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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  "Amazing" - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By frog2009 - May 25 - 5:24 pm

  At first glance, this car seemed like a complete junk but after the dealer handed me the keys and said "take it for a spin", I immediately fell in love. For such a small V8 it sure puts out the power, and gas mileage (if you keep your foot out of it) the interior design wraps around the driver and is very comfortable. I would suggest i flowmaster exhaust system...it made mine alot more fun and i get alot of compliments on the deep tone sound. im going on 137,000 miles and not had a single problem except for routine maintenance.

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  Bang for the buck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Happy Camper - May 25 - 11:53 am

  I bought this truck a couple years after buying my house. Needed something to make those trips to home Depot. As usual, the occasional need arises to ask the truck to do more than expected. And with the 4.2 V-6, I was a little concerned about its ability to provide adequate power. The chassis build was never a concern. Honestly, the sluggish feel from the V6 doesnt fully demonstrate its full potential under load. It actually starts to behave like the famous 300ci in-line six. I was quite surprised when I hooked up my new 27 travel trailer, and was reaching for the overdrive button at highway speeds. Have towed a 66 Mustang on a Uhaul trailer, and 2000 of stone in the box. Not one problem

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  2006 V6 Coupe Premium + Options - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By dmbandTX - May 25 - 11:32 am

  I have owned 3 mustangs recently a 2002 V6, a 2004 anniversary V6, and my current 2006 V6 coupe. The 2006 is by far the best of the three Ive owned. The sleek exterior reminiscent of the fastback look and retro interior are much preferred to the builds in the first half of the 2000s. My model is a torch red 5 speed manual which shifts much smoother than the previous vehicles. Options include all the V6 premium additions plus Pony Package (fog lamps / upgraded grill are sporty). The interior has a limited dark charcoal all leather finish, and the dash is upgraded to include the multi-function display below the speedometer and SHAKER-1000 Audio - much improved over previous MACH systems

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  Deja Vu all over again - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Mac Webster - May 25 - 10:17 am

  Bought a 2005 AWD Limited and turned 100,000 miles on it. New car deals are so good now that we traded it in for the 2009, and the new version is so much better! Better looking, smoother driving, and the perks are all very cool. Have a hard time understanding how Edmunds calls this SUV "adequate" but owners have rated it much closer to the truth. Went to FWD and 4 cyl this time and getting 27 mpg on the road. We have a 6 year old black lab so we get the dark interior and we love the way the rear seats fold flush to the back of the front seats - Max loves to lay with his head on the headrest between us so many other fold-down rear seats just didnt work for us. The best little SUV made!

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  Escape after 2 years. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - May 25 - 10:09 am

  Purchased in April 07, 3.0L Limited model with all options except Nav package. An exhaust manifold stud broke off in early 09, very lucky to find it on the garage floor! No mechanical problems with it so far at 38k. Brakes and tires will be replaced soon. I did buy an extended warranty for this vehicle, since my faith in Ford was not that good. They probably will never be able to match Honda, Toyota reliability/quality. Too bad. Interior quality like most US brands is poor, leather is paper thin and painted surfaces are not durable at all. Replaced battery with an Optima for security since my wife drives this car. If the powertrain lasts until 125k I will be very happy....

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By julienindy - May 25 - 9:14 am

  I have always wanted a Ford Fusion ever since Ford came out with it. I was unfortunately in a bad car accident with my 2007 Ford Focus, which was an excellent car as well, and was able to purchase my Fusion. I am 200% happy with the over all package. Very spacious, great fuel, comfortable. I have all the bells and whistle on this car and I love it. Great family car even if you are the only one that drives it. I live in the country and drives well in all weather changes the midwest could throw at you.

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  plans f150 - 2014 Ford F-150
  By alan j - May 25 - 7:32 am

  this is a very good truck without any problems . the only downside is 17MPG

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  pure happiness - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By big n bald - May 25 - 2:26 am

  I have the 500 Limited AWD. This car is all round goodness. Black exterior. Black interior. Little over 5K miles and the more I drive it the more I love it. I have had soooo many people tell me how sharp this car looks. Im 63 and I actually have room in this car to breathe/move. Adjustable pedals & seat with memory. Great for after my wife drives & I go to get in, all I have to do is hit the button and not even fiddle with it or worse yet, get jammed between the steering wheel and seat trying to move it back! AWD is great in the snow. No problem getting up our driveway anymore. Such a smooth ride. After you train it - it has great get-up & go. Stereo rocks! One of the best cars Ive ever owned!

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  A Convert - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dane B - May 25 - 2:26 am

  I have not owned an American built automobile for years, but was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the Ford. With the Adrenalin package, itÂ’s the hottest looking truck around, and the performance with the V8 is decent. With the incentives Ford was offering, it was also one of the best values out there. The SYNC system is excellent, and the cabin is insulated well enough so you can enjoy the great sound system.

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  My first SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By MommaS810 - May 24 - 10:23 pm

  I recently had my car repoed and needed something to get me around. I found a guy selling an Explorer and jumped at the offer. I couldnt refuse the price. It has some body rust but nothing major. The previous owner put 2k of work into it and and the shocks are too small for the vehicle. The gas pedal eases to the floor and the back hatch handle is very tough. Other than the suspension and brake issue, it just needs a loving owner and a nice new oil filter...My biggest general complaint would be gas mileage, but I guess being 16 yrs old, it was top of the line then.