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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  the new mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By andreasre - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The new mustang offers many options to a variety of drivers.The cars new design has a slightly retro look but still has the modern design of todays muscle cars. It rides like a dream, and has plenty of power. The car seems to handle great on any dry surface, however if you are on a wet surface the car does try to get away from you if you donot know how to handle the V8s raw power. it is a comfortable vehicle to drive and a wonder to own. i would rate it overall an 8.

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  2 weeks old - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Michigan Guy - July 11 - 3:26 pm

  Great looking car, lots of room inside, very nice layout. Good steering/seating. Lots of nice electronics toys. Good on crappy roads for an SUV. Quality of build the center console hard to open (replaced already), little squeaks from the dashboard/radio area when cold. Found dirt under paint and was wet sanded out from dealer. Thats the reason for the low scores.

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  Good car for the money - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Da Bomb - July 11 - 12:37 am

  I have had this car for over a year now and I love it. It is fun to drive and gets respectable gas mileage for what it is. However, I have had several non-engine related mechanical issues. I have had to replace all 4 power windows this year, and my Mach CD player broke and is expensive to fix. I have also had to fix the power window switch. But the engine has been flawless. If you want a simple fun convertible, I highly recommend this car.

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  Ford Tough - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Larry - July 10 - 7:33 pm

  Bought this truck from original owner with 60k miles on it. It now has 215k and is like new! Other than ordinary maintenance, I put a new radiator in at 150k and an alternator at 195k. Heads have never been off. It just keeps running and everything works. Paint is unbelievable. People cant believe its 10 yrs old. I fully expect to get at least 250k from this completely stock 5.4L beauty.

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  Works great and takes the punishment - 2007 Ford Focus
  By trvlingsalesma - July 10 - 5:05 pm

  I bought htis car to use in travelling sales job. I have almost 72k miles on this car since 9/06 and only a few problems. As others have stated the Pirelli tires were gone at 20k miles. While under warranty cracked hub, broken stabilizer arm and brake drum were replaced. At 30k miles rear struts were replaced ( I sometimes carry excess of 350lbs in trunk and back seat). At 60k thousand miles had to replace alternator. I am large man 511" and weigh 300lbs, interior is roomy enough except on trips over 4 hrs. Driver side seat needs to be replaced, but that is my fault. Car still gets great gas mileage and is really quick. Fun to drive in mountains and never fails to go when pushed.

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  Try a Ford Again - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By cajunland - July 10 - 2:27 pm

  We mulled it over for a while, to buy or not to buy just for a sometime driver. So I bought first Ford in many years (1990 was last). Loved the body style so bought just for body style, not as a daily driver. It has become my daily driver, parking my 02 V8 Tundra. Just made a 600 mile trip and averaged 30 MPG hwy at 70 MPH. Impressed with V6 power. It is plenty for me. Comfort is not great, cabin is not quite (primarily engine noise), but it is what it is, not a luxury car, not a speed burner, but good dependable transportation with style.

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  Luke warm - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By peggy - July 9 - 5:07 pm

  Bought this car because so many people raved about Tauruses. I was unimpressed with features in the SE, tape deck! Why bother? The rear seat doesnt fold down for extra trunk space. Gas mileage was only around 19 mpg in winter, 23 in summer. Sound shielding made listening to radio pointless at highway speeds. I thought pickup and power were great, but wasnt impressed at the handling, steering just not tight enough. I dont think Ford is offering enough quality for the price.

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  When repairs are needed, theyre major - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By radioiowa - July 9 - 4:01 pm

  I purchased the XLT with about 50K miles and am happy to report that I am now at 155K. Overall, its very sure-footed in the snow and roomy enough to haul the family and the dog. On the down side, repairs in the last three years have been major. Ive replaced two fuel pumps in 5 years, the rear differential, put in a new transmission and am now dealing with intermittent, unidentifiable stall/start problems (the car stalls while driving down the road and/or refuses to start for hours but no one can seem to find the problem- leaving me stuck on the road with no warning). The truck has received routine maintenance religiously and has never been driven off road.

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  Good SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Wesman - July 9 - 2:00 am

  So far its been a very good SUV. Good performance, handling and design. Gas mileage is average for a V6, better than the 4.0 jeep but worse than the Japanese V6s. Drives like a car, and very good off-road and I dont even have the 4wd.

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  Super Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By super nice - July 8 - 7:46 am

  I had 2 F150s before this one and they felt like a work truck, nothing else. This one is very comfortable and the design is super nice. It is a tough truck but also a very pretty car to show off.