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 favorite vehicle yet - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Casper, WY - November 12 - 3:53 pm

  I loved my Ford Windstar and didnt think I would want to drive a "big" SUV, but a move to wintry climate area changed my mind. I love the way it handles, the very smooth ride and the strong engine. The interior is roomy, comfortable and very quiet. The fold down rear seats are very easy to manipulate and it provides lots of cargo room in the five passenger mode. For a five member family it was a great choice.

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  2006 Premium Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By tripleR - November 12 - 1:46 pm

  Overall the car is exciting to drive. All features and accessories operate well. Runs as advertised.

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  Tranny problems AWD CVT 2nd time in 09 - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By PM - November 12 - 12:10 pm

  Really liked this car until this January, at 39k miles high pitch whine coming from the engine. Dealership had the car for 1 month, we did get a rental, but they wanted to replace the transmission and Ford had them rebuild it. So they did and now were now at 55k miles and were having the same issue. Waiting on the dealerships word on repairs. Under warranty in January, still warrantied now. But looking at our options to offload it. I would not recommend buying a used Freestyle with the CVT!

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  great car bad battery and window system - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By stevie - November 12 - 10:34 am

  I love to drive the car and to look at the car. I have had problems with the battery draining. Ive jumped it 5 times. Ive also had problems with the driver side window. I had to take it to the dealership 2 times for the same issue. The 3rd time it was out of warranty and the dealership didnt want to take ownership of the problem.

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  2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Arnold Caffas - November 12 - 1:00 am

  The vehicle has an excellent ride. Friends who ride in the vehicle are surprised at the level of comfort. I have not taken the vehicle off road many times, but I am very satisfied with the off road capabilities. Highway fuel economy is better than 20 miles per gallon. City mileage is pretty good. I would recommend the Explorer to anyone considering a mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

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  Great car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By D M - November 11 - 11:52 pm

  This is a great car. So far no problems a couple of recalls, all taken by dealer. Still happy with the Fusion. Put 3 thou+ on since the last review.

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  Mach out rock out - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 03sfmach - November 11 - 11:25 pm

  I needed a rear drive, v8, stick shift car to drive everyday that I could stomp on allday everyday and still depend on it running all the time. This car has been awesome. Thought about a 2001-2004 vette (way too cheesy), early 2000 SS or z28 camaro (crappy tranny, rear-end, interior quality, overall looks) or a 2003-2004 cobra (bad-a$$ car but pricy) but the MACH seemed like the best value . ($14700, 22000 miles, lowered, tri-ax shifter, magnaflow exhaust) I have not been disappointed at all. The car really sings after 3500 rpms, tranny has a steep 1st gear and a low low overdriven 5th (about 1900rpms at 75mph). Pick one up if you can

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  Happy Ex-150 user - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Bogey golfer - November 11 - 10:58 pm

  Have used f-150s for almost 50 yrs..... Traded my 98 pu in for a smaller vehicle as I no longer at age 70 require a truck, but desired the similar ride and driver sitting-up comfort I became used to. I have not been disappointed a bit. Am getting 25.8 mpg combined mileage with the 6 cyl engine right out of the box. Only complaint I have is that the driver is a bit confined on right side with the transmission console for the big leg room I am used to..... But I am 6,2" and 310# ..... So if I have room, almost anyone else will have more! Dash is great and allows full review of all info quickly....... And I added moon roof as a treat to myself..... Kinda like it! Yes.... Count me as a happy owner!

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  Oh yeah, I love my taurus! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Pat - November 11 - 9:13 pm

  What more can i say about it, i had my ford taurus for about two years as my first car. Nothing in this tank went wrong even as it approached 150,000 miles it still ran strong. I would highly recommend this car for a new driver because its not overly powerful but enough to get the job done. I just got a new car and let me tell you it was sad to see it go. Over all great first car, it will be missed!

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  Mixed bag - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Sigh... - November 11 - 6:55 pm

  Have owned the car since it was new. Now have 180,000 miles on itso we know the good and the ugly. The good: great concept and design, very comfortable, great highway vehicle (primary use for us - never was a city car which is prob why we have so many miles on it),tranny is orig and fine engine/trans/systems well conceived (but see the bad...) now has 180K on it and runs great - still not burning oil. The bad: it was made so poorly!!! We have replaced virtually every seal in the engine, rebuilt all the brakes, cruise control and ABS computer quit working years ago. Have replaced many parts - it has been an expensive car to maintain.