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:

• 

  Not Bad - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By KK - November 12 - 2:46 pm

  I am now on my second Tempo. My first one was a 1992 which I found to be a better car and it did not have those annoying automatic seatbelts. I bought this car in 2005 with only 23K miles on it (it now has 78K) but it did have some "issues" I have replaced the starter, fuel pump, distributor, wiring, some kinda thing in the front end that holds the motor in, brakes, and likely other stuff I have forgotten. Still all in all its fairly cheap transportation, it starts good and is quite comfortable to drive. Ive done Califoria to Canada in it 6 times. It does tend to have an overheating problem and Im not sure why but I still like the car and enjoy driving it. Would I get Tempo #3, not likely.

• 

  Minor problems - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Safaa - November 12 - 10:08 am

  Bought it little over 4 years ago with 108k miles. Now has 139k. Prior owner kept it up very well. But now we noticed that it was in a wreck since clear coat is peeling and overspray found on pass door weatherstrip. We had no problems with the transmission or prior owner had it replaced. Check engine light came on back in 07 and we bought manifold gasket and bolts and we replaced all in our garage for $80 otherwise dealer wanted $400. Last week we replaced rack and pinion due to noise from turning and paid $650 to have it repalced along with fuel filter, coolant and trany fluid flush. We also replaced all four tires last summer for $250. Will keep our Windstar for another 3 yrs or so.

• 

  Fox-body at its best... - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By 808Stang - November 12 - 7:11 am

  Great car. Built very well, never had any problems other than the usual replacing of water pump, hoses, and alternator after 80 or so thousand miles of driving. The alternator was actually due to not being able to handle my 750w amp and sound system. Vehicle is very easy to work on. Very light. Cant stress that enough, especially compared to todays vehicles. Not nearly as comfortable, but it does have something that todays cars lack, and thats raw excitement. Nothing today feels like the way you do when you stomp on the throttle and hear the 5.0 roar as it sinks you back and makes you feel as if your car is tearing through the wind and clawing at the asphalt. Very exciting.

• 

  New and Blue - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By cdlytle69 - November 12 - 4:50 am

  2006 Vista Blue, light graphite cloth, auto., interior upgrade package, 18" polished aluminum, front side airbags, active anti-theft, locking lug nuts, unfortunately basic stereo, working on changing that. Basic isnt bad, but Ive heard too much about the Shakers and now I want one. Still breaking it in, but its sweeeeet (to borrow a Dodge phrase).

• 

  2008 Ranger Supercab 4.0/Auto - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Sptfir - November 12 - 12:07 am

  My third Ranger so Im obviously comfortable with them. No problems with this newest. It seems just a little lighter built than my 02 for some reason. Air noise around windows that the dealer couldnt seem to fix. Fuel consuption for the 4.0/auto has been a steady 21 mpg in urban driving. No complaints, just comments. People compliment the Vista Blue color

• 

  Ford Fusion is the best. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Lee - November 11 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned many many cars in my 46 years of driving. The 2007 Ford Fusion is the best. You cant best it for the price as well as performance and comfort.

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karen - November 11 - 2:13 pm

  Love the car. Great ride and comfort on trips to Jersey and back to Virginia. Trunk fits all my daughters softball gear and all of our chairs and coolers with room to spare. Mileage on the highway to and from is 29 or so. Make it from Virginia to Jersey on half a tank. Wow!

• 

  My first car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By first last - November 11 - 1:19 pm

  it is a very fun car. I drive it to college every day and love it but it needs some serous HP improvements. The 5 speed needs a 6th gear because 55 mph =2200 rpms but that means it can do a high top speed. I did 75 in 4th without trouble

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JoeCool - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I considered buying the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima; however I found all three of those to offer shortcomings. The Honda Accords styling I found odd and ugly, the Toyota Camrys responses I found to be dull and slothful, and the Nissan Altimas ride was harsh and its styling looking too much like something a boy-racer would want. Then I saw the Fusion. It looked classy and sophisticated - a few people on the street thought it was a BMW until they saw the badge on the front. The car handles great, has great pep, and best of all the interior is genuinely useful - great car.

• 

  Great Truck -- My first Ford Product - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Steve - November 10 - 6:36 pm

  Ford has finally built the best truck on the market, period. This truck was built for people who drive trucks. The details in the design are great. It rides like a car, drives like my luxury car, and is made like a tank. The only competitor was the Tundra, but it doesnt come close to the quality of this vehicle. The Super Crew has tons of room with the 4 doors. The Triton/5.4L is horse. The LineX bedliner is a must. Great add-on. Ill check back in 10 years when Ive put 200,000 miles on it. Awesome job, Ford.