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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  Fun Daily Driver - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Kevin S of NC - September 25 - 4:46 pm

  I purchased my 2.0L Zetec with automatic transmission at 26,000 miles. Now at 154,000 miles, I have experienced one major problem: lesson learned - change the idler pulleys with the timing belt since the OEM bearings are failure-prone. Small oil leaks from the valve cover were resolved with a new gasket and grommet set. I have really enjoyed this car and have kept it up with an excellent preventative maintenance program. Being a mechanical engineer may have something to do with it, too.

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  Love This Car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By carol G - September 25 - 2:01 pm

  I absolutely love my new car. The gas mileage is as good as most imports but yet you get the full size car. I have been averaging 28 city and 35 highway. Even with the 4 cyl I have plenty of power and acceleration. The only downside of this car is headroom. I have the sunroof and everybody in my family is over 6 feet tall and you have to have the seat adjusted down in order to not have your head touch the ceiling. I will never buy another car that does not have SYNC. That has to be the best thing ever put in a car.

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  it is a nice car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Memphisian - September 25 - 1:10 pm

  I bought it to replace my old Ford Escort. Now my wife drives it and I drive it during weekends. Compared to my Ford Fusion, it is noisy. That is the only thing I can complain about. Man, this car is 4,000 dollar cheaper than Ford Fusion. Can they be the same? I own it for 3 years and only the CD player had problem and it was replaced by a brand new one without cost. Believe it? This car does not need to change air filter. The gas mileage is good, it is a great economic compact car.

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  2016 convertible - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Wes Merkel - September 24 - 11:20 pm

  Love this car best Ive owned. Back seat may as well be storage area. Instead wish the rear seats would fold down like the fastback.

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  Dependable, tough, minor issues - 2000 Ford F-150
  By jeff - September 24 - 8:53 pm

  Bought new, now 82,000 miles (Driving this truck less now due to high gas prices). Only mechanical problem has been door actuators, which I have had to replace. Have used 4wd a lot with no problems. This has been a very reliable truck I can count on and even though is depreciating fast I have no plans to sell as long as it holds up. Rides like a big luxury car on highway. Is developing some rust at bottom inside of doors. Back seat is not comfortable for adults. Gas mileage is poor, 12/16.

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  I love my Edge-first time SUV owner - 2007 Ford Edge
  By squirley - September 24 - 7:36 pm

  This is the first time I have purchased a crossover/SUV type vehicle. I searched and researched for weeks. While the Ford Edge did not have the best reviews, I loved the test drive of the vehicle. It had a look and feel that was awesome. It is bigger than I wanted. My husband "allowed" me free will in my car buying this go around. He felt I made a good choice, so kudos for me. It is very roomy, my husband is 63 and he has no issues with is fit. With two boys, we will need the room. The nostalgia of the Ford name also made a difference for me also. I am enjoying the vehicle and attention the it is getting me. Everyone asks me what is it! The public loves the look and I love my Ford Edge!

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  Bad Brakes - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jennifer - September 24 - 1:15 pm

  It needs its rear brakes changed for the 3rd time and the rotors redone for the 2nd time! Its going to cost another $400. They were just changed 22,000 miles ago. The rear door handles were also recalled because when it gets too cold they would pop open while driving. The O ring in the transmission had to be replaced with less 100 miles on it. When it rains water drips from the passenger visor screw hole and they cant find the source.

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  Incredible drive - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By John - September 24 - 11:27 am

  I bought my Mustang new and right away I installed slp loudmouths and a K&N aircharger. I love this car. Its never a dull moment driving it. Just when you think you have it figured out it reminds you it has more when it slams you in the seat while spinning the tires.

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  A Winner - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By JLS - September 24 - 11:11 am

  This SES has the Duretc 24 Valve and on the highway at 2000 RPM consistently delivers 32 MPG - in town it fluctuates from 25-27 MPG. Leather seats comfotable, even for my 65: frame. At 2000 miles the check engine limit came on and the dealer replaced the entire gas tank and gage system. No problems since. At 61,000 miles the trnasaxle seal leaked and the dealer replaced it no charge. 1st Saturday of every month gets oil changed, tires rotated etc. Very good vehicle.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Beth - September 24 - 11:10 am

  We adore this car. Over the years we have had several models of Toyotas, Subarus, Nissans, VWs. Nothing has matched it. The Five Hundred is powerful, comfortable, reliable, gets excellent gas mileage, fun and easy to drive, has inexpensive upkeep and the lease payments are cheap. I was devastated to hear that Ford wants to nix it in favor of the Taurus, which seems like a "secretary car" to us.