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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  Pepe1 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Pepe - November 25 - 2:30 pm

  I purchased this car for the leg room in the front and back seat area. Also for the trunk space. I realy liked the way the car looks and drives. I average 32 miles to the gallon with this car on the highway and about 22 in the city. I do a lot of road traveling and this car has never let me down for room, comfort and gas mileage. I true love this car.

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  96 Explorer 174k and still running great - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mdmadv@hotmail.com - November 25 - 12:33 pm

  Purchased used off a lease w/ 17k miles. Has had strict maintenance program, synthetic oil every 4k, transmission service every 20k, flush coolant system annually. Normal driving 16-17, highway 20-21 mpg. Original transmission overdrive just failed after 174k. In shop now. Will repair and give to my son. I would buy another Explorer or Escape If you service the vehicle it has a better chance of lasting.

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  Extremely pleased and surprised - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By JER - November 25 - 3:16 am

  Even though the majority of the reviews were positive for the Ford 500 I hesitated to purchase it because of some of the negative comments I had read. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! I put on a lot of mileage averaging 800 to 900 miles per week. I took my new 500 Limited with the CVT transmission on a trip from the Eastern Shore of Maryland to Atlanta Ga. to Nashville Tenn. through Stanton Va. and back to the Eastern Shore (1975 miles). Gas mileage was between 26 to 27.5 MPH. Ride was like sitting in your easy chair. The stereo system was excellent, and the car had plenty of power for traveling highways with speed limits up to 75 MPH. It is a good looking car. I would highly recommend it.

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  GT - 2005 Ford GT
  By jrobbi - November 25 - 2:22 am

  its better than the pictures and performance is great.

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  Excellent car, no problems ever - 2001 Ford Escort
  By wwolf - November 24 - 11:00 pm

  ZX2 looks good, drives well, very easy on gas. Have had it for almost 4 years and not a single repair. I recommend it to anyone who wants a sporty smaller car that performs well.

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ricdoz51 - November 24 - 8:22 pm

  Except for a bad experience with the dealer this truck is excellent so far. Purchased it from the lot the truck had 600 miles already on it but so far no problems.

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  Good First Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By looks best in black - November 24 - 5:48 pm

  Its my first car. Bought used with 40k miles. Gets amazing gas mileage and its pretty fun to drive. Back seat is a bit roomy for a car of its size. It gets up and goes for a car with a 130hp engine. Has a lot of low end torque, but when it gets in 2nd and 3rd gear it slows down a lot. Then up again in 4th. Older people might not like how low this car is (makes it hard to get in and out of). The ZX2 sits at least a foot lower than a Civic. Aftermarket parts are limited, but there are some. All in all if youre looking for a smaller car with great gas mileage and a little more "get up and go" then this is the car for you.

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  My wife loves it! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Realtor 67 - November 24 - 12:40 am

  I bought the laser red GT Convertible new in 1998 for my wifes 49th birthday Its just had its 30K dealer service and only 3 minor items showed up. The rear brake pads and the original battery are nearing replacement, and there is slight oil seepage at the steering rack (not enough to even spot my garage floor though). Other than replacing the original tires at 22K miles and normal maintenance, I have spent $0 on repairs. Its been trouble free and burns no oil between 3K mile changes. It has all factory options except the engine block heater and they all still work fine too. I gave the interior a 7 only because legroom is a bit cramped for tall drivers and the seat belt frays.

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  great truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By knox - November 24 - 12:12 am

  Ford Rangers are simply the best light truck to own. I recently just got a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT supercab 4x4 off- road. I have gone off roading with it. The truck is very dependable, in the woods. Its definitely a must buy.

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  mpg - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By joe z - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I wrote a review awhile ago stating I was getting 20 mpg local droving, & mentioned I would write back when I go on a trip. Well to my surprise we averaged 29 mpg. not bad for an all wheel drive. very satisfied