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 for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SUVChick - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I shopped around for an SUV for a few months, visinting all the major competitors and I think I got the best deal with the Escape. Its comparable to the other SUVs out there and more reasonably priced.

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  2005 Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Harleybabe - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my 7th mustang and even tho I have a few miles on it the driving experience has been great (besides the looks I get). I love the new body style (being it reminds me of the old).

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By RKA - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Great Driving Truck. Rides like a luxury sedan.

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  Just Purchased - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By sparty98_gw - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Put this car on your list of cars to test drive. Several reviews complain about the CVT "feel" and power. Being from the automotive industy and an enthusiast I can tell the difference, but the execution is much better than other manufacurures CVTs I drove 3 years ago. My wife did not know it was a CVT until I told her. The average driver will not know unless they really push the car to accelerate hard and then they might notice the engine noise a bit. The interior space and layout are top notch. The handling dynamics are excellent for a car like this and the break feel is especially good. Goodby SUVs, hello MPG.

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  Had Better - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Mavwreck1975 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had four Fords before this car and I can easily say this is the only one Im not satisfied with. I bouth it used with 20k on it. At 25k, a bad vibration started coming from the rear wheels. Now at 34k, the headlights turn on and off randomly and the automatic transmission slips out of gear when the lights shut off. Oddly this problem has no effect on the engine. My two Crown Victorias and my Escort were much better cars.

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  The best sedan on the road - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By getsemoffquick69 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all for a great price. Hondas, Toyotas and Lexus cant even compare especially when you look at the value and quality/features of this All Wheel Drive sedan. Splendid!!!

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  Not a wow kind of car. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jsmith52 - October 4 - 8:58 pm

  Overall the car is just average. There is nothing amazing or fun or neat about the car. Seats are above average in terms of comfort. The car also has some decent visual appeal at first. However, the fuel economy stinks and the technology is outdated. Ford has improved on the reliability but still does not have great fit and finish. There are little rattles and weird clicking sounds. The engine flat out stinks. Needs dual vvti to help with power and gas consumption. Car also needs bigger output, possibly a 3.5 liter. If you are going to buy American Ford probably is your best bet but I only bought the car because I was on Fords discount plan.

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  2005 Mustang GT Premium - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 33168 - October 4 - 3:43 pm

  Best Mustang I drove yet. Owned a 1999 Mustang GT and nothing compares to the 2005, in terms of style, comfort, acceleration and smoothness. A lot of people have asked me a lot of questions when Im parked in a lot and they have all enjoyed the retro look that Ford had designed. Good job to the Ford Team for reinventing the fastback look.

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  MUSTANG GT - NO SUBSTITUTE - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ed - October 4 - 1:50 pm

  The new 2005 Mustang GT is my wildest dream come true. The ultimate fusion of classic styling and modern technology. This car is amazing in every way! My Torch Red Premium GT Couple with 5 speed manual transmission is more fun than any of the five prior Mustangs including the 1967 I drove in high school. I highly recommend this car to anyone that wants a brutally wicked hot rod for a very reasonable price. This car is just too awesome to put into words.

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  Problems with 2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Wade Troutman - October 4 - 7:04 am

  Ford let my Explorer out of the factory with some strange problems. High beams stay on-cant fix without replacing steering column (dont use high beams, and if I forget and use them I have to disconnect the battery to turn them off). Replaced noisy wheel bearings at 70K. Power window motor on rear drivers side door out at 30K. Door ajar light on and off since 10K (gave up taking it to dealer after three visits). AC/heater floor vents leak. Transaxle seals replaced at 90K. Rear passenger side turn signal out at 100K. Lights work, but turn signal doesnt work. Clear coat started peeling on the passenger side of the vehicle in 2007. I am tired of the nagging little problems..