driving comfort of the Fusion hybrid. Would buy another in a minute.

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  The Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  The Escort is a reliable piece of basic transportation. It gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. Unfortunately, with the 1.9L engine, you also get minimal acceleration. Road noise is excessive, even for a small car, but the ride is quite supple for a car of this age (the chassis first debuted on the Protege in 1990). Not a bad little car overall, very reliable.

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  The Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  The Escort is a reliable piece of basic transportation. It gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. Unfortunately, with the 1.9L engine, you also get minimal acceleration. Road noise is excessive, even for a small car, but the ride is quite supple for a car of this age (the chassis first debuted on the Protege in 1990). Not a bad little car overall, very reliable.

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  Everything is falling apart - 1995 Ford Contour
  By dannnn - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about two years. I got it at about 80k miles. I drove it from Ohio to California. I am at 126k now and aside from a few recalls everything has turned out ok. At this point though, everything is falling apart. The gas door wont open, then vents dont work, and the cup holder sucks.

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  In "Style" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By CAB - October 4 - 5:26 pm

  This vehicle not only handles terrifically and looks phenomenal but the comfort of the ride is unmatched by any and all comfort sedans. The CVT makes the handling so smooth that you barely notice bumps on the road. A year ago I waited on purchasing any other vehicle to see what this Freestyle looked and drove like. Was WELL worth the wait!

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  Love my car but 2 aggravations.. - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Judie - October 4 - 10:00 am

  We have a problem keeping the drivers seat in selected selected position. The trunk lock is real stinker. Usually takes several tries to open it. I Wish it had a key entry to it.

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  A clasic in the making - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Serge - October 4 - 2:00 am

  What a wonderfull car...I think its the most aestetic model ever...but again thats just me. I love the car, its black on black vert. Drives well, handles well and responds well to modifications due to the 5.0. I prefer the 5.0 (94~95) models to the early 4.6 (96~98). It took ford till the 99 model to wake the 4.6 up...Oh, and the leather seats are sooooo comfortable...