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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  waste of money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By john - June 5 - 12:17 pm

  Waited until I could afford Exp. 1st rear end replaced(warranty), then not under warranty was window motor, faded window panels and abs sensor. Then within last 6 months cracked rear panel in lift gate and heat/air fan control is stuck on vent. With in last week transmission solenoid pack needs to be replaced as do all 4 wheel bearings. When I contacted Ford they replied "we hope that your future experiences with Ford products will be more positive." Huh?

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  Rate highly - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Lou - June 5 - 9:09 am

  This is a fleet car that I have been able to drive for close to two years. 33K since Nov 2007. I have had to bring it in to FORD Dealers fr oscheduled maintenance per fleet terms and have had only one issue with a wire that needed to be replaced for the AWD ESC sensors. Other than that no mechanical issues. Great in the winter snow. Good visibility. A pleasure to drive.

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  Love our X! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By New Jersey - June 5 - 8:25 am

  We use this vehicle for daily use, trips and to tow our 33ft TT. We could not be happier, Gas mileage is awesome with the Diesel. My wife loves driving this thing daily and we love the space we have when traveling. The DVD player has saved us many times on trips. Our stock tires (The Pirellis) lasted us 85,000 miles and I am still on the stock brake pads. Buy one before they are all gone!

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  Well driven - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mr pbns - June 5 - 4:33 am

  12000 miles and defects starting to show. Front suspension bearings and springs replace. TSB issued. It is now winter and auto heating system not working properly. After driving Japanese cars for many years and after buying this Ford I now remember why I used to drive Japanese cars.

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  Old foggy - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By John J Warmbier - June 4 - 11:30 pm

  Driving this car is a pleasure. The steering and handling are very good. The seating is high so old foggies like me can enter and exit the car easily. The interior panels are easy to read. However the clock is set too low and hard to find. The trunk is big. Going on a trip we dont have to plan how to fit everthing in. The head room is high. I can wear my hat and not hit the roof with my head. The gas mileage is excellent in the city and on a trip.

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  Dollar for Dollar - 2002 Ford Focus
  By flazx5 - June 4 - 11:10 pm

  i bought a ZX5 last november and for the price paid this is the best vehicle i have ever owned. it is solid, comfortable and handles/drives better that anything comparable. i suggest the 5-speed unless you cant drive one because it enhances the overall driving experience of this fun car. the car feels like a much larger vehicle as far as the ride quality goes. ive had no problems and have 3000 miles on the car. the sound system is way above average for a stock system as well. i would recommend anyone at least test drive a focus before you buy any other comparably priced vehicle.

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  This is awsome! - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Rob - June 4 - 4:42 pm

  My favorite thing about owning this Mustang is just the comfort of the ride. Its easy and relaxing, yet I have power too. I also love the back bench, I can now take both my best friends with me instead of having to either leave someone out or have to take two cars.

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  pleasure to cruis - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ford4Life - June 4 - 4:01 pm

  I have to say over all the vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable ride and no too bad on gas. I cant say i have had any major problems and as far as minor problems well.. the only trouble i have had so far was first on the passenger side the door sensor built into the lock that told the vehicle the door was closed stopped working properly. I needed to take off the door panel and play around with it and used a little WD-40. not sure what caused it but my fix seemed to work. Roughly 3 moths later same on the drivers side - same fix worked fine and they have both been fine since. Had the vehicle and needed to change all rotors and brake pads once. Besides that I cant complain at all

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  Buy Ford - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Ike - June 4 - 3:56 pm

  I have had this car over one year and have not had any problems. Driving in the 60-65 mile an hour range on the highway I am getting 30 miles a gallon on the V-6. I will never own any car again except a fusion. Thanks Ford, If you are shopping for a new car, buy American and drive one for a test drive and you will love it.

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  Nice car! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By James Adducci - June 4 - 3:55 pm