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:

• 

  Pavement Ripper - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By matchbox - September 3 - 12:30 pm

  I love it! It is so smooth and easy to drive that you forget how fast it is until you notice the other traffic disappearing behind you. Despite its power and acceleration it gets better gas mileage than a lot of less capabile cars. The brakes are always strong and I havent caused them to fade yet. The distinctive good looks and exhust sound cause people to look at you as you cruise through the parking lot. You also get to meet a lot of new people that like cars. It seems that everyone that likes cars is drawn to the GT500.

• 

  Fun car, keep your wallet close. - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hock - September 3 - 12:23 pm

  This is my 2nd SC and it is a blast to drive, when it runs. I bought it with bad head gaskets, the dealer ran 87 octane when it requires 91 or better. I have driven both the auto and 5 speed and the 5 speed is by far more fun than the auto though it is notchy and does get expensive to fix if it breaks. But then again, the whole car is like that. The handling is outstanding for a car its size and it does it with out sacraficing the ride. The interior is a little dated for today but it still is nice and doesnt have all the squeaks and rattles that would be expected from a car this old. Over all, if you dont have a strong mechanical back ground or a deep wallet this car is not for you.

• 

  Two years of ownership, still loving it! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mary - September 3 - 7:57 am

  I purchased my Fusion new in August 2006. It currently has 17,025 miles on it and I average 25.6 City and 28.4 Hwy MPG. It is a far better car than I had expected. My friends call it my baby Cadillac. It sure rides like one! Best car investment I had made so far!

• 

  My Ford 500 Limited - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jasons Dawgs - September 2 - 11:46 pm

  My wife and I traded in our TrailBlazer and bought our Ford 500 in April of 2007. I have taken several trips from Charleston South Carolina to Cleveland Ohio with our family. The vehicle is very comforting for long trips, and theres tons of trunk space. Ford definitely kepf safety in mind when they built this car. Five star crash test ratings. I would recomend this vehicle to anyone.

• 

  I Love My Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By TJTrails - September 2 - 9:26 pm

  I wasnt sure what I wanted when I went looking for a new vehicle, I only knew it had to have enough room for three adult sized people to sit in comfort in the back seat and I really didnt want to settle for another minivan. The Ford SuperCrew cab was better then all the other trucks I looked at for back seat comfort. I got a great deal. It hauls my teenagers and all their related junk. With 4WD I never have to worry about getting stuck. Its comfortable on long journeys and it looks good too. Ive had my truck 8 months and I still smile every time I see it. I love my truck!

• 

  Enjoyable - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tony Jones - September 2 - 7:36 pm

  I have driven a Ford Explorer for several years and had a Ford Windstar as the family wagon for several years also. With 3 children, one still in a car seat, the Freestyle has plenty of room. We have as much room in it for seating as the Windstar van. Drives so much better than the van. Fuel economy has been a nice surprise. Average 22.5 or so overall, but gets around 27 to 28 on open highway at 65-70 mph. Professional reviewers thought this vehicle lacks power. Although it is not a Mustang or other sports car, it accelerates very well and moves quite briskly. I have had the Explorer V-6 in past models and found it to be quite a dog. Kids love the DVD system.

• 

  Nothing else like it - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Redstang - September 2 - 4:47 pm

  I have been wanting a Mustang since I rented twice on business trips over the past few years. The car is just 100% fun to drive and own. People smile when you pass by and my kids think Dad is the coolest. The car handles well for an solid axle performance car. The ride is not rock hard but firm. Gas mileage is actually decent getting between 19-25 mpg if you keep a light foot. Push the pedal and watch the car go! If you need even more power get the 500 HP Shelby GT500. This will do the job on your Hemi Challenger and the new Camaro. The 18" rims and tires are a must, they fill out the wheel wells nicely. Shaker 500 audio is almost audiophile quality. Have fun!

• 

  Best Van Made - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By Warren - September 2 - 11:15 am

  This is my second Aerostar, 1st on had 250k. These are perfect if you need something with a lot of room that can go from a work van to a family van. They are extremely reliable. They are not stylish and todays vans have a lot more amenities. I had a Windstar that I had leased and planned to replace the Aerostar with, but the Aero is a much better van. The best part is they are so cheap to purchase. I will keep this van for as long as it will go.

• 

  Sport Trac takes you in style - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David T - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle and it rides smooth. I am a 4 time jeep owner now making the switch. The practicality of this vehicle is unmatched. All the comforts of a explorer with a pickup bed.

• 

  Perfect First Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By doubleblack - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the Ford ZX2 for 3 years and have had zero problems. It combines great highway fuel economy with surpising performance. No other car in this price range/age match it cornering ablities on dry roads.