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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  love it so far - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jon VanDyk - March 5 - 5:16 am

  After three SUVs, I wasnt sure how I would feel about driving a sedan, even if it did feature "command seating." I have NOT been disappointed. this car is everything it is advertised to be and more. European style, great comfort, large in size and surprising gas mileage. altogether a great package.

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  drives like on a cloud - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By jeans beans - March 5 - 4:03 am

  I have leased cars from Ford for over 9 years and this is definitely the smoothest ride to date. I have driven Concord, Taurus SE and Taurus SES in past (loved all cars) but this Fusion is nicest and smoothest ride yet.

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  Excellent 1/2 Ton - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Aggie86 - March 5 - 3:56 am

  Have only had this truck a week but already impressed. Its everything I thought it would be and then some. Drove an S-10 for a number of years and really appreciate the additional cab space. Considered a new Ranger but surprisingly was able to by a similarly equipped F-150 cheaper.

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  Ford stans for First On Race Day. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By ricomextex - March 4 - 5:00 am

  Great car! I have taken it back for customary recalls as expected on a new car. I strongly advise to buy a Taurus. Geat car for the money.

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  Will always own a focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By candibee - March 3 - 10:53 am

  I traded in my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 for the 06 Focus ZX4, and couldnt be happier with it. Performance, reliability and gas mileage is great. Corners like its on rails! I am a huge Focus fan, and I plan on always owning one.

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  Best of the Best - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Jim Franko - March 3 - 3:03 am

  I use my F150 4WD SuperCab Lariat for everything, we even take it on long trips. Its comfortable, drives great, its quiet and it hauls what I need to haul.

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  The American Muscle Car is Back! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Patrick - March 2 - 8:06 am

  This is a fantastic car! The retro design is what caught my attention when I first saw one on the road in January 2005. Im 43 years old and can remember the Mustangs of the late 60s and early 70s where the new 2005/06 gets its design from. I got the 4.6L V8 deluxe with automatic transmission and I get about 20mpg overall which is not bad for a V8. The seats are firm but very comfortable. Ive taken one trip so far that was 4 hours long and I didnt feel worn out or tired at all at my destination. The car is also very well balanced and feels as though its "glued" to the road at higher speeds and there was no vibration in the steering wheel.

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  Good Mileage, Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TN Truck - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This truck does it all! Looks great, interior is fine for carting around 5 adults, and the plastic bed means you need not worry about scratching up your paint. Mileage in the 18-20 mpg rane (mixed driving) is achievable if you keep your foot out of it -- tops in its class. Recently got 23 mpg on a trip to Alabama (interstate, 70 mph). 4.0 V6 is powerful enough to pull this 2+ ton truck, and get you in and out of traffic smartly. Base CD player is adequate... but Pioneer system for $200 more would have been better. A comfortable compromise between commuter vehicle, SUV, yet can function as a truck when you need it, which fits in a garage.

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  last canadian crown - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tim14 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier...Im 65", 300 pounds and have spent far too much time in cars built for average sized people. Its effortless driving this car. Its too bad Ford no longer sells the Crown Vic in Canada.

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  Trans Problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kblock108 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  At 5500 miles, I had my automatic trans replaced and the vehicle still does not run correct. Person Ford continues to tell me that it shifts rough because it is a computer aided trans. Ford has not stood behind their product and I have taken Ford off my list of future vehicles!