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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  A great car for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Anonymous - August 8 - 11:36 am

  I love my Ford Focus! The brakes do squeal, which Ive heard many times is normal in a Focus. Had them replaced at about 15,000 miles, and havent been a problem since then. Also, had a problem with the tie-rod, as well as a rough idle. But, once these problems were fixed, the car has been great! I drive my wifes Toyota Camry too, and my car is so much nicer! Its at the just right comfort level, so I dont fall asleep on long road trips. Also, it speeds up nicely. Has a couple dings, but I love my car, and will run it into the ground. Bought it new, and been driving it for 5 years now. I love the fact that I get 5 more mpg on highways than my wife, so we regularly take my car to Washington

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  Slightly modded, but was fine before. - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Al Hoyt - August 8 - 8:18 am

  I own a 97 Ford F-150 XL Step-Side, 4.2L V6. Of course the V6 is lighter and quicker then the 4.6L I run all over 4.6s Tranny went out before I bought the truck, which suprised me, usually Ford trannys, especaily manuals are indestructible. Nothing at all has gone wrong with it other than that. I have 115,000 miles on it now. I installed a belltech 6" drop for better handling. Very tight turning radius. Very lightweight. And I get better mileage than my dads 4.6L. Very well built truck. Fun to drive, starts effortlessly every morning. I never worry about anything.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By fordboy1954 - August 8 - 6:23 am

  Love driving around in my Mustang. The ride is a little harsh but then again it is a sports car. Very responsive handling and performance for a V6. Gas mileage is good considering my right foot is heavy. Got the interior upgrade and it looks great. Love the retro look since I always wanted a 69 Mustang. I have the Pony package and have tinted the windows and put the Roush quarter window covers on it looks impressive. Bottom line is it is fun to drive and doesnt cost an arm and leg. New Challenger might be more powerful but when you drive in Vegas you can only go so fast to the next red light.

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  Great CS-GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Mikey D - August 7 - 6:55 pm

  I really like the style, look, and feel of my 2007 Mustang CS-GT. I already own a 1998 GT conv. I was going to trade it in for the 2007 but I couldnt part with it. Anyways once a Mustang owner always a Mustang owner!

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  Dream Come True! - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Lowell - August 7 - 3:27 pm

  Always loved the early T-Birds but never was able to own one. Slip a Goldie Oldie in the CD player of my 2002 Bird and go cruising and I step back to my youth! Just a great car and I find something neat that I hadnt noticed before just about every time I drive it. Im not the type of person who draws a lot of attention but this car sure does! The Thunderbird Blue with two tone interior & white hardtop is the perfect combination to take you back to the fifties. You would think that only older people would appreciate the retro look but you hardly ever pass a teenager who doesnt holler "Nice Car"! Shes my baby!

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  Takes gas to have fun - 2007 Ford F-150
  By CMGibson - August 7 - 2:29 pm

  In over 16000 miles Ive had no problems with this truck. Add a few extras and its a beast.

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  It Could Be Worse (but not much) - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Justin - August 7 - 4:25 am

  Do not get this car if you enjoy driving or like cars even a little bit. Youll be dissapointed with the performance, handling and just about everything. Fuel economy is great as long as you dont touch the gas and dont look at the A/C. I dont think the designers even knew what fun-to-drive meant. Interior is basic. Not even a tach or cd player. If you stare at the exterior long enough it starts to look alright. Its only broken down on me once because of a bad alternator but there are a few parts that have needed replacing in the two years Ive had it. (Motor mounts twice and A/C.) The trunk leaks on the right too. Summary: If youre old or dont like cars, the Escort is for you.

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  Sync B Gone - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By 2008 Ford Fusion - August 7 - 12:46 am

  This is my 2nd Ford Fusion. I loved my 06 Fusion so much, then Ford came out with the Vapor Silver Color. I fell in love. I swore Id never go back to a domestic car, but the Fusion has been the most well built car Ive owned. Excellent handling, cornering, not bad on gas, killer looks with the upgraded pkg. Lots of compliments. Would recommend to 1st time and all other buyers.

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  Poor AC not appropriate for hot climates - 2008 Ford Edge
  By charles - August 7 - 12:30 am

  Ive owned 7 vehicles and the Edge has the worst AC by far. Have to keep it on max fan and max ac all the time here in TX and still sweat. Lots of power, soft suspension and low road noise. Vehicle feels like your driving a boat, a floating vs driving sensation.

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  Ford is the best - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tami526 - August 6 - 11:17 pm

  I have the all wheel drive model with a 210 horsepower V6. It is the best truck in the snow. It has saved us a few times. This is the 2nd Explorer I have owned and will not be the last. I have not done any major work to it. There is no comparison with anything in its class. Its the greatest.