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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  drive train vibratin 3 valve knockn junk - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David Quinn - February 10 - 2:00 pm

  Ive been a loyal Ford brand buyer since 65; 23 units to date. My new 150 SuperCab 5.4 is a drivetrain vibrating 3 valve knocking nightmare. The dealer has had the vehicle on three separate occasions with excuses that started with the tires and now says a counter balance is needed to reduce (?) the vibration. I do not care if they changed driveshaft vendors and are having problems. I want a drivetrain that turns true. Period! The new 3 valve setup runs rougher than corn cob. The dealer blames it own Mother Ford and says the techies have not come up with a patch for the computer program that runs the darn thing without disturbing the tranny. I am in shock, mourning and complete disbelief.

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  What a value! - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Tim - February 10 - 12:36 am

  After driving my dads "new" 2007 Crown Vic LX I hit autotrader to see what kind of prices I could find on Vics.. I stumbled upon a 2005 LX Sport with moonroof, 32,xxx miles, priced at $12,750! Wow! What a car for a price like that! Ive owned 1 front wheel drive car and driven many, I cant stand them.. Torque steer, odd weight distribution, hard on front tires, etc. The Crown Vic is perfection of a RWD full frame platform derived from YEARS of feedback being used in the most abusive of driving conditions, and boy did they ever get it right.

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  Great car for the price! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By HarrietT - February 9 - 7:00 pm

  I needed a car that would be able to fit my grandkids three car seats in the back seat. I wanted the Fusion, but my husband talked me into this car would be a better choice. Although there is nothing remarkable about the exterior design of this car, the comforable ride, the spacious interior, the well designed layout of the various operating controls, the over the board safety features, and the many storage cubbies have hit a homerun with me.

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  Love my new Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By amber gold - February 9 - 8:20 am

  After three weeks of researching and test driving cars, my husband and I finally picked the 09 Ford Focus SE. It has plenty of trunk space, gets great gas mileage, and is fun to drive so far. The other small cars in this class could not match the price nor quality that the Focus has. Ill send another update in a few months after we get her good and broke in. Love this car!

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  seans review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sean55697 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I like this car. There have been only 253 yellow SVT focus made. The handeling of this car is better than any other. It is very fun to drive.

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  2004 LIGHTNING - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BILL FELIX - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The truck is a lots of fun to drive and it is very fast, it has all the bells and wisheles. I wish that it came with chrome wheels and a bead cover like my harley truck. It is a rattle free truck. yhere are a few things that i would change but for the most part it!s a good truck.

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  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Al - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable dependable and looks GREAT

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  Had an Infiniti QX4 before - 2005 Ford Escape
  By pierceevan - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The fit and finish of the interior of the 2005 Escape Limited impressed me the most. The automatic transmission shifter has been moved from the steering column to the center floor console which I prefer. The leather interior is rich looking. The MPG ratings improved this year and performance is excellent.

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  Gas Mileage Good - Comfort Poor - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By rthompson - February 9 - 12:30 am

  Ive driven a few hundred miles already in the fusion. Here is my take: - Gas is great. I drive mostly on the freeway and Ill get between 31 and 40 mpg on the freeway depending on traffic, speed and drifting. - Comfort is poor. Its small inside. Not for big guys (and girls). Not for tall guys (and girls). Your legs will be pushed up against the sides or your head will hit the roof. - Features are fabulous. SYNC is great. Radio, Ipod, USB, GPS, etc.

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  Limited - 2009 Ford Escape
  By David - February 6 - 7:56 pm

  Got a great deal, has all options and it cost me 28k, 5k less than expected. The navigation system and sync work very well, and if you get bored you can do voice recognition training so your car understands you better, though its not neccessary. The ambient lights have several colors and are a nice touch. Suprisingly the performance is close to my 07 Fusion with the same engine. My only complaints are that the rear seats dont fold completely flat, and that the front seats are a little tough on the lower back, but then again I havent really looked for the lumbar adjustment.