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:

• 

  93 ford ranger splash - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By blackjackzach - July 26 - 5:58 pm

  I have had this truck in our family for about 4 years so far, when we got it it had roughly 100,000 miles give or take and 4 years after words it has 212,856 miles and I am having the transmission rebuilt by myself because my oldest brother roasted 4th gear, input shaft, and the counter gear but he drove it like he stole it. I live in Illinois and it has no rust anywhere on it.it has the 3.0L v-6 a great engine, and the F27A 5-speed tranny.i would recommend this truck for anyone but you just cant find them anymore thats the main problem people have.

• 

  My show car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Cricket - July 26 - 4:51 pm

  Love "Mr. Steed". He is a "Bickford Built" one-off commemorative of a 1960 GT350 with $10,000 in upgrades. I have entered him in 6 Mustang Club of America National shows and he has won first place every time.

• 

  This car is a great deal - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BillU - July 26 - 1:03 pm

  I have owned the car for 6 weeks, 3800 miles. Average 25 mpg with a 60/40 city/highway mix of travel. Acceleration off the line is average, but where the CVT really shines is highway passing-instant torque puts you where you want to be. Car handles high speed very well. Interior nicely fits my 63" frame, trunk would bring a smile to a made mans face. Fit and finish very good. Very happy with the purchase, like it better now than when I first drove it.

• 

  What a car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By carlisleandy - July 26 - 1:46 am

  This is one of the nicest and fun cars I have owned, and I have had plenty of sports cars. I get alot of compliments, and the sound and power is unbelievable. This car is pretty comfortable on long trips, part of the reason is for the redesigned seats compaired to the 01 mustang GT I owned.

• 

  I LOVE MY TRUCK - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Gramstrk - July 25 - 11:52 pm

  I bought it used. I knew I would be moving and so were my daughters and I wanted to have a truck. I am so happy I bought it and have more than gotten my moneys worth from it. It has 180K miles and still going strong. The only problem I have is that I have grandkids and I cant put them in the back seats because it doesnt have whatever it is that needs to hook up the carseat. I take it on long trips all the time and have never had a problem. I also get really good gas mileage. I have had many different cars in my life(Im 57)but this is my favorite so far. I have to get a smaller car and Im sad I have to sell it. All the cars Ive looked at so far cant compare to this truck.

• 

  I love this car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Juudede - July 25 - 11:26 pm

  After 5 years with an SUV which I hated, I tested a Camry XLE and a Maxima, which were my dream cars. I was so disappointed with them both. So I went back to my Ford dealer to try the Five Hundred and I was wowed. I just picked it up 2 days ago and I cant wait to run errands. Ive got the Limited AWD, and all these bells and whistles will be so convenient. I will report back in a few months, and I hope that I have as many good things to say as I have read here already on this site. I just dont understand why Ford wasnt advertising this vehicle more aggressively.

• 

  What an amazing car. - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By ryan21288 - July 25 - 10:50 pm

  This is my third SHO so I guess you could say im partial to them. My first was a 93 5spd, then i got a 93 Auto, and now i have a 95 Auto with 165k. The SHO is my car to take out on nice summer days. The yamaha motor is amazing and was well ahead of its time. I love the sound it makes too. Mine is fully loaded with Leather, JBL sound, moonroof, key less entry with keypad, etc. I havent had any major problems with any of my SHOs although i have had to do the normal repairs. What really surprises me is the handling. Once you drive the car it doesnt feel so big. Its very nimble for its size.

• 

  Why doesnt Ford advertise this car more - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By greg - July 25 - 10:06 pm

  I have put 6,000 miles on our 500 so far and we love it. The fit and finish are great and the comfort is outstanding. I took it up to our cabin in Idaho and blasted through two feet of snow in our driveway with no problem. I have driven Mercedes Benz for 20 years can honestly say wow! I love the way the cvt tranny shifts and the awd is tremendous. My wife loves the heated seats (I do too) and the elevated seating is so easy to get in and out of the car. Give this car a look.

• 

  My second Fusion - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By DanielTink - July 25 - 8:01 pm

  I have had a Fusion since they came out in 2006 and one of the bestest cars I have ever had!SYNC is great

• 

  one twice three times a for owner!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By msgr8tescape - July 25 - 2:29 pm

  Well I have had many cars in my 30 yrs this is my 3rd ford and im no where near dissappointed in their cars yet. I love my truck would have given nothing but tens but i have had a little problems and Im only at 1200 miles. I think i love my truck so much because i bought it BSN (brand spankin new) so Im very please. After two trips to the service department my truck was diagnosed with a bad instrument panel which caused Candy (Shes red) spedometer and tachometer to go off by themselves just with the turn of the key and rev up as if you were pressing on the gas, all the way up 120 mph!! But shes being fixed right now and because of the excellent warranty I pay nothing :)!!!