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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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Lorie - August 30 - 12:31 pm

  I LOVE my Expedition. Wish I could afford a new one. Would DEFINITELY buy another one (even used). No major problems in the 6 years Ive owned it. Replaced the tires once. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a good, dependable, used car.

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  Stellar - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MWard627 - August 30 - 9:33 am

  I have loved the Mustang since I can remember, when this vehicle came out I was in love. The marriage of old and new, perfect.

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  SEL Premium, first car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Rob - August 29 - 8:34 pm

  Just bought a 2002 SEL Premium a month ago. 32k miles. Mine has every single available option, including: leather upholstery, moonroof, 6 disc CD, floor shift, side airbags, spoiler, automatic climate control, traction control, etc. All but the leather and moonroof come standard on the SEL Premium model. So far all Ive done is replace the rear brakes. Otherwise, the car is a beauty. No major problems, fast acceleration, only complaint is the gas mileage, it seems lower than the class standards.

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  Great Family-Mobile - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By truckboy1 - August 29 - 6:37 pm

  My family loves this van, and visitors and guests love the comfort of the ride compared to my previous BMW sedan. Plenty of room when relatives ride along, and it has not let us down yet when it comes to reliability. My visiting parents commented how impressed they were with the quality of this Ford. My father had previously sworn-off Fords after his earlier fiasco with his Mustang decades ago.

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  love my minivan - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Cindy - August 29 - 2:58 pm

  I traded a 00 Windstar for my Freestar. I love the power sliders. The leather seats are slightly less comfy than the cloth.The well behind the 3rd row is great for groceries, big improvement over the clips on the back of 3rd row in Windstar. Gas mileage is comparable about 20 mpg in city, took trip and averaged about 24 mpg on the road -- only had 600 miles on it, it was barely broken in so Im expecting slightly better. Kids love the DVD! I also like the storage improvement in the dash, the drawer keeps things from sliding all over. Overall, its better than my sisters Odyssey and other sisters Caravan. Has a very quiet motor, no knocks or rattles!

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  Great for the young family - 2005 Ford Focus
  By DeeAnn - August 28 - 4:36 pm

  I love my Focus wagon. Its great because it fits all our needs. We have one small child and 2 dogs. Everyone fits with room to spare. The Focus drives great, has some get up and go for a wagon. Ive only had one small problem with my highbeams not going off but took it to the dealer and they fixed it in about 1 hour.

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  awesome car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Troy d marriott - August 28 - 9:22 am

  I bought my flex in 2009 new. I have traveled all over the United States with it for work. It has never been wrecked. It has 335,600 miles on it. The only things I have done to it besides regular upkeep is a new fuel pump and water pump. I still drive it. Im thinking it will go another 300,000 miles .. best ford I have ever driven.

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  sports car in disguise - 2004 Ford Focus
  By recharged95 - August 28 - 2:36 am

  This is the car with *the full package*. Not just shoving an S/C or turbo on for bragging rights, this car runs like a tuned European car WITH [some] torque. It handles, brakes, sounds (thumping stereo!), excellent road feel, and rides comfortably. Excellent daily driver for those on the go -- hatchback capability and room is excellent. This car is for people that know how to drive and wants a relaxing, involved driving experience. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to drive and yet utilize the full potential of their car, hence its demise :(. Only thing to look forward is most manufacturers have taken notice and are integrating SVT DNA into their lineups for better cars.

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  Best ownership experience of a lifetime - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tbirdman - August 28 - 1:58 am

  Ive been a car lover my entire life. Ive owned Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, Ford, Dodge and GM Products. The absolute worst experience was my 2001 Mercedes SLK320. Terrible car, arrogant company, worst ownership experience. I liked the style of the new Thunderbird when it was a concept car but thought Ford would surely blow it. Not only did they not blow it ... they NAILED it! Its fun to own and fun to drive. Ive read articles about lack-luster interior style. I love the polished aluminum accents. I selected the black-on-black interior because I thought the two-tone made it look too cartoonish. It never fails to attract attention with or without the top down. I love my Thunderbird

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  A Great Investment! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By RickinPA - August 27 - 2:46 pm

  Ive had my 2006 Mustang V6 for a full month now, and all I can say is WOW! I was surprised at how "throaty" the engine is when revved. Not quite the sound of a V8 but impressive for a V6. Pick-up is very "spirited", a word that Ive seen used in a few magazine reviews to describe the Mustang and I must agree. This was a great buy, Im very happy with my Pony!