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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  Adriannes Fusion Happy - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Adrianne - April 22 - 8:20 pm

  I absolutely love my 2006 Ford Fusion Se I4. Its red, and its my baby. It doesnt feel like a 4-banger, but it is. I get over 400 miles on a full tank of gas. I turn heads wherever I go. The only downfall is its very hard to find high-performance parts, body kits etc. I love the car! Ford really have outdone themselves. I love the AWD too!

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  Clutch--watch out - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jack - April 22 - 8:13 pm

  I might warn any one who has purchased an 06 GT 5 Speed manual to watch the clutch. I gear down a lot, and with only 1,500 miles on it the clutch is already starting to chatter. Back to the dealer. Other than that a fine ride.

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  Very happy with it! - 2005 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Bret - April 22 - 5:06 pm

  I actually have the Chateau E150 with the 5.4 V8 (not listed here). Havent had it too long yet, but love the power and the room. Compared to large SUVs with much less room and worse gas mileage, its much cheaper!

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  97 Cobra not even missed - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - April 22 - 2:56 pm

  Coming from a 97 Cobra that literally shook itself apart over each bump or road ripple and had one problem after another. So it was a pleasant surprise to see theres at least as much if not more power, the ride quality is 1000% better, and it sounds almost as good as the Cobra. Cobra sounded big and mean with a lot of rumbles, GT sounds big and clean without much of that V8 rumbling which I miss a bit - close, but not quite the same. Build quality I have yet to determine as Im only into day 3 and havent really hit any nasty bumps where things start to come loose. So far it seems very well built, no rattles or loose parts yet.

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  2006 Explorer XLT 4.0 V6 - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rick S. - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Driving this vehicle is like driving a big sports car. Very powerful and responsive. The engine is VERY smooth when idling. The cloth seats are firm and comfortable with good lower back support. The door handle takes a little getting used to. There are 2 minor glitches that I will take care of soon. Overall, it is one fabulous SUV and I hope it will stay like this for a long time to come.

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  Best Stang yet - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Juice - April 22 - 5:30 am

  Best Mustang ever. I love the styling even better than the Shelby GT500. Handling, ride and acceleration is outstanding. Interior is easy to maintain, comfortable and fits the character of the car. It avoids the "Tokyo by Night" over abundance of electronic doo-dads that distract from a true drivers car.

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  My love/hate car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By goldengopha - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Maybe one of the most attractive cars Ford/Mazda has made. Handles great. Get the 5 speed as the Auto smothers acceleration and power. I love this car but be ready to shell out $$$ for *extremely* expensive parts. Paint is very soft, road noise is pronounced.

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  Twelve year old Ranger - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By nulpro - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable. Had 1 major repair second year that was covered by waranty. Not fast accelerating but good torque.

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  Second Focus Wagon even better than first. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Desert Dog - April 21 - 12:06 pm

  Just traded an 02 Focus wagon that I logged 54,000 miles in three years with no repair problems. Liked it so well I bought another, this time an SES. The 05 is quieter, steers better, has plenty of pep climbing hills and mountains, and gets great gas mileage. I like the new dash layout. Would recommend to anyone who wants the most for their money.

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  Great Choice! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By SCMom - April 21 - 4:56 am

  I LOVE my Flex! We looked at a lot of crossovers and the Flex beat them all by far. The options are wonderful!