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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  No other car like this. - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By yuriy - August 14 - 11:06 am

  Bought LX Sport 2003 for 40% off MSRP used and enjoy every moment of ride. It is a lot of car for money. I have all luxury options, excluding only heated seats and sun roof. I like firm suspension, handling, amazing passing power on high speeds. Car is big and VERY comfortable. On negative side has more inside noise than my 10 year old Grand Marquis. Since mine is black, have to mention police car effect on the road.

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  2016 GT w/ Redline interior - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By T800KW - August 14 - 7:09 am

  Ive owned seven mustangs over the years and this one is the best yet. The motor and transmission fit together like a glove and run smooth. Acceleration is strong and smooth all the way through . The gauges and controls are well placed and the quality is great . Its one of the only cars Ive ever owned that I truly love to drive . Fords engineering team put alot of fit and finish into the final product. Ill leave my stock with the 3:55 rears and six speed manual . Everything from the tires and rims to push button start are right where the neex to be. Its a beast and is not for the faint of heart of the street racers. Its a refined automobile right off the line . Ghyh

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  Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jerry Paison - August 13 - 11:30 pm

  This car is the best "comfort" car I ever owned. The engine/CVT are smooth and quite. The interior seats are comfortable, and interior space is huge. The truck will carry a lot of luggage, golf clubs, etc.

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  Good Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By skippyspaniel - August 13 - 10:40 pm

  I have the SE 5 speed AUTO. Its a nice car, looks nice and drives smooth. Takes corners very well. I am averaging 28mpg, better than my previous car which was a Focus. Wait for 07 model when 6 airbags will be standard.

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  2005 Mustang V6 auto - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Larry - August 13 - 9:40 am

  I purchased the vehicle in April of this year for $22,800, its the first one that I have owned. I am very pleased with the fit and finish. The body style screams Mustang. Its sonic blue with white strips. Interior is tan with cloth seats and Shaker 500 stereo system. I was very surprised with the ride on the highway; it is very smooth with no wind noise -- in town its a little bumpy. Performance is good for a V6. I get 19 MPG in town and 25.7 on the highway. I guess the only complaint that I have is the engine is a little buzzy around the 1700 RPM range, other than that it is an excellent buy.

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  Bullseye! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By scape2 - August 13 - 7:16 am

  Ford and Mazda hit it right on the money and many dont like it! This SUV had a rough start and many took advantage of initial problems and let them be known. I am a proud owner of a 2001 V6 XLT 4x4 in beautiful black. Loaded with stepbars, sunroof, bike racks, tint, 6CD changer the works. I take it skiing, fishing and tow my jet skiis. Granted, the interior needs a little updating but its no worse than a Suzuki, or Honda interior..

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  3K Review - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Glen - August 12 - 11:00 am

  So far this has been "ONE FUN" car to own and drive. MPG averages 27.4 city/31.3 hwy. Look forward to driving it everyday.

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  goodbye bowtie - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By okie45 - August 12 - 10:26 am

  Bought the last 2008 adrenalin the dealer had and so far im very impressed. Got every option and colorado red paint with 20 wheels. With only 1000 miles so far I really like the ride and handling of this truck. Its a little underpowered even with the v8 ( maybe thats because my other car is a z28 with an LT1) It looks alot faster than it is. A great looking truck that has everyone asking "what model is that ??,,"did it come new like that?". Smooth as silk ride and drive with decent milege from a 4500lb truck (16.9 mpg so far) definately a head turner. At 46 ive had a lot of cars and this one is up top of the list.

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  Fixed Or Repaired Daily - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By james - August 11 - 8:20 pm

  Rear passenger ball joint went at 40,000 miles. 4WD module went at 15,000 miles. Transmission went at 79,000 miles. Gear shifter snapped off column at 79,500 miles. Automatic Idle Control went at 81,000 miles. Power windows sometimes work, sometimes not. Keyless entry key pad works sometimes, not always.

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  GREAT Car ... either for the price or even more - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By abacuses - August 11 - 7:30 pm

  I hit 110,000 this week and figured I would sing some praises after reading some of the other issues. 1st, the "downside." This car goes through the brakes. My dealer said that Volvos are known for their safety; with that comes hard wear on the brake pads. Yes, this has the Volvo engine in it. Im on my 5th set of pads and 2nd set of rotors. I started noticing a little bucking in drive-thru line s and traffic jams ... always when the AC is on. Otherwise, no issues whatsoever and this has been my favorite car ever. Im not a fan of the new Taurus, but I do love the Ford Edge. I continue to have great experiences with my Fords ... TAKE CARE OF THEM and they will do the same for you too.