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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  great van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By don juan - September 22 - 2:00 am

  best vehicle on the road....i would buy a million of them if i could!!!

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  Pleased as usual - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort Fan - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Our poor Escort has been through a lot of abuse, unfortunately, so it is reaching a need for premature repairs-- not its fault! We have to put it though apartments without garages, storms, bad roads, rail tracks, highway speeds before warmup, city driving and long trips. It has handled it very well and at nearly 70+K, it is only now having mechanical issues.

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  Quality Wagon-but remember, its a Wagon - 1993 Ford Escort
  By CrossCountryBabs - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 58K. Had no problems but struts, brakes and the rear springs. Nothing major. I was only 20 and owned a wagon. My friends thought I was smokin funny stuff, but hey, it was like driving a truck that got 34 miles to the gallon and never broke down. Not bad if you ask me.

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  Seems like a good car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By SteveS - September 22 - 12:23 am

  Traded a Honda Odyssey in for the 500, got all the bells and whistles. Thus far this seems to be a good vehicle; owned Toyota Avalon back in 2000 with their new body style. This car is a better riding more enjoyable car than the Toyota was for me. Gas mileage has been running around 25-26 mpg city and highway; seating is excellent. Just a overall good riding, driving, vehicle ... hope it holds up.

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  Top - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Don Groen - September 21 - 9:20 am

  After nearly 6,000 miles, I have had no problems. On the highway I have been averaging around 31 MPG driving at or near speed limit. It is a pleasure to drive and it gets lots of curiosity lookers and questions. I am very satisfied with the 500.

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  XXL SUV - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Kelo - September 21 - 2:00 am

  We needed the third row seat and storage space behind it for the baby, dog, and all the gear that goes with them. Drove everything else including the Suburban. Came down to size and options. Love the ride and performance. Drove a Dodge Ram before this and its just as easy to park. If you dont like trucks, get a minivan. This is the XXL SUV. Love it.

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  Outstanding vehicle!!! - 1996 Ford Probe
  By husband - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this puppy brand spanking new, and I have loved every day with it. Good acceleration smooth looks (for its time) and very comfortable interior. Rusty sunroof and crappy service from Ford (for standard maintenance) are the only detractions. I wish Ford had continued this model.

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  I love my truck! - 1990 Ford F-150
  By FordGirl - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck from a friend at about ~70,000 miles. He hadnt done anything to maintain it, with the exception of changing the oil and hoses. It even had the original tires. I have to say that it is the best purchase Ive ever made. It has required almost no maintenance, and just refuses to die. Mine has a straight six, that has effortlessly towed anything Ive hooked up to it. It now has ~165,000 miles and is definitely showing its age, but I still have nothing but positive things to say about it. Im getting ready to buy a new vehicle, but Ive decided to keep the truck, just because I cant bring myself to part with it.

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  Ecoboost made the difference - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Tony - September 20 - 4:21 pm

  2013 fusion se with 1.6 ecoboost. Great gas mileage. 36 highway with a fully loaded car.transmission is shifty at times but mostly great. Very comfortable fir long trips and commutes.we loved our fusion.test drove it with a friend 6ft 5 in the backseat.plenty of leg room.

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  my truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By harold mann - September 20 - 5:43 am

  Everything about my truck I love, except where they put the window handle. I didnt like reaching down so far to roll the window down. I ended up putting power windows on it so I wouldnt have to.