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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  My Review - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By ironchopz - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used in 4/97 with 28325 miles mileage now: 171700. Im very pleased with how the car has held up. The car is driven a lot. Its very comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. This T-bird routinely gets 23mpg+. Compared to the smaller engines (< 2.5L) that get 26-30mpg, this Bird (V- 8/4.6L) sips gas its a better value than the smaller-engine vehicles. Ive towed a 6x12 U-Haul trailer through the Rockies: the engine never ran hot & fuel economy didnt drop much (19-20mpg w/ full car and trailer). Cons: the doors are heavy & go out of alignment periodically. The Premium Sound CD system is installed, but it lacks the punch an aftermarket CD player would have.

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  2001 XLT sport package Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Rex - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the 1st 4x4 Ive owned, and so far its been 100% reliable.. no rattles, squeaks etc from it. Ive had it on a few off road excursions, ranging from graded gravel roads, to gooey mud.. The stock tires leave a little to be desired in the mud, but were still able to get me through a mudhole that covered the hood with mud/water. I do wish that Ford had installed a torsen differential in the rearend on it, but since they didnt I plan on installing a ARB air locker..

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  excellent value - 1992 Ford F-150
  By jwcraig - May 19 - 2:00 am

  this is a basic 2 wheel drive long bed f-150 w/ air, bench seats,6 cyl vehicle w/ 162,000 miles on it. the motor will run for ever but the transmission has been bumpy for the last 100,000 miles, by that i mean it catches on occaison but still functions. this truck is extremely reliable and has reinforced my desire to buy another f 150, only this one will have more features

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  Worst Ford ever owned - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By nrivet - May 18 - 2:06 pm

  I bought it in September of 2001 and it has already been in the shop 5 times. I noticed that there was a rip in the back seat. The car had a bad sincer within the 2nd month. When I am rolling the window down or up there is this very LOUD squeeking noise. I can not take it through a touchless car wash because it leaks. If that is the case then Ford should have their sales people explain that to the buyer before purchasing the car.

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  Ford 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Beverly Youngblood - May 18 - 11:00 am

  I sold a Tahoe to purchase this vehicle with the intent to save money on gas. This has not happened, the car averages 19 mpg in town. I have also had to have the seat belt latch replaced 2 times now. I enjoy the smooth ride of this large sedan. The motor is too small for this size sedan. Overall I like the fact you are able to just step out of the car instead of climbing out. The interior of the car is extremely spacious. The truck is also very large. The ride of this car is very comparable to the ride of my Tahoe. I would recommend this car if you are looking for space and smooth ride.

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  Good Car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By probe1se - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I like this car alot. It looks great and performance isnt bad for a cylinder engine. No mechanical problems whatsoever in the 2 years I have owned it. Downside is the interior is very cheap.

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  Amazing - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Regan - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has 218,000 miles. Oil changed approx every 5,000 miles. Still getting approx 28 mpg. Good rust resistance. Tows a horse trailer, not well, but it gets the job done. A work horse.

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  Nothing to brag about. - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By baleo - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought used. Price was right. Needed trans at 65000. Good thing we had extended warranty. Otherwise okay. Took on a few trips long trips, 800+ miles. Ride on highway is good. In town ride mediocre. Interior design confortable, good driver and passenger seats. Will keep until it dies because no resale value.

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  CANT CAR WASH - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin Brinkworth - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful black exp. I love it. Except that everytime I get washed, I have to spend up to half an hour wiping the water/wax that drains from the mirror areas, the door handles, the real window and assorted other collection points.If you dont wipe, it streaks as you drive and looks like hell. I like to keep this baby clean but this is too much trouble. For this reason alone, I would never buy another Ford SUV or truck. Drives me nuts.

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  Our great Ford 500 Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Leon & Joan - May 16 - 8:16 am

  We are very happy with our Ford 500 Sedan w/4 wheel drive. It is fun to drive and always commands a lot of positive attention. Gas mileage is good, the car is quiet and roomy with a lot of great features. We are fast becoming spoiled to all the conveniences we have in our beautiful car. We have been aproached in the Mall parking lot by several intrested indivuals requesting information regarding this car.