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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  Beats competition - 1996 Ford Aspire
  By inimcus - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Aspire has higher build quality and performance than competing models in this catagory. While the design of the cars interior and exterior is not awe inspiring or complex, its design is a direct result of functionality. The exterior shape gives ample head room for the average person. The simply sculpted interior is made of durable plastics. This vehicle also has enough pick-up to not leave you behind in city traffic or even the Appalachian Mountian highways. If ou are looking for a inexpensive, reliable, fun to drive car, this may be for you.

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  FAST and FUN - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By jasarisi - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1993 Ford Taurus SHO white with matching white wheels and tan leather interior. This was my dream car! It has excellent design, an extremely powerful Yamaha 220hp engine that screams. A very fun to drive car. Its only downfall is reliability. I spent thosands in repairs on it, but every dime was worth it. This is an excellent car if your preferences are speed, looks, and fun. Your relationship with this car is a love/hate. You love it but curse after the multiple repair bills. This is an awesome car--but buy it when you have a full wallet!!!

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  Very nice SUV - 2017 Ford Edge
  By The 2017 Edge - March 31 - 11:02 am

  Ive seen so many places where people indicate this is basically a crossover on a fusion platform when it is a bona fide SUV on a truck platform! When my VIN number is entered anywhere it includes a description of "Truck". It is quite different than driving a car and takes some getting used to, especially what has been called electronic steering. ? That I could do without but I had cannot make any complaints at this time about the 2017 Edge, its sweet SUV.

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  Great car w/ great service - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By AAA - March 31 - 9:00 am

  This car is safe, comfortable, reliable, good on gas (not great in winter weather for gas usage). Seems to have gotten worse over the years in winter time even tho I service regularly. Nice driving view, can sit up high, I like that. Fits 5 people very comfortably, nice stero and 5 changer. Great in winter snow. Great open road driving car..relax and travel.

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  Ford 500 - 27,000 miles - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Peter George - March 31 - 8:43 am

  We got the 500 in December 2004. My wife is the primary driver. The car is great in the winter weather (we live in central NH) and is a very good highway car. On our trip to FL last winter we averaged 24.3 mpg.

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  Im glad I didnt pay for this - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kris - March 31 - 8:30 am

  I am an insurance adjuster and this is my company car and I drive it hard. I currently have about 67000 miles on it and have had numerous problems with it mechanically. At 30K the trans began shifting hard, took it to the dealer and had the throttlebody replaced. At 50K the steering was loose and was pulling hard, had the left lower ball joint (which only came with the control arm) and the steering gear replaced. At 65K the same trans problem and they again replaced the throttlebody. Another adjuster has had similar problems with the steering/suspension. Also, 3.0 is not that powerful. You might have better luck as an everyday commuter instead of a workhorse like me.

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  Nice economy vehicle with lots of option - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Band Man - March 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Escort Wagon in June of 97. Only one visit to the shop since then for a mechanical problem, and that was to replace a failed emission control part (after 3-year/36,000 mile warranty expired, of course - our cost was $175.00). During a brake job at 43,000 or so we had to replace the front rotors - they were too thin to turn. The car is fun to drive, but not exceptionally quiet. The stereo AM-FM cassette is pretty good, and the options available are great. Our Escort is loaded - every option but a CD player. I use the cruise control daily!

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  Dr. Tooths Review - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By drtooth - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has plenty of power and the 5spd tranny is real fun to drive. The car supposedly has a sport suspension, but the heavy weight of the vehicle makes it far from sports car handling. Its fast and comfortable but a pain to do any work yourself on the car and very expensive to fix.

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  Still luv it... - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Glen&Deb - March 31 - 2:00 am

  We had a 97 XLT Expedition and liked it so much that we got an 02 Eddie Bauer. The kids love the rear entertainment center for movies and PS2 games. The leather is attractive and comfortable and just like our prior model, we plan to drive across country. The reverse sensors have helped my wife tremendously in parking lots also. I do however think the 03 model is beautiful and wish we had waited.

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  2006 Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Pete Hunt - March 30 - 11:23 pm

  Gas mileage is not as great as expected but my previous Ford was an F-150 (V-8) so it was an improvement in the pockets.