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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  My first Ford - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By parker9 - February 8 - 7:43 am

  When they stopped making the Trans Ams in 2002 I never thought Id get the sport convertible I always wanted. Then the new body style Mustangs came out in 05 and I secretly craved one for my driveway. After biting the bullet and admitting that I loved this Ford despite it being a Ford, Ive got one. It is an amazing ride, and there is nothing like the feel of the wind blowing through your hair at 80 MPH on the interstate. Watch out though! Its very easy to just keep right on accelerating and never even notice. I had it up to 100 and it felt just as smooth and sturdy as at 65. Overall, the Mustang is a good buy.

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  Just Average - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - February 7 - 5:32 pm

  I bought my Explorer about 6 months ago. Its a decent car for the money, though I do have my gripes about it. The biggest problem I have is that the leather seats have already worn a lot, and the car only has 8K miles on it. I had a 2000 Mountaineer with 80K miles on it and those seats were in better condition than this one already. Also, my mom has an SUV with a V8 and shes getting better gas mileage than me ... Ford could stand to take a few notes there.

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  You need to drive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Randall Rankens - February 7 - 11:50 am

  I own a new 500, everybody who drives it or even rides in are extremely pleased with the vehicle. I did not buy the vehicle to blow people off the road or drag race anybody. I purchased the vehicle because it fits me well. I am 66" and have a family. It seats 5 adults very well, and have taken several trips with 4 adults with all the luggage and had no problems with performance. This car is perfect for my real estate business, and the AWD in Colorado is perfect. Yes I could have purchased a car with more horsepower etc, but why? The 500 has no problem maintaining all the posted speed limits, even 75. I did rent the new Chrysler 300, drove it over 2,500 miles and hated it.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By gorgborg - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, find myself filling the gas tank much more often than my Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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  my explorer sport trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By joe maisel - February 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd sport trac I had a 2001 I ordered my 2003 on 6/2002 even before they had come out so as to get exactly what I wanted. I was not disapointed.I got a fully loaded vechile with the exception of leather and I bought it in zinc yellow. it has been everybit I had hoped for

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  ford #4 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sop00ran - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Although the vehicle listed is new, I can not tell what the reliablity is going to be. Given the fact that I have owned other Ford products, I would assume this would not be a problem. The car is constructed well with much attention to detail. It is fun to drive and handles well. I would like to see the larger motor be put in all models. Pennsylvania subjects vehicles to extreme conditions (hills and valleys) as well as snow and ice. Extra power is important in these conditions. So far, I am very please with the Ford Focus SE that I have purchased. Thanks Ford

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  Battle Tested - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Ed T. - February 6 - 1:34 pm

  Yeah, its not the new, high tech, BIG Tacoma, or the high powered Frontier. Its just a time tested, classic looking, reliable truck, which very quietly still holds its own with a very dated platform. It does everything I ask of it, for about $3500-4500 dollars less than a comparably equipped Toyota or Nissan. Its comfortable, relatively quiet, and the 4.0 has plenty of power and torque. Ill stick with the battle tested American classic! Fully loaded for just over $20,000! Please, next question.....

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  GRAY HAIR/BIG CAR - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tom - February 6 - 7:13 am

  I like my 500 but it is definitely underpowered...not sure if the CVT is the culprit for the lack of power. I would like to see an SRT version of the 500 for us Boomers that like to be respectable, comfortable, and civilized but want the "extra" under the hood that we can set free on those all too rare occasions.

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  Great SUV - despite shortcomings - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Don in CA - February 6 - 12:28 am

  I love this vehicle! Spent a lot of time researching, even spent a year with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi before dumping that in favor of the roomier Expedition Limited. During the buying processes I couldnt get the salesman to talk about or demo the navigation system - there was a reason for that - its disgusting. Save yourself $2k and get an aftermarket Nav like the Pioneer. I also ordered the Bluetooth from the Ford accessory book but the dealer put in a third party system that doesnt match anything! Great vehicle but what Ford really needs to do is pay attention to how Toyota and Chrysler deliver the details and most of all how they provide service.

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  my Ford Range - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By jim - February 5 - 1:54 pm

  Like the ride. Fuel economy could be better. Do drive country roads with lots of hills and stop and go from work. But overall I love the yellow color and flames.