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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  Ford Explorer = Absolute Junk! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - October 23 - 11:46 pm

  An absolutely horrible vehicle from the start. This 2002 was actually a replacement for a 2001 that we went lemon-law with. The 2002 started off with a defect in the rear hatch, the plastic cracked. Then over the past year the following have been replaced: all 4 Rotors; all 4 sets of brake pads; the e-brake cable; the 4x4 transfer case; the transmission (yes, transmission!); the rear axle seals; need I continue?

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  Great balance of quality for the price - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By mhaden - October 23 - 12:05 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Ford Five Hundred SE in the fall of 2009 with 100,000 miles on it and currently have 170,000 after 3 years. The car has tremendous interior cabin space, and it has been a reliable car. I did stay away from the CVT transmission on purpose because of the problems reported by many. You dont realize how quiet and smooth the ride is until you test-drive something else. My wife and I are looking for another vehicle and find many fuel efficient cars (camry, civic, etc..) to be noisy and you give up a lot of comfort. I think I am going to find another used Ford Five hundred for her around $5,000-6,000. Great car

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  Wouldve never thought it - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By rd2007 - October 23 - 7:36 am

  I was a Ford hater and never would have considered buying one. I was initially looking at the Avalanche and while reading reviews I noticed some positive ones for the SportTrac. I went to the dealership and was also looking at the Expedition, but they could not get me the numbers I wanted so I decided to try out the SportTrac. I took a drive in it and was amazed at how well it drove. Its quiet, smooth, and the V-8 has plenty of go in it. So far I have had it for two months and its been perfect. My mileage has been about 15-16 overall, but that is mostly because I tend to have a little fun now and then. Its the same mileage my CX-7 got and that thing didnt have anywhere near the room.

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  Best Mustang so far - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By acres47591 - October 23 - 2:46 am

  An extra $3000 in aftermarket parts added to the GT premium with performance package makes for one great car. Cold air kit, long tube headers and Ford Racing by Borla exhaust, along with a re-tune, really supplies that extra boost in power and sound. The car is outstanding as a weekend cruiser, is a lot of fun at the local track and very comfortable for 2 people on a week long vacation. Cant say enough good things about it.

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  Ford Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Edwin - October 22 - 6:40 pm

  This is one amazing truck though I feel like I am driving a car. You can not tell how fast you are going. You can catch yourself doing 75 quickly. The interior has everything right in reach and the material is high quality. The door handles are a really big thing when someone gets into it. It took me about a day to get used to it and now I love them. Also, the stick shift on the floor is nice.

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  What a great car. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bill - October 22 - 4:36 pm

  We have always had trucks or SUVs. We have not bought a car in 12 years. The first test drive we fell in love and every time we drive we are more in love with this car. In the snow the 500 handles better then my new 4x4 pick-up truck, due to the great AWD and CVT. We feel safer and more in control than we do in the pickup.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Julieann Ord - October 22 - 2:13 pm

  This is a good dependable car that has the sport compact feel and excellent European handling. Great gas mileage, almost 35 miles to the gallon is what I get.

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  Great car ! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Ferit Gurbuz - October 21 - 4:55 pm

  This is a nice sports car with a lot of fun. You can feel the joy ride of a mustang inside this car. Great engine, great handling and with aftermarket parts you can turn your ecoboost into an ecobeast:)... 0-60 mph acceleration in 5 sec range is great in a sports car in this price range. Yes you should go for a V8 GT if you want to feel a real roaring muscle car but keep in mind driving this car everyday. With a good mpg you can use ecoboost as a commuter...

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  A great car - 2016 Ford Edge
  By M khachab - October 21 - 10:49 am

  A great car. The best visibility on screen. But I did not feel comfortable since I could not see my front since the car is so high and the hood design reduces visibility.

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  2012 Focus I regret buying!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mylilmule - October 21 - 6:30 am

  Ive had my Focus for about 5 months now and while the car looks awesome, I cant really recommend it to anyone. After 5 weeks of owning it, the sun roof exploded on my while I was driving down the interstate. It then sat at the dealer for 5 weeks waiting for a new sun roof. The shifting is horrible and unpredictable and is usually in third gear before you hit 15mph. The MyFord Touch is awesome, when its not locked up. I had to do a battery disconnect at one point because it was locked up and now my gas mileage sucks. I was getting over 40mpg before that on the hwy but now am getting about 33mpgs. HUGE difference. Looks arent everything, but you find out the hard way...