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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  The best 4 door on the market - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By lazman - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is a 50% cost luxury car that can compete with any Audi or Lexus. It is a beautiful car with great road manners and is a steal for $29.000.

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  F-150 - Great Trurk - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Big Dawg - June 25 - 7:46 am

  While shoping for a new truck, I looked at everyones and drove them all. The F-150 has it all, looks, great ride, comfort, heavy duty, and great price. Its overall weight is more than the other half tons; however that weight makes for one tough truck that will translate into years of outstanding service. Great job Ford.

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  A Bad Joke! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Taken In - June 24 - 6:13 pm

  We bought this car, new,from our local dealership. We have never been more unhappy with a car! Even though we always have,we wont buy another Ford product! Things gone wrong: tailgate latch, 2 radio/cd players, seat warmers, rear heater fan, 3 sets of tires-something wrong w/alignment, and now the throttle. Part is on emergency backorder along w/600+ others whose cars are sitting. Dealer solution: car must sit for at least 6 months while waiting for part. Was told all Ford parts are on backorder due to slowing economy and manufacturing problems. Dealership wont give us a loaner or any hope for a reasonable solution, despite our extended warranty. Considering contacting an attorney.

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  mixed - 2008 Ford Edge
  By fordowner - June 24 - 2:34 pm

  I bought this car because it was cute and i wanted a small suv so i dodnt have to cram my stroller into a trunk anymore. Overall, I am pretty happy with it. I am a little disappointed because the carpet under the driver side has already pulled back and wire are showing, as well as the drivers seat underneath (my car only has 7k on it). The door rattles a little. There is no passenger handle to grab for assistance while getting in or for comfort while driving. There seems to be several blind spots. My biggest complaint is the ac. The vents only move down and you cant close them so you always have the air on you! my husband likes it cold so I am always uncomfortable when he drives

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  Expected Less - Got Much More - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Rick - June 24 - 11:05 am

  Purchased this car because they were offering buyers incentives. I got much much more then I expected. Great pickup and handling smooth ride and safe secure feeling when riding in the vehicle. Although the brakes could feel better, in two separate emergency situations they stopped me very quickly and I averted a collision.

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  Bad Brakes and CVT Transmission - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By tfry - June 24 - 12:17 am

  Problems with transmission fromday one, replaced rear brakes twice (check recall) and now need front brakes, transmission repair at 34,000 miles and at 77,000 need a new transmission $6,500. Acceleration problems from day one and they could never duplicate problem. Vehicle would stop abruptly while driving on highway or accelearate. Terrible on snow slides cant get in my drive with two inches of snow, two sets of tires already! Rear doors have never closed right. Gas tank bracket is on a recall, airconditioning has terrible smell they cant get rid of. most of these problems since new purchase! This vehicle is a lemon DO NOT BUY IT!!!

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  the ford that could - 1997 Ford F-250
  By nathan - June 24 - 12:02 am

  i have had my ford for about 8 months and i have been shocked over and over i have hauled over 15,000 with a trailer. the most impresive was the 5100 hundred of scrap medal shavings just in the bed, no trailer. i love my truck, the only thing is i get lousy gas milege...

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  Never Again! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By LexiRae - June 23 - 7:53 pm

  I bought the explorer with 60k on it. Had it for 6 months. Loved it at first, until I came back from a long weekend. I went to start my explorer and it didnt start. Finally after about an hour of trying, it started and I had three different dummy lights on. Low oil pressure, 4X4 light, check engine light. Brought it to a mechanic, cost me $350 to fix and even after it was fixed the truck still shook like I was in four wheel drive. Brought it back to the mechanic who couldnt find anything wrong with it. Certainly not my most reliable vehicle. Traded it after only 6 months for a Toyota... Best thing I ever did!

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  Hope shes not totaled! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Christine - June 23 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my 08 Fusion in October of last year and I love it more and more every day. Its an amazing car! I opted for the Sport Appearance Package with the 18" wheels and upgraded suspension. It is such a classy looking car, I have people asking me all the time, "What kind of car is that?" or my favorite, "Thats a Ford???" It handles beautifully, much better than my last two Focuses. Unfortunately, I was broadsided in it this weekend by a driver going at least 40-45 mph. My Fusion kept myself and my passenger from being seriously injured. 10 for Safety! Im hoping my insurance company decides shes a keeper and they opt to repair her! If not, I will definitely pick up an 09 Fusion!

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  Ruined 3 months of my life!! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Ilovemike2323 - June 23 - 5:00 pm

  I bought my taurus used, at the beginning of this year. It was in pretty good condition when I got it, then it started leaking all the time. It turned out it was transmission fluid all along, and this went on for about a week, and when i went to drive it one day, the transmission was just ruined. I had it towed many times to shops and it would be fixed for a short while and do the same thing. I finally got rid of it and am getting a jetta next week. I would not recommend this car to anyone its a piece of junk and will only take money out of your pocket and the gas mileage stunk.