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:

• 

  Great MPG! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Douglas Miller - September 24 - 8:43 am

  You know, I really dont know why Ford is not letting the public know about this car. Granted it is not the flashiest on the road, but it does have very good sensible good looks. The real story is that the fuel economy along with the size of the interior is incredible! You have to drive it to appreciate how the six speed auto transmission gets all the power you need from the 3.0 engine. The interior is really well appointed too. I love the wood grain and leather seats, sun roof, the whole package. I havent been this happy with a car for years! Ford should be screaming the 500s praises from the rooftops.

• 

  Great car for the price - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By john - September 24 - 2:22 am

  Ive had the car for about 7 months now, and havent had any problems with it. Everything works great. The motor, transmission, radio, a/c, no electrical problems. It doesnt even burn much oil for such an old car. I go at least 500 miles without having to add a quart. The only problem I have with it is the lack of power. It is the slowest thing Ive ever driven. Other than that its been extremely reliable and smooth.

• 

  I love my baby - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By alicia - September 24 - 1:23 am

  This is the first brand new vehicle that I have bought and I love every bit of it.

• 

  Manly - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By 2004 Thunderbird - September 23 - 10:58 pm

  Very few things about this car that I do not find exciting. Will turn many heads, and Im sure will be a sought after vehicle as time goes by.

• 

  Sun Roof Problem - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin - September 23 - 2:00 pm

  Since I purchased the vehicle Ive had a rattle in the sun roof. I had it to the dealer and they added some parts that Ford suggested in a bulletin. After the repair the rattle is gone but now it occasionally creaks as I go over bumps in the road. The dealer is going to contact Ford to see if they have any other suggestions.

• 

  love my Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cj - September 22 - 10:56 pm

  After doing intake and exhaust plus programmer I am getting 28 mpg and power is incredible. I have a 4 inch lift and 33s on 20s and still have a incredible ride. I have a modified Excursion and Ranger and this has done better on results after modifying it.

• 

  Nice car, but... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 05V6 - September 22 - 1:40 pm

  I quess it is the same with all new models. This Mustang is anice car, but it has a few minor prolems. The V6 model exhibits a minor harmonic buzz at just about 1500 RPM, it can be heard and felt. Also the steering is on the heavy side in this car, it takes some effort to keep it tracking straight. The Engine has a momentary loss of power, this can be best described as a hickup, it happens usually when accelerating from a stop. It is anoying to say the least, but it is very intermittant in nature. We are going to have the dealer take a look at it, but I doubt the hickcup is within their realm to fix. It will propably take a computer program change to fix it.The rest of the car is excellent.

• 

  Ford Probe review - 1991 Ford Probe
  By Sean Phillips - September 22 - 2:29 am

  This car is one of the BEST cars that Ive ever driven between the great acceleration, beautiful handling and rock solid body inside and out, Im ashamed to say that I have to sell it.

• 

  4 years and not one problem! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By cascole - September 21 - 5:58 pm

  I love my Escape. I was nervous about it being the first model year, but I took the plunge. Ive never regretted it. The Escape has great get up and go, is fun to drive, sporty & fits everything I need it to. Best of all -- I have not had a single problem with it in 4 years & over 70K miles! I hope to keep mine for another year, and may even go with another Escape when I do finally decide its time for a change.

• 

  good family car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By gatorgirl - September 20 - 8:59 am

  Has been a very reliable car, easy accessibility to the rear seat (2 carseats). I think its a fun car to drive and one of the first cars that I havent had any problems with the a/c. I also love the exterior design.