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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  1st Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By 1st Mustang - June 26 - 8:02 pm

  i love driving this car, it has plenty of get up and go and at only 19000 miles is bone stock very well taken care of by the previous owner, beautiful torch red paint, bullitt wheels, and spotless inside and out, what a great find.

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  Head Turner - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bernie - June 26 - 7:33 pm

  This is a great car, and lots of fun to drive. First sports car Ive ever had, and let me tell you it is very powerful. You really have to use the cruise control to maintain legal speed. You dont feel like your speeding. I have the Red Fire Red with standard 17 inch wheels, standard interior with Shaker 500 system, which sounds great. I have 6300 miles on it, and I have not had any problems with it. Overall, it is a great car to drive and just go cruising. Lots of people come up to me and want to look and hear the machine. Gas mileage is not too good, but reasonable. One minute negative is that the amplifier gets very hot with the windows down and you can feel it in your legs.

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  dependable - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By may - June 26 - 5:00 pm

  I find that the Crown Vic is pretty dependable. Its had a few minor problems. Just recently I had the intake manifold replaced for "free"; there was a settlement with Ford about the intake having possible cracks because it came out with an intake that could crack. Ive had to replace my windshield wiper motor twice within like 2 years and had air conditioner problems; thats about all the problems Ive had out of mine. My Crown Vic gets run hard, it doesnt get babied around; and it still is running pretty darn good.

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  Never again a Ford - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ccslye - June 26 - 12:22 pm

  98 Ford Explorer engine disintegrated at 58000 miles because of a faulty cam tensioner. (A known 4.0 SOHC problem) New factory rebuilt engine installed at dealer. Over $6,000 new engine in dealer 4 times for squeaking and noise problems. 98 Ford Explorer engine disintegrated at 58000 miles because of a faulty cam tensioner. (A known 4.0 SOHC problem) New factory rebuilt engine installed at dealer. Over $6,000 new engine in dealer 4 times for squeaking and noise problems. Changed various parts now I find out engine thrust bearing is what was squeaking and after it failed squeaking stopped. 6 months of problem solving did not even look at bearing problem. Engine is destroyed at 13,000 mls

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  Didnt want a van again - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ron - June 26 - 9:16 am

  My first new car in many years. Ford has raised the bar. This big safe car does many things well. It is smooth and quiet, with good acceleration. I wish it had a telescoping wheel, because at 6 4", I can move the seat back so far that the steering wheel is almost out of reach. I like the ease of folding the back seats down. It has a ton of room with them folded (not a minivan though) I added a back-up camera/gps system to my SE and it really helps backing up. Tall seats hold you in, make turning around to see difficult for me comfortable though. Solid highway drive. Dont drive with windows openoverpressure will drive you nuts. Mileage c. 20 in town, 25 hwy. Not great, but pretty good.

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  Design and Dedication - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Doc Holliday - June 26 - 2:56 am

  Sleek body lines, enough horsepower to pin you in the seat and just the right amount of retro redeux to make it sexier than ever. I have been quite impressed with this car, from its amaretto smooth shifting to its mind blowing ability to break loose in a moments notice. I have had Mustangs before but this car is definately the car to steal my heart. With a comfortable interior that is similar to the same interior of the glory days of the Mustang right down to the Shelby wheels that put 18 inches of rubber on the road. This car is by far the best Mustang to pound pavement in the past Thirty years.

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  The Name Sold Me - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By julie - June 26 - 12:16 am

  Owned a Taurus sadan for 10 years, looked for replacement, found X, love it. We have had it just over a year and wouldnt have changed it. When it is clean it sparkles (Black shows everything) We added a tow hitch and it is great to tow small trailer for vacations. We have owned a Ford for the past 20 years and will continue it quality continues. Gas mileage runs about 21-24 mpg, with living in a rual area.

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  a few more adjustments... - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jeff - June 26 - 12:16 am

  Ive had three Vics (85,89,03). I like the room (Im 6-3). You can fit two child seats in back and still squeeze someone in between. And the safety of a larger car-it can take a decent thump. The car "sits" nicely on the road (not a "boat"). Aerodynamically quiet-I can have the windows down at 55 and the air flows quietly around the car. Unfortunately, the noise I do hear comes from the tranny (my 89 was the same way!) a sort of low pitched whine - like blowing across the top of a nearly full soda bottle.Another peeve is the way the trunk lid holds water until you open it, then it drips into the trunk and on your head. Gets about 20mpg on 300 mi./wk. mostly rural, varied. Not too bad!

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  A Rolling Legend - 1993 Ford F-150
  By RideGreen - June 25 - 9:58 pm

  We have had this truck for 13 1/2 years now and it has really shown why the F150s are so legendary. From the excellent looks, to the comfortable modern interior, and the excellent drivetrain durability this truck has converted are former Chevy man to a die hard Ford Fan! This truck now has 177,000 miles on it and is used daily for everything from commuting to work, carting around the dirt bikes, and hauling all kinds of heavy stuff from stone to scrap metal and it does it like a champ. The Extended cab is definatly the way to go. If it wasnt for the Western Mass winters and the liberal use of road salt around here eating it alive, Id run this thing for ever!

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  Love It - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By Supermom - June 25 - 7:25 pm

  I love my van. I was inspired to get one by my mother in law who has the 04 model. I took that one on a trip and fell in love. I lept at the chance to get my own and I couldnt be happier. I have had it for a year and it runs like a top. Only oil changes, tire rotations. It has been on several 400 mile trips, with not a single problem. I would recommend this car to a friend.