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:

• 

  Shelby GT 500 - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Ralph Mangum - March 23 - 9:53 pm

  This is a very quick car and is very much fun to drive. The car handles well and is good on gas if driven without flooring it. The workmanship is very good. I have not had any problems with mine, just a lot of fun. The car is hard to hook up in first or second gear but different tires could make the difference.

• 

  Ford 500 SEL - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Francene Kaufman - March 23 - 8:50 am

  From the first time I saw a picture of the Ford 500, I wanted to learn more about it. I have always been a Ford owner, and at the the time drove a 97 Ford Mustang GT, and before that, a 93 Ford Probe, so I was a sports car, speed and muscle car person.The 500 is the first four door car I have ever owned. It has been a joy to drive. I love everything about it.The performance; the gas milage is wonderful; the exterior and interior are as luxurious as my friends new BMW, and the ride is more comfortable than his BMW (he admits this). I also enjoy the admiring looks and remarks from others. My family thinks I should make a commercial.

• 

  2005 Ford XLT Supercrew 4.6L - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Cliff - March 22 - 8:36 pm

  My Texas edition Ford F-150 is a really good overall truck. Power from the 4.6L engine is lacking and the transmission is always shifting whenever there is the slightest grade in the road. Ive had my truck in the shop four times in the last year. First three times was because the air conditioner wasnt blowing cold air. After the third visit, the dealer ship figured out it needed more freon as it wasnt serviced properly at the factory. The fourth visit was because when I applied my brakes, the front end would shimmy. The dealer got it right the first time and machined the rotors. The truck only has 25,000 miles on it, the brakes should not have needed machining that early in their lives.

• 

  Excellent small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dr. Effy Oz - March 22 - 6:06 pm

  We looked at several mid-size and small SUVs. The midsize ones were too bulky and usually with poor visibility for us. The final debate was between the Escape and its cousin, the Mazda Tribute. The latter has a softer ride and longer warranty. The discounts were greater than those for the Escape ($3k vs $2k, and $500 vs $400 college grad discount), but overall we got a better deal from our Ford dealer than we could get for the Tribute. Its hard to decline $2,500 below invoice. The vehicle rides as we expected. The V6 accelerates well and is a pleasure to drive. The sound system is so good that its overkill (300 Watts!).

• 

  Pleased Customer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew Donovan - March 21 - 7:26 pm

  The Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is a great vehicle. Perfect for family use. Roomy and comfortable. It can fit todays on the go lifestyle. Storage is more than ample. Comfortable, smooth ride and remarkably quite interior.

• 

  Love it, love it, love it! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By J-Cruisin - March 21 - 10:16 am

  I was a little skeptical about getting an American made car because they dont hold their value as well but I just didnt want to spend over $30K for an SUV. We wanted an SUV to fit two kids and a dog, and the Escape is perfect! Tons more room than our tiny Honda Civic but not a gas guzzler like Explorers and such. The Escape is great on gas, handles very well, the turning ratio is better than other SUVs we test drove. Its very inexpensive to insure too! Smooth and comfy ride. Love my Escape, in the future well look into the hybrid!

• 

  I love my new Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By linda - March 21 - 8:56 am

  I have had such good luck with this car. It handles very well and looks fabulous! I work at a hospital some of the doctors thought I was driving a new Caddy with the beautiful chrome front grill. I love the heated seats now that the weather has become cooler too. Very classy car.

• 

  Loving it so far - 2012 Ford Focus
  By timothyp7 - March 20 - 12:17 pm

  I bought a Loaded SE Manual, and am coming from a Nissan Pathfinder, so am having a little bit of culture shock. Lets go through a few Negatives first: 1) It would have been great if the back seats folded flat, it would have made for a larger cargo area. 2) The drivers area is designed for someone with longer legs than mine. I have a 29 inseam and feel like I am a little to far forward to be able to use the arm rest on either side, and shifting is a little to far forward with my short legs... I will grow use to that after awhile. 3) The rear wings do take up a lot of the rear window, so creates a big blind spot. I use to be a truck driver I will also get use to that pretty quick.

• 

  ZX4 ST - 2005 Ford Focus
  By john mcalliter - March 20 - 9:26 am

  Very pleased with the vehicle so far. I took her out for a ride some nice back roads with some hills and a lot of curves. I was very impressed with its handling capabilities; it sticks to the road like glue. Acceleration is not a problem and going through the gears is quite easy. The ride is a bit stiff, but the cars handling makes up for that. The steering is incredibly responsive and the independent rear suspension makes cornering a breeze. The seats are comfortable and the interior has plenty of room. The seats are comfortable and the interior has plenty of room, at least for the driver. All in all a good little car for the money.

• 

  Good Safe Transport - 2007 Ford Focus
  By NewJew06 - March 19 - 11:53 am

  I traded a 2002 PT Cruiser with 73,000 miles for this car after having starting problems with the Cruiser and the locking device going haywire--locking and unlocking by itself. So far, I really enjoy this Ford Focus more than I did the Cruiser. Granted, I miss the retro look. But, the Focus has a great European style design. It kind of reminds me of some Volvos I have seen around town. It brakes extremely well, and has a quick take off for a 4 cylinder. It gets better gas mileage than the Cruiser I had. Also, it handles much better than a 2000 Neon that I also owned previously. I can feel weight to the car as I drive it, and I like that. It corners well, and I dont feel excessive leaning.