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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  Chose over all others - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kate - August 11 - 1:23 pm

  Spent 3 solid months researching vehicles and settled upon Audi A6 or Volvo S60 but chose the 500 based upon its safety factor and roominess in both interior and trunk. Surprised by smooth driving, shifting and overall ride which I felt was comparable to those of European design -- in fact, its almost of that style in the front but the back end is not that attractive. Excellent gas mileage, average of 22.8 - 28.9. Did not choose AWD because I live in So. CA. Nice feature though.

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  BAD ROTORS - 2004 Ford F-150
  By swampdog - August 11 - 11:23 am

  My truck has 4000 miles and rotors are already scarred. I guess everytime I change the oil I will have to do a brake job. I also have problems with a/c and radio. Whats next? If you are thinking about buying or already have a new truck CHECK THE ROTORS! The dealer or ford will not fix they said thats normal wear. I wiil not buy a ford anything again.

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  Sporty & Fun, Cant Wait for the Hybrid - 2001 Ford Escape
  By oldhouse93 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I had an absolute blast with this new mini-SUV. Power, cornering, roominess and it looks different on the road. My main problem with this vehical is the stiff unforgiving seats. You cant sit in them for more than about 100 miles before you have to get out and rest for an extended period. My rear was really hurting. It also took expressway pavement joints harshly, too much so for my liking. I cant wait for the hybrid fuel Escape to come out in late 2003.

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  We love it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rvbaugh - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Weve had a week, and its been great. We love the safe feeling and the comfort we now ride in. Its large enough for my 6 ft 6 husband to ride in 2nd seat.

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  awesome car ford - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By jkas - August 11 - 10:00 am

  great to drive rides like a dream fast as all hell love to leave my friends in the dust

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  Another F150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Trainut - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This has been another good Ford truck for me I bought my first in 1974 after driving Chevys. This F150 has everything that I wanted except an anti slip rear end. I have driven 63K miles and done the routine maintence and never had a problem, the small V-8 could get better milage but 17-19 mpg isnt that bad. The paint has held up well and the interior is fine.

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  taurus is best - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By diane - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Great mileage & very reliable. Have not had a major problem and currently running on 150,000 miles of travel. Would love to have another. Recent problems, past month new radiator, muffler, battery, and tune up. Small brake work. Spent $550 to fix all. Air conditioner in working order but vent works on upper only.

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  I love my car! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By aawyeah - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1996 Taurus GL used in 1999, when it had about 43,400 one- owner miles on it. Three years later I have added a lot of miles, & the car is in great condition despite the fact that it was always parked outside, frequently on a college-campus & endured a lot of long trips. I have changed the oil every 3,000 miles & the transmission fluid at 50,000 & have only replaced the brakes once, & had the rotors serviced twice.

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  Tremendous Value and Comfort - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By rpb - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car brand new w/VB. Currently it has 115,000 miles and averages 22-23 mpg. It runs like a champ. Unfortunately, forced to sell because of growing family, but because of the success we enjoyed - we will purchase another FORD make. Low mait. costs. Extremely reliable.

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  Windy in Indy - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By OurlivesforHim - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 2001 Sport SE used, and it has been great in the past year. We have put 12,000 miles on it. Only in the shop once for a day on a recall. No charge. I have an Accord, and have had many Hondas. The Oddy is nice, but the ride is much harsher, the engine works harder too. For a good of USA rig, this Windstar is well built, and running well at 26,000.