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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  Many problems.. - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marla - May 9 - 3:40 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Power steering going out, told the rack n pinion need to be replaced. Brakes are a major problem with this vehicle.. had them replaced twice so far, along with rotos, only 80,000 miles. First set of brakes under 15k miles. Now, my fuel pump went out.. only had this car 3 years! Ford will not stand up to their product! Grinding and cracking noises in steering.

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  Id buy another - 2001 Ford Focus
  By McKendrick74 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great, fun car for $15,000. Ive had this car for two and a half years, and if I stay in this price bracket for my next vehicle, Ill definitely consider another Focus. In fact, I may just keep this one (rather than trading it in) as a toy to tweak and play with. I compared this to a Grand Am and a Cavalier, but the Focus offered more for less money. Two thumbs up to Ford this time around.

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  2004 F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BigJ - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I think the my 2004 F150 is very nice ,But The 5.4L need a little more power.

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  04 Expedition Eddy Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 11th Ford Product - May 6 - 10:00 am

  New Vehicle. The brake dust is terrible. You would think Ford would offer an attractive "Chrome" wheel for their top of the line Bauer model. The gas milage could be better though the power is ok. My 99 Mountaineer had a much nicer message center. This is a nice truck but the design people missed the mark on the message center and wheels.

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  nice van - 2006 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By DON - May 4 - 1:06 pm

  I ordered this van in white after trading in the same 05 that was a dark color and could not be driven without the a/c on if the temp. was above 75 degrees outside. For a big van it handles tight. It doesnt sag on turns. It bounces a lot with no weight in it. Acceleration is so-so. I was most impressed by its braking speed. Very easy to steer but bad turning radius. Cloth seats very comfortable. Gas mileage is about 11 mpg downhill (but it is so big inside you only have to make 1 trip). Premium Plus cd stereo is awesome. Windshield needs sun visor. Body integrity is bulletproof. Interior visors and knobs flimsy. Factory window tint should be darker. Nice van, fun to drive, always feel like Im touring!

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  2005 STX - 2005 Ford F-150
  By William - May 4 - 12:13 pm

  Going from my 2002 F150 XL to the 2005 STX felt like a big step up. It feels good to drive: feels heavy, solid and quiet. Handles great in the snow. On the down side, the pickup is not very good with the 4.6 V8; at least not as good as my 02 was with a 5 speed and 4.2 V6.

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  Lightning Sort of Fast - 2002 Ford F-150
  By SVT 03 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I good buy. i got mine for 26,00 bcause i am an engineer in the Special Vehicles Team at Ford and i also have a 2003 svt cobra. When i brought it home for the first time i decided just to go and drive some more i just didnt want to stop so i drove for about 2 hours on the coast.

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  Great car, worth taking the time to consider - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By geobf - May 4 - 5:17 am

  Very happy with the car after 2200 miles and averaging 44 MPG in a mix of highway and city during my normal commute. Think of the car as a mini-minvan - some cargo capacity (not a ton without dropping the back seat) but a solid commuter vehicle. Will run on electric power up to about 65 MPH. Cute efficiency monitor to train you on best MPG. Driving over 70 will run engine all the time for lowest MPG. Definitely shop for the base SE model - much better deal and the manual cloth seats work just fine. I avoided the MyTouch radio and glad I did. Replaced an Escape hybrid so I knew about driving a hybrid but no problems with learning how to keep it on electric often.

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  Good Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mitto - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like my new F150. Dont thave anough miles on to comment on the durabiltity but my 97 wnet for 130K and still ran as new when traded. The new Ford has good power, good handling, hauls anything you could want to put on a trailer or in the bed and the interior is the best in the retail truck world! However, Ford will need to continually improve the quality control on some of the small stuff. Body panel alingment and finish is not much better than in the past. I know its not a Enzo, but for around $40K the doors shouldnt kick away from the rocker panel on the bottom and almost touch metal at the top.

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  Focus 2008 SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike - April 28 - 6:40 pm

  Drives wonderfully. Handling is a bit touchy. Interior is great - love the leather and adjustable height on the drivers seat. Back seat offers little leg room, but that is typical of a compact. I like this better than my old Civic.