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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  An all around fun and ergonomic car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By MP - December 19 - 3:53 am

  I have only had my SE with the 6 cylinder auto for a little over a month. I am coming up on 3000 miles. First of all, I would like to comment about the car having an all aluminum engine. Nascar is using the same all aluminum engine, but bored and stroked to the maximum. If it can take that abuse, I know that my abuse would be nothing to its engine. I love the way that it rides, and am replacing a Mazda 6S auto with the Fusion. It handles better then the Mazda. I love its acceleration and have always owned foreign cars. I am averaging about 25-30 on the highway and 25 in city. I am now " talking " Ford.

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  After 7500 miles - 3 weeks for repair - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Klaus Meyer - December 18 - 7:10 pm

  I took delivery in October 04 and my wife and I like the car overall. Good car like ride, spacious interior, enough power, AWD and traction control. Noise level at 70 mph very low. We sold our 1996 Jeep LTD with 57,000 miles on it (nothing but problems ). Our Freestyle has been in the repair shop for 3 weeks now. While we were driving on the freeway at 60 mph the dash lights would come on and show us symbols like: Brakes, ABS, Traction, and the speedometer needle would drop to zero while you are driving at 60 mph. This happened 4 times to us. The dealership could not repeat the problem while in the shop. The whole dashboard electrical cluster had to be replaced. Will see whether they fixed it .

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  What a Disappointment - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Phil R - December 18 - 1:40 pm

  I bought this V6 5 speed as a replacement for a 2002 V6 5 speed that I really love. (I still have the 2002, now driven by my son.) The 05 is a huge disappointment: the drive train constantly knocks, clunks, growls, and whines. (The 02 does none of this). The dealer agreed that it is bad; replaced the transmission with no improvement, and now tells me its normal and Ill just have to live with it. Maybe the automatics are better, but DO NOT buy this car with a manual transmission unless you like lots of noise.

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  Blackies been a good boy - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By lcattivera - December 18 - 1:26 pm

  i have always been a GM man, but after repeated fuel pumps and little gremlins in my last three Chevys, I stepped into my first Ford truck. I loved the design and looks from the start. Nice smooth ride compared to S-10 Blazers. Love the smooth shift while accelerating. Has good power when you are stupid enough to floor it and watch the fuel gauge drop. Overall, Blackie has been good dependable truck. Good styling, handy 4 doors, great stereo/6 cd changer, and love to open that rear window. I have 87,000 miles on him. I keep him garaged and drive him daily. I have had problems with repeated engine light, brakes, uneven tire wear, rattles.

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  Mustang is Finally Back - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 05stangster - December 17 - 10:36 pm

  I havent liked one Mustang style since the 69 (which was my high school car). Saw the 05 GT Premium, drove it, bought it. Great car for the money. Plenty of power, rides nice, excellent cornering, great sound system inside and out. I average. about 19mpg (a lot in town) which I think is incredible for 300 hp! Mine is torch red, red leather, IUPs, automatic and FAST! Some of the reviews show disapointment - get real. This is a 300 hp car that looks awesome and is worth every penny! Buy one, you wont be disappointed!

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  Focused on Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By dodge6095 - December 17 - 8:03 pm

  Just purchased a 2007 Focus SE four door 1000 miles ago. The Focus is a very agile and comfortable and fun vehicle to drive. Very stable on the highway and on turns and curves. We are averaging 27-28 mpg city driving and 35-37 mpg on the highway. Seats are very comfortable for these two senior citizens. Lots of trunk and cargo area. The styling on these focuses are superior to any I have test drove or looked at. The 4 cyl engine has plenty of get and go and you will be driving at 75 mph and not even realize it. Very good acceleration. Very good braking action and stopping distances. Interior is laid very well placed.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 16 year old - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I Love My 1998 Mustang, I espcially love The Looks I Get And The Affordable Prices

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  2003 Ford Exporer XLT 4.0l 4x4 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JBGrant - December 17 - 10:00 am

  2003 Ford Exporer XLT 4.0l 4x4 Delfi Automotive employee fleet vehicle 1 year old, 33,200 miles Problems/Repairs: -Tailgate cracks down the center. The tailgate on this car is of exceptionally poor, weak design. Hairline crack expanded with heavy winter. Entire tailgate rebuilt. -Defective Differential Differential was whining loudly between 45 and 65 mph. Differential replaced. -Noisy shocks Have not had this checked out yet; when shocks extend/compress, a squeak and vibration is produced from at least 3 of 4. -Door tensioners lose Door tensioner (both sides) bolts were not properly torqued, had to be tightened.

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  Hard Ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Calvin S - December 17 - 10:00 am

  While I liked the overall appearance (interior and exterior) and didnt mind the gas mileage (21 on the highway), this is the roughest riding vehicle Ive ever owned. For that reason I am trading it in and buying something smoother on the roads. Any bump with the Explorer Sport and you get jolted pretty good.

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  The Best Truck I will ever own - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Paul Walker - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Good power,good looks,great power,I love it