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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  Lacks kick - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By gonskeen - April 22 - 12:25 pm

  Got the car new in October, 2006 as a Company Car. Upgraded to the limited & got the leather, full power, upgraded radio, heated seats etc. Very roomy car & comfortable on long trips. Handles fine in the snow. I put snow tires on it in the winter. Overall very reliable. The engine has always been on the loud side & lacks spunk. The alternator has gone out 2x, currently on its 3rd. The heated seats have also malfunctioned 2x. Biggest issue is the A/C. It stopped giving cold air at low speeds & idle last year. Brought it to a local dealer 3x. They replaced the condensor & to this date, still doesnt work right.

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  Fun to drive, Police Interceptor - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By hinderrocks25 - April 22 - 7:46 am

  the 2004 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is a big car that is fun to drive and has pretty good power for such a big car. However this year of car has a common problem of headlight failure due to the lighting control module. If you are going to buy one of these cars make sure the headlights work! and not just intermittently. Also about a week after buying this car with 123k miles on it the shocks that hold the hood open failed and now it slowly shuts the hood down so u have to hold it up with your hands. Also when pulling the lever to open the hood it doesnt open the hood all the way and u have to pry it open with something just to unlock the latch. Make sure you inspect it good b4 buying.

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  99Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By johnM - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been a comfortable, reliable, and solid car. I am sorry to have to sell it.

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  Great value - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By joepalmer1 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Researched all available midsize 4door 4x4 trucks. This one came out on top. Better mileage, fit and finish than dodge, chevy, gmc and nissan. Spoke with all available dealers and read all available reviews. Sport trac won on above mentioned items. Price out the door for a loaded xlt premium, 4x4, leather, hard cover, cage, 6 disc, heated seats, limt slip, and moon roof = $28950 with tax (5.75%) Happy deal making! nows the time to buy!

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  Windstar from hell - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By purrsn - April 22 - 2:00 am

  So far I have replaced: Intake manifold at 50000 miles, transmission at 60000, both front anti-lock brake systems. Non covered by Ford. At least its comfortable while you wit for tow.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By BRUCE H - April 22 - 2:00 am

  WE SELL 10-15 RANGERS A WEEK AND ALL OF OUR COUSTOMERS LEAVE WITH A SMILE. THIS IS TRULY THE BEST COMPACT TRUCK ON THE ROAD.

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  Watch Out - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ford No More - April 21 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned for 6 months, 1 recall for bed. At 2500 miles new rotors on front and at 10,500 new motor. 5.4 lower engine problem. Underpowered and terrible gas mileage. Last Ford for me since Im a business owner and breakdowns cost me time and money.

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  Love my Ford 500 SEL AWD - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Paul - Pennsylvania - April 21 - 6:56 pm

  I have been looking at this car since it has been in production. I think it is one of the best looking cars on the market, in its class. I am 6’-1.” When I went to the dealer I wore my Penn State hat and still had some head room. We have three children and my wife and I were concerned with space and safety. This vehicle has both! We purchased our 500 with the safety package which has dual air bags and a side air curtain. As for the space, I am able to keep the seat completely back and my boys still have plenty of room. I can’t believe this car is not selling like hot cakes. The 500 has been getting some great reviews.

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  Way to Go Ford - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bud - April 21 - 7:13 am

  About 6000 mi so far. 30.5 mpg on recent drive CT to FL, AC on all the way. Ford needs to build more of these, keep size the same, keep refinning, go plug in to increase mileage. Very quiet interior and roomy. Love it.

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  Fun to Drive, But There Are Problems........ - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jeff364 - April 20 - 2:49 pm

  The C-Max has great interior design, a good sound system, handles well and seems roomy, but there are nagging problems that drag down the car. Like another reviewer, my clock just randomly changes time. The car also randomly starts itself which is a little disconcerting. The cruise control does not throttle back when going downhill so on a long, steep hill you can end up going 20 - 25 MPH over the speed you set. I think that is a dangerous defect, although not sure if I just have a defective cruise control or this is a problem with all C-Max cruise controls.