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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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Judissi - August 2 - 12:08 am

  This is my 2nd Expedition and I love it. Bought the Eddie Bauer over the Tahoe and Yukon mainly because of the reliability of my 1st one and the power 3rd row seat. I wanted that seat but would have to lift in and out too much. The power fold is the best option Ford has come up with! Great ride, great visibility, great looking vehicle.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Larson - August 1 - 10:22 pm

  I choose to buy a Ranger over the newer completion, mainly because Im a Ford guy, and I just simply like it. I recommend it to anyone.

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  Owner - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Lynda Smith - August 1 - 2:43 pm

  So far ... great car. Gas mileage could be improved.

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  Engine problems...with only 250 miles! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By HerCar - August 1 - 9:56 am

  I love my Mustang, thats a given, but beware. Hopefully this was a fluke, but with exactly 250 miles on my odometer, my engine blew on the 5 freeway in LA. A spring broke in valve # 5, causing the valve to bend. My engine was replaced with a brand new one. I still love the car, but want to give people a heads up that there might be a problem with the engines in the GT. The car is an absolute blast to drive when its not at the dealership getting worked on! : )

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  Use your own judgement - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Edge wins by an Edge - August 1 - 8:06 am

  I looked at cars for > 1 year and Im glad I waited. Looked at the Edge, Mazda CX-7 & CX-9, and Nissan Murano (and many many more). Nissan and Mazda wouldnt negotiate price. Ford did (two $500 rebates, 3.9% financing, and near invoice price) and that sealed the deal - In my case. Safety features are excellent, ride comfortable, well planted and quiet, with plenty of power. For example, drove at high speed and pushed the pedal, and quickly went higher with easily more to spare. Transmission shifts silky smooth. I never owned a Ford before but am glad I considered them. I recommend that you do the same if you are considering a crossover. I rented an Edge for 3 days before buying.

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  Fun Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Willaim Clough - August 1 - 4:33 am

  I love my Freestyle. It is fun to drive and comfortable. We live in MA so we get snow and it performs really nice in the snow. It has plenty of get up and go. The sound system is really good. I like the room that it has for getting things home that I couldnt in a regular car. All and all I love my Freestyle.

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  Happy Days are back! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Debster - August 1 - 2:29 am

  I have test driven many, many convertibles, but when I test drove the T-Bird I was sold. The fit was perfect, the interior retro the overall styling is a wonderful combination between yesteryear and now. The performance -- unbeatable! A V8 with so much power, you barely need to step on the accelerator. The most fun Ive ever had driving. It appeals to young and old alike. I did have one minor issue with the check engine light. I took the car into the dealership but the problem disappeared they plugged in a mini computer under the dash so when the problem reoccurred, I pressed a button, it recorded the error and they were then able to correct the problem. No problems ever since.

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  My first car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Missin my baby - August 1 - 1:29 am

  I got this car a few months before i got my license. It was a wonderful car. The gas mileage was ok but not wonderful. One of the problems with my car was the fuel gauge did not work so I had to estimate when the tank needed to be refilled. I was in an accident and this car was totaled. I am very glad I was in this car, and not some other sports car like a Corvette because I wasnt even hurt ... which in itself was amazing considering the accident. I will own another Mustang when I end up paying for my own car when Im older.

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  TBirds eye view - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By R Murphy - July 31 - 8:48 pm

  Sweet car that accelerates smoothly and quickly. It is very stable in turns and brakes well. Trunk is small but it does hold a set of clubs and an overnight bag and that is all it needs to. Visibility is good in all directions but the mileage is not as good as some others in the price range.

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  Mustang GT 2016 - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Jonathan - July 31 - 4:49 pm