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:

• 

  Good car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By edman76 - August 19 - 5:13 pm

  Great car! Very impressed with Ford. Smooth Ride, enough HP (who needs more? Gas is at an all time high anyways). CVT engine is great for the endurance on the transmission. (Ive had Ford before and transmissions seem go out quickly.). I was waiting for a nice car made by Ford to come with CVT engine. Overall 9 out of 10.

• 

  2006 Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Darrell Gray - August 19 - 3:30 pm

  For a V6 Its fast. Most V8 dont have a chance.

• 

  Fusion, a really complete car. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Alberto Castro - August 18 - 10:26 am

  I really liked this car even though it just appeared in the market. It seems really good, and even though reviews in this page say its not powerful enough against its competitors such as the Toyota Camry, for me 221 HP is more than enough power in this car. Here in Mexico its just like $1,000 dollars more expensive but everything in this car is worth it. This is not only a family car, its a sports cars and the SEL version gives me all the luxury I want in this type of car. Its of the best cars I ever bought; compared to Chrysler Concorde I had, it complies with I wanted in a these type of sedans.

• 

  FREESTYLE SEL AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ROY - August 17 - 1:16 pm

  I HAVE PUT 7000 MILES ON MY AWD SEL INCLUDING A TRIP FROM FROM OHIO TO FLORIDA. THE ENGINE WAS ADEQUATE FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF WV AND THE MILEAGE WAS EXCELLENT. I TRADED IN A 2004 GMC ENVOY BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE AND FOR THE FLAT FLOOR. IT IS A GREAT CAR

• 

  Great Performance Car for the Price - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BillyBuziness - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont know of any other car with the unique look of the "stag convertible with excellent handling and performance characteristics like this for under $30 to $35K. Lots of great aftermarket parts if you want to make it look unique. The new Bullit sytle wheels are real nice, fat and classy. All Ive done to mine (Black, on Black on Charcoal Greay) is add flowmasters, cold air induction, and dark tinted the windows. And I put a bra on her to minimize from end dings. I might lower her with Steeda, not sure its woth the money. I get compliments on the car all the time. It is truly an American classic.

• 

  Airbags were the best - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Helicop - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I only owned it a month before it was totaled by a head on collision. We were stopped and the air bags deployed and saved us after God. Prior to that it was enjoyable to drive. I owned a 1999 and enjoyed it also, but the 2003 was the best. It was a real pleasure to drive. As soon as the insurance settles, I will own another.

• 

  First Car. Glad I bought it. - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer2003Lover - August 17 - 10:00 am

  My parents both own Explorers(92 and 93) and I grew up using them and loving the car. When we went to the lots, this was the first vehicle we would hover around. After two weeks of searching, we found a great deal. I love the SUV, like the way it drives and love the significant improvements since the 199x models.

• 

  Love it! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By rsto10 - August 15 - 5:30 am

  Perspective: Bought this car after driving a 2003 Honda Accord V6 w/Nav for the past 7 years. Wanted all the things I loved about my Accord, but with AWD and some driving fun. Fusion fit the bill. 1200 miles into it the car is very fun to drive and impressing me everyday. Corners great and accel. is equal to/better than my Accord (but Fusion is AWD) Quiet cabin but enough engine noise to feel sporty. SYNC=Amazing. I have Nav screen and love every feature. BLIS/cross-traffic/back up cam work great. Stereo Rocks! Just missed the last snowfall, so AWD review will have to wait. Im an Average Joe who needs to haul two small kids safely in WI, but want to have fun doing it. So far, this is it!

• 

  dream - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Erik J - August 14 - 3:00 pm

  I have always wanted such a truck . I was very impressed with the design, comfort and performance . I voided the warranty the first year with 37,000 miles. I was nervous at first but two years later and another 30,000 miles I am still impressed. Even a minor accident was fairly priced to fix.The ultimate family truckster. I use it for everyday,camping trips and small loads so far. I even pulled my friends 30 foot boat out of the lake (mud season) with ease. As it gets older it will be working harder. A must for the famly man with a house.

• 

  2006 Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By John Ingraham - August 12 - 9:03 am

  This is an excellent all-round automobile. The ride is smooth and the CVT transmission is seamless at all speeds and and rpms. There is plenty of power in the 6 cylinder engine and the handling is excellent with the 4WD. The interior is well designed and very comfortable. My wife loves the large windows and wonderful view from the passenger side of the front seat. The leg room in the back seat is great. And the trunk is huge.