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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  Couldnt be happier. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By frank m calabrese - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I dressed this thing up like a "mid premium" level SUV for the high 20s. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature Id stack it up against any other mid size SUV, domestic or imported. Its a good looking vehicle, has great pickup, and has lots of neat ammenities that come standard.

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  Marginal quality - great design - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By NAT - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I like the truck alot but at 1700 miles it shouldnt have to be in the repair shop so much. So far the front axles have been repaired to prevent a growling sound. It then developed a gear whine at 30 to 40 mph. First they replaced the transfer case which didnt fix it. Then they replaced the differential which did fix it. I hope this doesnt indicate whats in store for us in the future. Maybe an extended warranty would be a good investment. I tow a travel trailer and really like the way it handles the trailer.

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  happy - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cheetah - January 3 - 10:00 am

  purchased first mustang convertible.Have read mixed reviews b ut have to say it is just fine.Decent power great looks and solid.owned a miata which was great car b ut too small and quite expensive. happy

• 

  Had it 7 months now with one big issue - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Ken Andrews - January 3 - 6:15 am

  It is my work truck. Reg cab has little room to store much. Center seat folds down which makes a nice armrest with cup holders. 3.5 NA V6 seems to be a sleepy little engine but north of 3,000 rpm , it " wakes up " and takes off. It actually performs quite well, I can only guess the turbo models are real screamers. The truck has already started making some creaking noises ( I also read this on another forum). Mileage hasnt been great. Maybe 16 around town if I baby it and on the highway, 23.5 was my best. Had two occasions where it all but shut down. Low speed , wouldnt idle over 1,000 rpm and all kinds of warning lights. They ended up replacing the throttle body. Has been fine since. Have hit 26 mpg on a long trip but usually end up in the 21 mpg range for shorter trips. Around town mileage is usually around 14. Have not had any reason to use the 4x4 system yet. The Leer cap ( not Fords problem) has had some fit and finish issues. Had to glue some things back on.

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  What a Beauty - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By MustangMike - January 3 - 2:00 am

  What can I say the car is OUTSTANDING AND FUN TO DRIVE!

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  The Mighty GT Steed still reigns - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By bfraz - January 3 - 2:00 am

  After a 2000 LX convert, I recenty got a brand new GT convertible, B-B-B - got a great deal over the web. I still wish there was abit more effort put into the interior design the leather seats are far more comfortable than the cloth ones I had. The difference between the 190 HP 3.8 and the 260 HP 4.6 is very nice. The car handles incredibly well right out of the factory - the feel of the LX and the GT canno be compared; I hate to say it but the LX handles more like the tyoical US car, even with rear- wheeel drive. The GT truly "handles the road." I love my little Pony car, theres nothing else like it available for the money today. It is a legend.

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  An more functional SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By guein - January 3 - 2:00 am

  No major problems yet, only minor sensor related failures; ride improved considerably with a couple of aftermarket improvements; fuel economy can be improved with a better air intake and exhaust system

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  The Only Car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By BCH - January 2 - 11:16 pm

  Being a 22 yr old college student, I needed a vehicle that was reliable, comfortable on those long trips to and from school, and had a low ownership cost (low cost to buy, maintain, and insure). I purchased the 04 Crown Vic off of an individual who had bought the car new. The CV is a bargain and does everything I expected and more. On long trips I can expect 30-32 mpg and around town low 20s. The fuel economy is on par with many 6 cylinder mid-sized sedans. So why not go for more room, more comfort, and 8 cylinder performance? And when some unsuspecting smart alec pops off about it being a "granny car" I simply unleash the Triton V-8 and that shuts them up. A great value and a great car!

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  Its got it all - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By FusionMike - January 2 - 8:46 pm

  Sportiness, roominess, quality, reliability, good price, good MPG, good looks. These items dont usually all go together in the same car. I like all the thoughtful features on my SEL, puddle lamps, heated mirrors, lumbar support, telescoping steering wheel, climate control, compass. These are great things that often get thrifted out.

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  New and Happy Five Hundred owner - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By 500 - January 2 - 7:56 am

  I like my new Pearl Blue Ford a lot. I refer to it as The Big Ford, because that is the best feature. It fits real people in real time. So easy to get in and out of and it is still so new I want to drive it a lot. My mileage is still not great (about 17.4) and I do hope it improves. So far, all things are working great. I will make the dealer align the car at the first service, but that is the only thing I have noticed. Really nice, plain, and high class automobile. Will drive it happily and feeling safe.