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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  Nice for trips - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Claudia Dawson - May 4 - 7:56 am

  This car is super comfortable, and gives wonderful visibility. It is quiet in the interior, and goes great in the snow, without AWD. The safety feature is a bonus. Very nice car.

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  Five Hundred Reasons to say Yes! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By hday - May 3 - 8:03 pm

  I purchased this car merely 5 days ago and already have 800 miles on it. This car is wonderful and certainly a steal for the money. There is a *slight* underpower issue, but for me its hardly noticeable. I traded in a Buick LeSabre, now THAT was underpowered. The seats are extremely comfortable and the moonroof and optional safety package are a must. The gas mileage has been around 22mpg. Not bad for the break in period. Audio system is great. I absolutely love this car! As does my 2 year old, who let me change his diaper in it twice without kicking me once!

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  My 2005 Taurus SE - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Rod - May 3 - 6:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in February. My driving experience has been very pleasant thus far. The ride of this car is smooth. Its quite roomy for a sedan. Try to get the 24 valve DOHC Duratech engine instead of the 12 valve Vulcan engine if you can. The former has quiet a bit more HP.

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  My Views - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Betty - May 3 - 6:10 pm

  I love the new body style! I knew as soon as I saw the new body style before they even were in production I had to have one. I have owned a 79 and 81 Mustang, they do not even compare to my 05. I have had some minor issues such as CD player replacement and drivers side door handle problems but those were taken care of pronto. I do not plan to get rid of this car. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Yellow STX in TX - 2004 Ford F-150
  By henry - May 3 - 3:43 pm

  I traded my 98 XLT x-cab (great truck) for a 2004 bazing yellow STX x-cab, stepside that is loaded with goodies like, 3:55 posi, foglites, tow package, 17" alloys, factory tint, power pedals, factory running boards, sliding rear window, 6 disc in-dash premium sound, cruise, and carpet. I was used to the XLT pkg; in comparing the two, all this STX lacks is power windows and a tach. They both have a 4.6 v8, the `04 has 30 more hp hooked to a 3:55 posi, by far better traction.The`04 is heaver, yet much more responsive, safer and surefooted.The new F-150 feels more solid and confident than it did before. I always thought Chevy trucks were the most solid, well-built, until I drove both of them (`04). While the Chevy has better front seats,the Ford was more user friendly.

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  Happy camper - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Marjorie Mason - May 3 - 3:23 pm

  Great highway comfort.

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  mileage, and ride - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tonyd - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I live in Mass. I purchased this in S.C. while visiting our daughter. I traded in a 91 Crown Vic. I couldnt believe how quiet it was, and how comfortable the ride was and the front leg room. I am 61" (rear leg room I dont know). The front leg room was a lot more than my 91 and my other vehicle, a mint condition 86 Town Car. Driving it around the Hilton Head/Bluffton area in heavy traffic and the Savanna GA area, all heavy city traffic, the car gave me 23mpg. Coming home on the Interstate with the cruise set around 70mph the car averaged 28 mph; that to me is unbelievable, I still average 23 & around 27 on the highway and theres a lot of hills up here. I LOVE IT.

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  Best car Ive owned to date. - 2001 Ford Escort
  By F Bean - May 2 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car new at the advice of my brother, who is a Ford mechanic. He said they had yet to have one come in for any warranty work. True to his word, Ive owned this car for 5 years, drive the heck out of it, wrecked it twice, and it still is there for me every time, knock on wood. Ive never had to have it jumped or had it fail to start. Ive had my oil changed every 3-4 thousand miles and it looks like honey. Good girl car, as it is dependable and looks good too!

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  First American car in 22 years - 2006 Ford Focus
  By M. Koltz - May 2 - 1:31 pm

  I have owned and driven Toyotas for the last 22 years and experienced good value and quality. This Ford product is an outstanding value. The drive and feel are exceptional. Gas mileage is above average. I love the styling of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The styling moved me to Ford along with the fair acquisition cost.

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  2000 CROWN VIC - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DARYL DOVE - May 2 - 10:00 am

  SINCE I PURCHASED MY CROWN VICTORIA I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT POSITIVE THINGS TO SAY. THE RIDE IS VERY SMOOTH, ACCELERATION IS STRONG, THE ONLY THING I REALLY REGRET IS NOT GETTING THE LEATHER SEATS AND THE KEYLESS REMOTE ENTRY. I HAVE DRIVEN MY CROWN VIC TO MD, VA, DC AND ALL OT THE STATES DOWN TO FLA AND I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. THE LOOK OF THE CAR IS VERY SPORTY FOR A SEDAN. I HAVE OWNED FOR PRODUCTS SINCE 1996 TWO LINCONLN TOWN CARS AND THE CROWN VIC I HAVE NOW. GREAT CAR(S)!