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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  Gecks 02 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Geckozoid - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Where else could I go for a sporty car with a V8, manual transmission and rear wheel drive, all for under $25K? The engine performance is great, needs better suspension. $6 grand for a Griggs suspension looks like the most effective fix available. The seats leave much room for improvement. Uncomfortable on long trips, virtually zero side support, and being leather occupants slide around when cornering. Im 6 tall and have to drive with the seat all the way back, and the back of the seat to its furthest back position. Power seat is not very adjustable, seatback position is manual.

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  2000 Ford Mustang GT Coupe - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By sssannndmannn - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Maintenance/repair list to date: ---IAC replaced @ 23,000 miles (car would not idle) ---parking brake recall done @ 35,000 miles ---parking brake cable housing removed @ 35,000 miles (to fix hollow whistling sound over harsh bumps) ---new MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor @ 35,000 miles (for car dying on right- hand turns) ---Bridgestone Potenza RE-730s @ 38,000 miles ---rear brakes @ 47,000 miles ---front brakes @ 55,000 miles

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  Should have waited for the Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jeanette - June 2 - 1:26 am

  I bought the 05 XLS mainly because Im a tall woman with back problems (thanks to Army). I wanted something that wouldnt eat that much gas and safer than my 97 Saturn was for my children. I love driving it, I can jump curves and Im able to drive it almost like a Humvee. I should have shelled out the extra money though for a V6, so that I wouldnt have to floor it when Im passing someone. Overall I like but I should have waited until the Hybrid came out so that I could save more money on gas.

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  Not Quite As Good As Taurus - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Swyler - May 30 - 9:26 am

  This is a good car for the money - features compare quite favorably to the Cadillac STS, which lists at over $40K. Engine offers plenty of power with the CVT, although it is noisy. The build quality is very good, but I liked my 2003 Taurus a little better. Its a little uncomfortable. The front door panels have something at the forward end that protrudes into your leg.

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  Reliable Transportation - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By bbm - May 29 - 12:34 pm

  I bought my 01 Sport after my 99 Sport was totalled 2 years ago with around 118,000 miles on it. Ive never had to anything other than routine oil changes, etc and Ive put about 20,000 miles on it. Im not easy on cars either. The only issues Ive had with it is that it is hard to start (it doesnt crank immediately) and the disc changer stopped working. Unfortunately, someone rear-ended me and totalled this one 2 weeks ago. As long as only having 2 doors (NOT fun for travelling or people with children) and bad gas mileage (15-16 mpg city) dont bother you, this is a great SUV. I would recommend an Explorer in a heartbeat.

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  Fun little car for most seasons - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Lyzardo - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, decent gas mileage, and well thought out interior. The traction control is great to have in MN winters. Although I thought the rear seat leg room was supposed to be decent, it really isnt. Dont plan on driving too many adults in the back seat for very long. The only real problems I have had so far are a "check engine" light on for no apparent reason at 18,000 miles, and problems with the tires. The stock tires on the ZTW just arent too good for wet and/or snowy roads. Ill be replacing them as soon as I can. Im thankful I have traction control, or the tires would be next to worthless in the winter.

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  Red Expy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By brads03expy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Very nice truck. Beats our 98 Explorer we replaced all to heck. Cant believe how nice it drives!

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  Nice Car with no suspension - 2008 Ford Focus
  By dmustang - May 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have owned this car since 1/1 and had nothing but problems with the front suspension. This car has very weak front springs especially the right side bottoms out with every bump in the road, inclined driveways forget about it. The front underside has taken a beating with such a weak suspension. Has been in the shop numerous times but to no avail(so far). Dealership has replaced front strut, aligned it and reposition a strut also to rid itself of a loud popping noise on the left front side. Will go back in the shop next week. Springs are so weak I can compress them with a single hand Fuel mileage I find above average, great dash and readouts, comfortable seats(do not spill on them).

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  Good Car Badly Fitted Leather Front Seat - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By RJB - May 27 - 11:43 am

  We ordered the car 1/28/09 and took delivery 3/31/09. We have the 502a package and really like the many options. The leather front seats had many wrinkles and only got worse over a 2 week period. The dealer took pictures and sent to Ford who approved the replacment of the covers. BIG MISTAKE. The new covers that were fitted by a professional look even worse then the original. Now we have been promised 2 new complete seats from the factory but will have to wait until available. Has anyone else had problem with the front seats in leather? The rear seat fits perfectly

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  Hmm...Good car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By piratesboy85 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car, everytime i saw it on the street it was my favorite, but getting it seemed much different. IT had the looks from the exterior point of view, but the interior needs some work. Overall, its a great car, spent a bit more then i would of liked, because it was leather. But, it gives you the noise a sport car has, but maybe too loud. Fuel is going to be a problem on this car.