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:

• 

  Ford Crown Victoria Rocks - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Fahad - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have 7 Ford Crown Victorias ranging from 1998 to 2002 and they are all very excellent and reliable cars. They can put up with the abuse i put them through such as peeling out and doing donuts. Unfortunately I will not get to drive them for long because they will be turned into fleet vehicles which is why they were bought. I am only 17 but I love the Ford Crown Victoria because it is a great American Muscle Car.

• 

  Happy Customer - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Tink - May 22 - 1:23 am

  This car is great, we searched high and low and we found nothing that had as much style, comfort and interior size. Beyond all that it is very cool, incredible retro look, great sound system and well designed nav/data system. I have already had the misfortune of being in an accident, I was smashed almost head on by a VW. The other car was destroyed and I barely felt anything. I was stunned at how hard a hit this car took (the police officer was very impressed) and I was still able to (sadly) drive it to the shop. We are not easy to please but the Flex did what Audi, Volvo and Honda were unable to do - make us very happy customers!

• 

  I love my Sasha! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ni-Ni - May 21 - 10:56 pm

  I love my Sasha XLT. I traded my junk 04 for the wonderful 06 and couldnt be more happier. I was a little nervous especially since my junk 04 were giving me many problems. The ride is much smoother, the seats are very comfortable, love the new look inside and out. I got the moon roof, leather seats, no third row, 6 disc, adjustable pedals and reverse sensor. I was upside down on my junk 04 Explorer but am now happy that I made the decision because I love my new 06. I just order custom design floor mats to go with the new interior. I cant wait until the summer when I can ride and be noticed from down the road in this beauty!

• 

  My new/used 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gary - May 21 - 1:50 pm

  I used to drive an Elantra GT. I started to have leg pains on long drives. I decided to search for a comfortable and safe car. After reading many owner comments about the Ford 500 I decided it was the car for me. There isnt a lot of 500s in my area but I found one with low mileage and in great shape. My wife and I love the car!! Thanks to you owners of 500"s I made a great choice and I look forward to many years of ownership.

• 

  A good car if well maintained - 1995 Ford Contour
  By ddd - May 21 - 2:00 am

  The car has always run well. After 86000 miles the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. Around the same mileage the antilock brake system needed to be rebuilt. May have been avoided if the brake fluid was changed more often.

• 

  NOT ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BE - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By LISA - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 96 mustang because it was a chance to have that pretty sporty car before i got a "family" car. Unfortunately it has had so many problems since then that I would have probably been better off with a toyota or honda. Now I know and am trying to sell it before it costs me even more!!!

• 

  1997 ford mustang gt coupe - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By no camaros - May 21 - 2:00 am

  after a few years into producing this body style, ford has knocked out alot of the kinks. it wouldnt be till much later did ford add the desperately needed independent rear suspension, as the rear wheels skip around over uneven corners. but 5 years later, the only problem i had was the plastic intake manifold that ford will replace for free. they do reinstall an aluminum intake mainfold, but after getting stuck on the george washington bridge, it is a painful lesson learned too late. no other problems though, but i think this body style is one for future generations to deem a classic.

• 

  98 V6 Coupe - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By jeph - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 30k on my mustang in the year ive had it. Havent had a a single problem yet. Very impressed. Even at fairly high speeds on the highway, it still gets pretty good mileage- Ive made a 320 mile trek through the Idaho mountains in four hours flat (stopped 15 min. for lunch, too!) on under 3/4 tank(about $15 at$1.40/gal). Very predictable and forgiving in hard corners. With the 5-speed you can do some fairly impressive stuff, even with the six. Definately suggest oversized rims- i put 17s on mine and can out-corner with the supposedly more agile imports like integras&celicas. Overall- LOVE IT!!!

• 

  I cant kill this truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By cheech - May 21 - 2:00 am

  223000 miles and still runs like a watch. For the past year Ive been neglecting it, hoping that Ill be able to replace her. I bored after 200K plus and want a new toy, I just cant justify spending the $$ when my old one still works well.

• 

  This truck just will not stop! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Fscott - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Ranger XLT Extended brand new off the lot. It has a v6 4.0 liter with auto transmission and let me tell you, this thing will not stop. I mean, I have had almost no trouble out of it. Currently it has 161,000 miles on it and idles and runs like it did 100,000 miles ago. My dad bought a Chev S10 2 weeks after I bought the Ranger, and his truck is about to fall apart! I would buy this truck again any day. When Ford states that that they are built Ford tough....beleive it. This thing has been trough it all, and never fails me.