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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  Ford 150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By CHAR - February 1 - 3:16 pm

  I love my truck, not good with power, do not like the price I paid for a pick up with no carpet and cover on seats. I had to upgrade to power windows/doors...they did pay that. But my sticker said $33,000 - far from what I see it should be. I did get it for $28,000 but looks like I paid way too much....again! But I do love it!

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  My first car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Denise - February 1 - 1:10 pm

  Purchased at 178000kms now almost at 300000kms. Never miss an oil change, well maintained. Problems began just after 200000 kms. My car began to studder while in gear. Changed the fuel filter, thought it could have been the gas. Nope. Changed leads and plugs thinking Im misfiring. Nope. One day went to start my car and it sounded horrible-in the end it was my timing belt, I needed an entire new engine as the belt had slipped and ruined the pistons and valves. A new rebuilt engine was put in. Now headlight socket on drivers side seems melted and the contacts no longer connect. Rear dr side door clasp jammed-no longer use that dr wont click closed. Replaced ignition key shaft as rollers seized

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  1997 fORD PU - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Tito - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Ford PU is a very good truck for the person who does not desire to have a lot of bed space,, I use mine primarily to go back and forth to work for a total of 28 miles per day 5 days per week. The mileage is about 15 miles per gallon with the automatic that I have

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  Flashback brings back muscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By tommye - January 31 - 1:26 pm

  I was waiting for a car like this my whole life. I love it. The ripping engine sound, the style, the interior. The new traction control the old Mustangs lacked.

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  Awesome in Theory - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Cliff - January 31 - 11:26 am

  The GT is an awesome design. IMO, its the sexiest car on the road. It seems well built, very solid, and decently comfy. Interior layout could be more ergonomic, and needs a storage tray. Engine has lots of grunt, but the car seems too heavy to be truly fast. Still, plenty of fun to drive. However, while its a cool ride, it seems very prone to manufacturers defects in the drive train. Over the past 2 months, its been in the shop for nearly 30 days, and both the transmission and rear end assembly have needed replacement. Car is entirely too new to have so many problems. I plan on sending the GT back, and I wont be getting another.

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  First American Car - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By movieguy - January 30 - 7:03 pm

  Ill start by saying that the largest engine Id ever had on a car before was a 2.0l Golf and I thought that that was obscene. Im European, we pay close to $9 for a gallon of gas, were used to being frugal. But Im loving the Mustang. Sure theres an annoying leather on leather buzz from the manual stick shift and a really annoying creak from the left a pillar but it looks great, cruises like a dream and the Shaker 500 system is great I even manage an average of 26mpg (75 - 25 highway - town) so Im far from disappointed with this

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Beth T. - January 30 - 2:43 am

  The Ford Focus is definitely fun to drive, especially with the powerful engine that it has and its a smaller car. It runs so smooth. The design of the front driver side and passenger side doors are lousy. When I put my take out beverage in the door cupholder and then I went to roll up the window, my hand hit the beverage and pop went all over the door. When you roll the window up and down, your hand hits the maps in the map holder. Part of the door sticks out which is really awkward and annoying. There is no light inside in the middle to see the backseat. I also had a manual on my Ford Escort, but this is an automatic. I really wish I got a manual.

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  2005 Ford Taurus FFV SE Sedan - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By LS1Heli - January 28 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased this car from a private seller and glad I did. I actually run it all of the time on E85 Ethanol. I have the 3.0L Vulcan Flex-Fuel version. The car is smooth, quiet, and has been extremely reliable. Not one thing has broken on this car. Performance increase in E85 has been noticeable as well as the decrease in fuel economy because of its use. I suggest that if your looking for a nice 4DR take a look at this one while removing the "import blinder". Much better than any Honda or Toyota!!

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  A lot of car for the $ and fun to drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By CindiW - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have the ZTS model which offers an incredible amount of power. The pickup is outstanding. The car handles like a much smaller vehicle; it hugs the corners and takes on unforegiving roadways remarkably. I have both a Japanese small car and then this car. The Focus has turned out to be a reliable, economical and outstanding on gas vehicle. I would recommend it in a heartbeat---particularly for someone who does not want to spend a ton of money.

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  2004 expedition problem - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By imaco - January 28 - 10:00 am

  the clutch pak was loose after 4000 miles. could have been huge problem. growling noise when turning. dealer said many new ones were coming in for repair. faulty assembly at factory.