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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  Silver beauty - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By dk - April 14 - 7:56 pm

  This is my 4th Mustang and first GT. I love the sound, though I wish the automatic shift was a lot firmer. Very difficult to squeal tires. I do have a nagging dash noise, the same problem I had in the 05 V6. The exterior styling is great and the new silver vapour paint looks amazing in the sunlight. Might get some tuning done for some better shifting performance. Gas mileage in the V6 was a little bit better, but then I didnt drive the V6 like I do this one.

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  Good old truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ray - April 14 - 11:48 am

  This is the 2nd F150 I have owned. This truck has been very good to me. The only problem was the recall on the crusie control. The truck has pulled my fifth wheel ever since I bought it. It pulls it very good. The last truck I had a 96 f150 was also very good to me. I also pulled with that one from day one. No prblems after 145,000 miles when I traded for this one. This truck is a lot better than my 2000 Chevy S10 I have. Piace of junk that one. I would tell anyone to buy a new F150 if they got a chance.

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  Great truck, awful paint from Dearborn - 2007 Ford F-150
  By NeverAgain - April 14 - 11:45 am

  I love the truck itself, its easily the nicest looking truck on the road. Ive only had mine for three weeks, but its going into the shop to be repainted because someone at the Dearborn plant didnt know how to paint. On three parts of the truck, there are paint flaws. Not just flaws, but actual debris in the paint, like little specks of sand were on the truck when it was painted. Because of this, this is the last Ford I buy. The consumer shouldnt have to be forced QA department. So, yeah -- awesome truck, awful fit and finish.Word to the wise: Do not buy a Ford made in Dearborn. And carefully inspect the vehicle in full sunlight before you do. Look it over and over again.

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  The Probe LX "king of the cars, the gem" - 1990 Ford Probe
  By KING AZ - April 14 - 1:18 am

  Well, I have a Probe L. Im telling you this car its my little gem. But overall, this car its super. Im telling you. I love this car. Its fun to drive. Im going to keep it til I die. Anyways you dont see LX anymore on the streets. And I like the way that Im unique.

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  Second Windstar - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Trimerus - April 13 - 5:20 pm

  Purchased this Windstar new in 2001. It was our second, the first being a 2000 which we also still have. Now have 140,000 miles and have no issues with either. 23 mpg on the highway. Always starts. No repairs or tune ups have been needed, only 1 set of tires, one set of brake shoes and regular oil changes. I suspect that people who have had bad luck with Windstar have selected poor mechanics.

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  2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By trimerus - April 13 - 5:13 pm

  Purchased the Windstar new and maintained well. Bought an extended 100,000 mile warantee but never needed to use it. have found vehicle to be reliable through the 95000 miles we have owned.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Ford Escape
  By mfish - April 13 - 9:53 am

  With a new baby on the way, needed to trade our Silverado pickup for a more baby-friendly vehicle. Grew up with the Fords of the late 80s-early 90s and swore I wouldnt drive another Ford, but now I own one--Im surprised at how much I like it. Opted for the 5-speed and can get up to 29 mpg on trips. The four cylinder is so quiet, I sometimes cant hear the RPMs to know when to shift (no idiot shift light to help). The engine is also very spirited that I fins myself speeding without knowing! Im 65" and fit fine in back seat with front seat all the way back. Interior a little plastic-y, but I like the look better than 2008 Escape. Though Ive only had it for a month, I like it.

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  Awesome Ride - Dream come true! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kelley Kimball - April 12 - 8:33 pm

  I have always dreamed of owning one of the classic Mustangs since I was 14 years old. I finally have one in the 2005 Mustang. Great car and really fun to drive!

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  My Blue Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By myfusion - April 12 - 11:26 am

  I love the performance and handling, great pickup, almost shifts without noticing. The extras are another story, lumbar support broke at 5000 miles, sunroof leaks, brakes grab after letting off petal. Gas mileage is OK but not what stated. If you read the Fusion discussions you will see that there are many problems that need correcting. Overall I love the car but getting a little discouraged on something always going wrong. But 1st year out I guess I am one of the Beta Testers.

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  Almost 300,000 and Still Going - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By philzleads - April 11 - 10:46 pm

  Bought the vehicle new in 1996. Mileage is now at 291,942. Just had the transmission rebuilt. The vehicle miles are mostly hiway miles. I have had the alternator replaced as well as the transfer case. Original exhaust, which needs some work as the bolt-on joints are rusted. Compressor for AC is not working, but I only use the vehicle for truck like duties, I dont mind. Use it mostly in winter/Fall for hunting trips. The temp gauge on the dash no longer works so either full heat or no heat. I have had to replace the bulbs in the dash behind the intrument panel numerous times. The engine, incredibly does not use oil as I have maintained it diligently. 6th set of tires.