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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  2003 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ricardo Salinas - March 28 - 5:29 pm

  Everyday I enjoy driving around in my 03 Mustang GT even though sometimes its hard to stay below the speed limit.

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  Ford Did it Right - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Brian - March 28 - 5:13 am

  Purchased 2006 Fusion with auto transmission 4 cylinder. Handles very well, better than Accord or Camry. Very responsive and good braking - I have the ABS. Getting 29 mpg all the time. Good pick up and is an excellent passer even at 65 mph. I worked for Ford for 5 years and this is a better car than the Focus was when it came out. Only complaint is that there is some engine noise, maybe a little more sound insulation. All in all a very good car, my wife really loves it too and would like to get another one.

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  Excellent Surprise - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Tom Dillard - March 27 - 10:11 pm

  This vehicle has been an excellent surprise. It is comfortable is every seating position, quiet and totally reliable. The surprise is that it consistently gets over 20 mpg in highway travel. As a daily driver in town it drops to 16+. The secret is in keeping the tires at 34 or 35 psi. The ride is not soft, but the handling is responsive. I also find that, though no dragster, it is not a slouch. I get to check it out in the home city of the X5 that is rated so highly. This machine is more comfortable, has more room, hauls and pulls more and has more power than the X5. Now, if it would just keep the resale value....

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  Just What I was expecting! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Juan Romagosa - March 27 - 10:03 am

  The interior space I thought I could only find in the Expedition I had. I do not think you can get more car for your money. Ford read my mind in terms of design, craftmanship and engine response. It is difficult to find such a set of features in this price range. Features that are typical of much more expensive cars. I am extremely impressed!

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  15 years! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jcamp - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My last pickup was a 1988 F-150 regular cab. Stick, no air, upgraded XL package, that was 15 years ago when I got it off the lot! WE are finishing putting our kids through college so it was time for me. I ordered exactly what I wanted, 2 tone XLT, auto, air and even a splurge of the Moon roof. It is my dream truck, right down to the colors I picked. I had the dealer add the egg grate grill (same as the heritage edition with chrome trim) and chrome nurf bars to make it perfect! We traveled on a 1400 mile trip to get our daughter at college and it was very comfortable.

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  Super Fast - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Phillip - March 27 - 12:35 am

  What a great car! I love my ZX2 it handles well and gets great gas mileage even with the 82,000 miles it has on it. This car can still move. Parts are a little expensive but still love it.

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  Great performance car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Henry - March 26 - 9:38 pm

  All around, the best of all pre-2005 Mustangs. 320hp but it can be short-shifted at 2000 rpms and can start off in 2nd without lugging can skip gears. Excellent throttle response at all engine speeds. Ride is good, not harsh. Get 25-26 on hwy. Traction control is helpful it is easy to spin the tires, especially on wet roads. I have one as my daily driver it is less common than the standard GT 60 more HP, better steering, larger brakes from the Cobra, subframe connectors, better (Tokiko) shocks. Noise is a little high, but not bad on the highway. Get the 5 speed manual its the only way to go! Will probably hold value better than all but the Cobra models.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Escape
  By David - March 26 - 11:35 am

  Great SUV. Never has given me a problem yet with now 6k on it. Always gets compliments. Great for driving to work to weekend. I am happy that I purchased this.

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  Great Basic Truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Chris - March 26 - 2:29 am

  My reason for buying this vehicle was the sudden death of an older vehicle and my frequent need to borrow one of my friends trucks. I was expecting a very unrefined vehicle that I could load a bunch of stuff in and get mediocre fuel economy (my other working vehicle is a diesel Jetta). This truck still in break in but gets about 34 real world mpg if driven/shifted in a manner that keeps the engine between 2k-3k rpms (torque band). Thats about 70% city driving. The power could be better but for what it is Im not complaining. I got this truck new for about $13500 with 100k extended warranty.

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  Good Truck. Excellent value. - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Buddy - March 25 - 1:06 pm

  Extremely well built, useful truck. I would buy another one. I use mine for work and it has held up beautifully. Not very comfortable for long trips.