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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  problem ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jennifer amerson - September 19 - 8:42 am

  I have had this car fixed 5 times. It still will not start. I keep a journal and I have to crank it up to 12 times to get it to start in the middle of the month every month, and 6 times every time on the first week of each month. I think this is an electrical problem. I have had the idle valve replaced and it still will not start. Also has had 3 recalls done on it and I just had the power steering hose replaced on it last week. I do not know what to do just keep begging Ford to fix it so that I will not be late for work anymore. Cranking problem started 2 years ago and I have been told that this car can not be fixed. It only has 30,000 miles on it.

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  Lovin it so far! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By NewOwner-in-Orlando - September 19 - 12:26 am

  Extremely comfortable with exception of the headrests which tilt too far forward. Easily remedied by reclining the seat slightly. Ive had people ask me if they can peak inside the car because they love the outside and need to look further. Always lots of ooooooos and ahhhhhhhhs. Ive noticed I get the best gas mileage by using the setting with the display that shows when Im driving in the most fuel efficient way. I drive mostly in town and get around 14 mpg. My husband on the other hand who is more of a hurry- to-the-traffic light kind of driver gets around 11 mpg. Highway average seems to be around 20mpg.

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  Base Mustang - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Kona Blue - September 18 - 11:40 pm

  Getting 20mpg driving in Northern VA traffic. HWY MPG GREAT - 435 miles on 14 gallons = 30mpg with ac on. FRPP Exhaust installed. Handling is still a little loose, looking at upgraded shocks and brakes.I got mine for just under 20k, 7k less than the GT. The V8 would be a nice option in the base. V6 has a lot of potential - look at the Shelby Terlingua V6 mustang. V6 insurance rates are great - less to insure than my old 2007 Rabbit

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  This is a great car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By mjhess123 - September 18 - 11:06 pm

  I have to admit, I like Fords so I may be a bit biased. However I also like quality. The Fusion gives me the best of both worlds. This car is a real winner and I have encouaged people to drive this car. I owned a 2000 BMW 328i with a sport suspension and I think the Fusion handles nearly as well. I would have never believed it had I not driven the car, but its very impressive. The V6 has plenty of power and I really like the 6-speed auto. Theres a little initial hesitation with a good stomp on the accelerator but the higher-end torque is nice. On top of that, its a sharp looking car that people notice. Ford did a great job with the Fusion and hopefully theyll sell many of them.

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  1995 ford thunderbird v6 101k 14 yrs old - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By JamesV6Birdy - September 18 - 9:07 pm

  Hello Im 19 years old and have owned my bird for about a year,I have always enjoyed working on cars especially this one. As far as driving goes mine is a V6 so no"show stopper"but for what it is power is not to bad. the independent rear susp.makes for a very good ride,smooth and glidey feeling.The fact it is rwd might deter some buyers,but i live in Michigan and have no problem getting around,the IRS,and ABS systems make this a very easy car to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone. Period give this car a chance bring the super coupe back!!!! Henry ford

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  Great "big mans" vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chris - September 18 - 8:53 pm

  The Ford Five Hundred fills a small, but important niche in the sedan market - the "big mans" sedan. In an era of rising gas prices and shrinking budgets, the Ford Five Hundred nicely meets the needs of those of us who are large framed. Unlike its many counterparts in the large sedan sector, the Five Hundred is actually comfortable, allowing for easy entrance/egress as well as ample head, leg, and seat room. Yet, it is not an SUV, which seems to be the only other alternative for those of us who prefer not to feel like we are in a middle seat on a commercial airline when we are puttering about town or commuting to and from work.

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  Ford Explorer Trouble? - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JoeLyn - September 18 - 2:08 pm

  This is the second Ford Explorer that we have owned. Im not sure that there will be a third. Our 2004 explorer has had the timing chains replaced, the paint is coming off in sheets from the top, the heater would not work until we had work completed on it, now we just replaced the valve lifters. Whats next???? We are heart sick. Does Ford not back their vehicles any better than that. My husband and I planned to wait until later to buy a new vehicle. It probably will not be a Ford. Too bad, I have always like the style of the Explorer.

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  Selling because of key - 2000 Ford Focus
  By chr2000 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and ignition cylinder has had to be replaced 4 times. I put key in ignition and wont turn. As Im sure it will happen again, I sell. Tired of getting stuck and towed to a dealer who tells me I dont know how to use a key! Also, brake problems and rear hatch lock goes twice. This car only has 41,000 miles. After owning a number of Ford products, wont buy one again. This car has been a terrible disappointment.

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  Best of those tested - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Edward R. Johnson - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is everything its advertized. It handles like a car, has visibality of a pickup, and the exceleration of a sportscar. The ride is excellent, and its FUN to drive. The headlight system exceeds anything I ever owned, visability at night is excellent. The only drawback is, as mentioned in other reviews, the small gas tank and limited range. So, I have to refill the tank more often -- no big deal.

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  Finally getting it right - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By wheaties99 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I must say after being extremely dissapointed with the Explorer,Ford seems to be on the right track. Im 6 2" and have never had more room in any vehicle. Acceleration is good. gas mileage is excellent for a vehicle its size and the trans is extremely SMOOTH. It feels very funny to not feel it shifting. It is also reasonably priced while being loaded up with a lot of goodies. Definately a good buy.