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:

• 

  Prove me wrong Ford - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Back to a Ford - June 10 - 5:01 pm

  I said I would never buy a Ford again after many years ago having a bad experience with a Ford Dealer. After two Toyota Camrys(great car) I purchased a Ford Edge 2008 new. It has been a short time only 3 months and I am loving it. I test drove the Lexus Rx350, Nissan Murano and a few others. I agree with many others Ford has a winner. No car is perfect but if it lasts me for serveral years and runs great I will buy another one. Time will tell! I am keeping my fingers crossed!

• 

  Powerful V6 Pony! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By HVF4 - June 10 - 10:48 am

  This was my dream car since I was a little boy.Im 20 years old now and ive been wanting this car since it came out!And 8 years later its mine as a High School Graduation present from my parents. For a 3.8l V6 Engine its really fast and powerful.I yet to add a cold air intake and exhuast but even without it it saves a lot of gas and its very fast.Sure it isnt a GT(V8) with 260+HP but how it is now(190HP) its pretty fast.Exterior looks great,A+. Interior is kinda plain,But hey ITS A MUSTANG!!Sound System is great,but since mine was used the original MACH 460 System was taken out before I bought it. I Have A Sony Stereo and its BADASS!This car always turns heads.American Muscle Beats Import!!!!

• 

  Ford 500 a Great Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Scott Olson - June 10 - 9:10 am

  The new Ford 500 is a great value. At $24,000 for a mid-range fully equiped model, its priced about $5,000 less than one would expect for the features and quality. People have said its under-powered. I dont see that driving the highways of metro-Detroit. It will accelerate up hill into a 70 mph zone without any problem.

• 

  Buy It! Great handling and comfortable! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Targetdisco - June 10 - 8:29 am

  Gave an 8 for Fuel Economy because it used to be good, now it is average. Lived in suburban DC, with no huge hills, for 1.5 years. Did the long trips, commuting, and around town all great mileage. Moved to "real" WV with lots of huge hills 13 months ago, and mileage is not good at all. The imitation Euro handling is certainly there and is great. Seats are comfy, lots of room, and good storage. Mine has a sunroof/moonroof and 6 cd changer. I think the Cd changer finally conked out. In 2.5 years, Ive taken it to the shop for tires, and oil changes. Oct 06, I bought the car with 30k miles. So its been an outstanding and problem free car.

• 

  Tons of unexpected fun! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Thinker99 - June 10 - 2:43 am

  Yeah, we all know that well get called "Grandpa" for driving one of these but its serious fun. Mine is deep grey/black, dual-exhaust and all tinted. Watching all those speeders suddenly slow down is a laugh, and this beast has endless power. The styling is good, mileage is surprisingly good for a large car, and its super safe and comfortable. They might call me Grandpa, but Im enjoying every moment on the road with a big smile on my face.

• 

  Greatest sedan ever!! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Lucas - June 9 - 4:11 pm

  I never thought I would appreciate this car as much as I do. Other cars have come and gone but my taurus keeps on keeping on. Never had to replace anything. I maintain it religiously and it treats me just as well. Pushing 150K miles and showing no signs of slowing down. Love the look of the new 2010s and hope to be able to get one.

• 

  Best car to learn how to drive on! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Nikki - June 9 - 1:54 pm

  My parents bought this car for me to learn how to drive on in 2005. 4 years later, weve put about 20K miles on it and it still runs great. It gets me back and forth between school and home whenever I need it to, and even survived large tree branches falling on it during an intense wind storm with just a few dents and a broken windshield. It has its quirks, but its an old car at this point and will. My parents bought my sister another escort after I got my license so I could drive this one, never had any problems!

• 

  New and much improved - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By TB - June 9 - 7:36 am

  We LOVE our new Explorer! Its solid, very quiet, and very versatile which is good when you have 2 small boys. Power from the V6 is good, not excellent, and we have no problems traversing the long steep hills of Western PA. Its no sports car but it does handle very well for its size and even seems to handle better than the Escape it replaced. The thing I cant get over is how quiet it is inside and what a great highway cruiser it is. Its almost limo-like! The DVD system has a few too many buttons but once you learn them you realize that they are there for added convenience. Overall the 06 Explorer isnt great at any one thing but it is very good at everything.

• 

  So Far.........So good! - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Steve Tice - June 8 - 11:27 pm

  Perfect blend of Truck feel and comfort. Only have 634 miles so its early, but very happy with investment.

• 

  From 1998 Windstar to 2005 Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Brian - June 8 - 3:23 pm

  Since 2001, I had a 1998 Ford Windstar with 3.8Liter. after being fed up with 1998 Ford Windstar with blown head gasket which the coolant level keeps going down and I had transmission replaced prior in 2007 for 1998. Since January 2nd 2009, I had to trade in for a 2005 Ford Freestar which it was available at the dealer. The 2005 version is lot better and big improvements over the 1998 version. However, I noticed that the 2005 version is 1200 lbs heavier than the 1998. But it feels very stable ride, except the fuel mileage. I am getting around 19 - 20 mpg even though it stated for 24 mpg. I use the vehicle mainly for my work and carrying loads once in a while and also do some towing.