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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  2004 Ford Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By nadineb - May 2 - 7:28 am

  I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle unless you have a lot of extra money to fix all the faults with it. My opinion of this vehicle is that Ford needs to recall this van. It stopped running twice while it was traveling thirty five mph, and once, as I was entering a high speed roadway. Reliability zero. I fear for my life when I drove it which I will no longer take that chance.

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  Best car ever - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By fordforlife - May 2 - 12:07 am

  I know raves about a 91 might not seem relevant to newer model purchasers, but I wanted to weigh in on the quality of Ford trucks. My family has never owned another brand. Im the original owner of this Explorer, it has over 210,000 (hard) miles on it, and the alternator -- which went out last winter -- is the only major thing Ive ever had to replace/fix on it. The power windows are starting to malfunction, but the ac/heater works fine, so I compensate. I want a new car, because Im starting to hesitate to take this one on long road trips (still 4x in it though), but feel duty bound to run it into the ground first. I might actually cry when I have to let it go.

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  2000 Focus SE Wagon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ron - May 1 - 9:43 pm

  Ive had it almost 4 yrs & 28K miles. Its been a dependable vehicle, thats fun to drive & economical. Its only been scheduled maintenance costs & gas.

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  so far so good - 2009 Ford Escape
  By mauijewels - May 1 - 9:18 pm

  I love having my new car. I had to turn in my honda accord leased car yesterday after already having my ford escape for a month, and I hated just driving the honda down to the dealership. it felt so foreign. the fuel started out at 16.7 mpg according to the computer on the car, and now I am at 20.2 mpg. i (along w/ my kids) love the ambiant lights, the leather (I am a vegetarian, and didnt want leather originally) I love the stereo, and the way the car drives.

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  2009 Ford Fusion V6-6speed auto - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By pkracing - May 1 - 5:36 pm

  Awesome car, very well built, fun to drive, when you lay on the gas this little v-6 roars and keeps on pulling all the way up to the redline(6500 and sometimes 7000 yikes)hope it has good strong rods in it lol.

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  Daily Driver - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Uwe - May 1 - 2:49 pm

  I picked up my brandnew 2009 GT with Bullit & Nav option last week. Still breaking it in. Its a fun car that I use as my daily drive. Its quick, but that is relative of course (my weekend car is a 2005 Porsche Turbo S). Still, it is capable to pass the majority of cars on the road, and thats what was important to me. The interior looks and feels cheap (lots of plastic) except for the leather seats. Good sized trunk. Nice exhaust sound. The car "feels" a bit big for a 2+2 seater. Appealing price ("Internet" price $3k down MSPR + $3.5k Ford incentive). Good stereo (Shaker 500) with enough bass power to make the windows rattle. Pleasant overall experience at the dealership.

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  just wont quit - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By volosong - May 1 - 1:42 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new and have been the only owner. Honestly, Ive neglected maintenance on it, but it keep acting like the Enegizer Bunny...just keeps going and going. Only two set of brake pads, only mechanical problem in 270,000 miles of driving is the that the throwout bearing and the fuel filler hose needed to be replaced. Nothing else! I chalk that up to my dads advice to always purchase the very inexpensive "towing package". Only reason for finally selling is that the wife purchased another vehicle that I can use for a two vehicle. By the way, Ive even used the Ranger to tow my Mercedes to the shop, a sixty-mile one-way drive. No issues.

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  Ford is Top-Dog! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Christine - May 1 - 1:19 pm

  LOVE THIS CAR! I bought the V6 SEL sport package... because 18" are MUCH better than 17". I am glad I chose the V6 because it doesnt take much for this car to accelerate! I love the cloverleaf entrance ramps now!

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  my truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By steve - May 1 - 11:13 am

  This is my first Ford. V-6 auto is weak. Empty bed is bouncy over even small bumps. As I drive 99% of the time with an empty bed, the current suspension is not my thing. Good smooth highway ride though, and quiet. Backup sensor was worth the buck. Never buy one again with manual windows and door lock. I thought I will never lower the window but what a hassle going through the toll booth.

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  Dont buy this junk. - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Brian - May 1 - 9:09 am

  This car has been a nothing but trouble. Every problem requires a trip to the mechanic because the car is designed so you cant fix anything without special tools and disassembly of the entire engine. The water pump is a constant problem having to be replaced twice as well as the timing belt. Engine is continually running hot because of poorly designed coolant system. Doors creak terribly when opened. The car has terrible fuel mileage compared to its small engine and pathetic amount of power. The only plus to this car is the availability of used parts. You can find several of these cars at almost any junk yard. That is where mine is headed shortly.