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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  Baby Blue - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By melkitho - October 2 - 8:33 am

  I love my new baby. I am the previous owner of 2 Explorers. My most recent being a 2000. The difference between the two is like light years. I love how smooth and quiet the ride is now. In my old truck I always felt like I was riding with my windows down. This one is also more spacious than my old one. I love almost everything about this SUV. It also looks more like a luxury vehicle inside, and rides like a luxury car. Not an SUV. Good job Ford.

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  Pic me ford - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Michelle Guilfoyle - October 2 - 8:06 am

  I have had my 2014 Ford Fusion for 2 yrs now . And maintenance cost yet high in cost only had to have it in garage once so far for a electrical issue.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By DaveInNC - October 1 - 10:23 pm

  We have had our SEL FWD for 14 months now and have driven it about 12000 miles. We have three cars, so this one isnt driven every day, but we are always sure to take this one when we go on longer trips because it is very comfortable and gets good mileage. When cruising on the freeway, this car is quiet and smooth, but the engine is a little bit noisy under brisk acceleration. The 6-speed transmission behaves well and helps the somewhat underpowered 3.0L engine performs as well as it possibly can. The car has been very reliable so far, but I have had to take it to the shop for rear suspension noise (brake cable grommet) and to have a new dash storage compartment lid installed (bubbles).

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  LX Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By LX Sport - October 1 - 3:36 pm

  Have owned several imports and would say I enjoy driving. The LX Sport is one of the best kept secrets out there. It is quick and with the handling package it corners like a lighter sportier import. 5 Star safety rating is a strong plus. Rear impact issues that used to haunt this model are mostly corrected. Car really likes to cruise and loves curves. Exceptional brakes!

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  fun to drive - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By rainer - October 1 - 3:10 am

  Mustang is fun. Negative: these huge air-scoops - would like to get rid of that but its standard. Ford should give their customers the choice if they want that. Some minor quality issues : squeeking noise in dashboard, rear seat with small gap in cloth (fix under warranty...) Rear solid axle is from the museum - but with US speeds certainly acceptable (would not try that on high speed European roads...) Net - a fun car with acceptable negatives - we like to dirve and wait for sun.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By paul - September 30 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car in Sept. of 05 and have only put 700 miles on it, but what fun miles theyve been! Best bang for the buck by far. Handling, acceleration, braking and that infectious eye appeal are just some of the highs youll have while driving this all American beauty.

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  Mustang Expert - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Adrian - September 30 - 12:35 am

  Ok so I bought my car in 2014 when it was "brand new" so ive had it somewhere between 2-3 years and the odometer sits at 38,000 currently. It is a v6 3.7, the power that these cars put out for what it is is phenomenal. It is beyond a step of the older generations of course. I have raced GT v8s of the older gens and have either stayed equal or passed them up by a bit which is quite impressive considering those dont get the gas mileage that I get. The interior of the car is great but definitely could be better, if youre comparing to the 2015+ years then it feels old and outdated of course but its still a great and comfortable interior. The only downside id say about the interior is that the plastic does creek, its annoying but probably repairable if youre dedicated enough as well as not much back seat space but if you bought or are buying this car for a family car then you need to get your priorities straight. Another thing that kind of bothered me is my water pump went out at about 30k miles (probably just faulty from factory because others never had that issue) and my warranty covered it so I cannot hold that against Ford. But if there is one thing that I do hold a grudge is that my local dealer has poor customer service, and it seems that everytime I go there its a bunch of nonsense with them but I digress. Overall if youre looking to get the best of both worlds for a sports car that you can daily drive then this is your car, the options you can throw on later down the line if you choose is almost endless, they make performance and styling parts for this car like crazy so you could always make your ride unique to you if you choose to, and its pretty affordable to if youre comparing it to other things out there.

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  Crown Vic P71 - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By MaikeP71 - September 29 - 7:10 pm

  An amazing car, fun to drive and stylish in a more classy sense. Unimpressive, but understandable gas mileage. Mine is a decommissioned cop car and has been beaten on, handles the beating unbelievably. Five-star reliability. Had accidents NO DENTS, the damage to the other car is astounding though. Its a 2 ton battlecruiser with great handling. My recent hobby is this car. Im very impressed. A solid car. I improved my gas mileage with water4gas(tm) and a smart chip.

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  Transmission issues - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Shelly - September 29 - 5:24 am

  I have a 2014 Ecoboost Fusion that I love! Two things I dont love are really bad in rain & had it in twice for transmission problems! Yikes! And its not even 36 months yet!

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  an awesome truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By luis a gonzalez - September 29 - 2:26 am

  Bought this truck on 3/10/05 and I love it so far. Havent taken it on any long trips yet, just daily commuting to work, shop, etc. Love the styling in and out, gas mileage so far is 16.5 mpg, not great but this is one big and heavy truck. Smooth, comfortable, and very quiet on the highway, good sounding radio, fit and finish is great. 300 hp v8 is more power than Ill ever need.