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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  Favorite Fox! - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By 93fastfox - October 24 - 11:30 pm

  Fell in love in with my best friends Mustang GT in 1989 and told myself I would get a "fox" at some point in my life. Bought my 93 GT last year with 125k miles on it and couldnt be happier. Engine still pulls strong and interior is in great shape (surprising for a Ford). Car sounds and looks great and still attracts attention from people driving cars worth 10 times as much. Constantly getting offers to sell but this GT will be in my garage as long as I can drive.

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  Awesome for a V6 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ginny - October 23 - 5:23 pm

  I love this car! I bought a V6 a few months ago, and it just loves to go. It handles very well, and zips in and out with ease. I live in a large city, and the auto transmission is perfect for trying to get around traffic jams. I highly recommend this car.

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  Aerostar still going strong - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Aeroman1 - October 21 - 8:59 pm

  This van I consider to be one of the lowest maintenance & highest reliability vehicles that I have owned. I drove it 235000 kms on 1 set of plugs. It starts in temps from +30 to - 30 *c, I have had 9 passengers + full camping equipment & loaded 15 foot fiberglass boat & trailer on a 1000km round trip, the van never missed a beat! The v6 Vulcan engine is incredible, I think it will outlast my next vehicle too ( Ford Escape). It has achieved almost 40 kms/imperial gallon on a highway run. Look after this van & I reckon it will look after you. Smashing vehicle, if I could get a new one I would def buy one.

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  Only a bit shy of perfect! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Gary - October 21 - 12:20 am

  Ive driven Explorers and 1 Mountaineer since 94, about 600,000 miles altogether, you might say I liked them. This is definitey the next thing. Ill admit to driving around 70-75 mph far more than the cops would like, and am getting 28.3 - 29.7 mpg. Its very comfortable, and I love driving a hybrid and still have awd, 4 seats and doors, some cargo space, an actual suv, yknow! -I think (hope) that Fordll notch things up a bit in the next couple model years. Mine will kill the engine and then restart it 10 sec later (or even less!) regularly. You/it must start the engine to use the car. In this century all cars need locking fuel doors (actually they always should have had them)

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  Update after 33,000 miles - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ken - October 20 - 12:40 am

  I like my Escape less now than when I first purchased it. I dont know if my problems are isolated or if other vehicles have the same issues. The heated seats stay warm only minutes after being turned on. The seats warm quickly but then fade to cool within about 5 minutes. The air conditioning system is a joke. When both driver and passenger sides are set to the same temperature, the passenger side, will blow 8 degrees warmer than the drivers side...but only sometimes. Also, the system can be set at 72 degrees and blow hot but can also blow cold when set to 76. Its frustrating. I think the a/c system may be bipolar. The dealer says the technology is in the motor...hes right.

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  Good, but... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By economicat - October 19 - 7:23 am

  This is a very useful family car. We chose a wagon instead of an SUV so my small kids could get in and out easily on their own. The problem is that there are no rear headrests, so my children (4 & 8) will soon outgrow this car and we will have to replace it. The heated mirrors and seats work great and the care gets decent mileage. It will make strange noises if gas falls below a quarter tank, so beware. Sometimes the start is a little jumpy, but not really that bad. Fully loaded, it is an affordable alternative to the $35K+ we would have spent on another wagon, with as much rear room as a midsize SUV.

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  Good Value - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ted - October 19 - 3:23 am

  I have 2000 miles on my SE with CVT. I like the CVT a lot. Contrary to some reviews, I do not find the car under powered. I like sitting higher although the price for this might be less agility in parking ramps. Very comfortable highway car. Gas mileage first tank in mixed driving was 20.5 mgp. A lot of car for the price. At $8000 less than the Toyota Avelon a good deal.

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  bought another one - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Shelly - October 18 - 5:52 pm

  Purchased mine new and it is still running with 165,000 miles on it. Drove it HARD everyday for nearly six years without doing much more than changing the oil (and didnt do that very often), i.e it has survived use and abuse. Only complaint is the fuel pump which started to give me trouble at about 125,000 miles and is the reason why Im no longer driving it (but I am now driving a 2005 model if that gives any indication about the significance).

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  Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bayhuntr - October 16 - 8:10 pm

  This truck is perfect for someone who needs to on occasion haul 4x8 plywood, carry 5 passengers or have a lockable trunk (with the hard bed cover and locking tail gate). Im 66" and have good leg room. The arm rests and seat belts fit with the seat all the way back. The back seats fold down flat for when the dog is along. The only thing I wish they would improve is the mileage. If they came out with a hybrid Sport Trac, Id be all happy.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By rennoc - October 15 - 1:10 am

  This vehicle is a favorite of my entire family, smooth, quiet and surprising handling. With the 5:41 final drive ratio the 3 liter Duretec gets the job done. Ford is shooting itself in the foot for not promoting this vehicle. Short Term Gain (sell Explorers) vs. Long Term Corporate Health - sell better economy, safety, people ergonomics, etc. The Freestyle is a very pleasant vehicle to own and drive.