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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  Love the Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ken - April 27 - 11:16 pm

  We havent had the car long, but it looks great and runs like the stallion that it is. The interior is much quieter than I expected based on reviews (unless you are in the throttle). I am fitting two kids in the back seat ... tight fit but they love cruising with the top down.

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  super reliable and zippy - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Robert - April 27 - 3:19 pm

  Ive got the 2014 econoboost / turbo and its been super reliable. Ive only changed oil and tires (once) with 70k. No hiccups. Zippy with the turbo, sporty looking and fun to drive. If you like a super plush ride, this is not your car. If you like a sportier ride, this is it.

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  Yippy - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Dadam Avis - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Within the first year, its been in for 3 recalls, 2 check engine lights and I had to have the left front half shaft replaced and the front brake discs turned. I hate the 5 speed auto trans, it doesnt seem to know what to do with itself. This is my 3rd Ranger and although I prefer the TTB suspension,and even with the problems, this is still a good truck.

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  Mine was built on Friday - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Justanotherfordguy - April 26 - 3:53 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive, sure footed in snow, and a great family vehicle. But the build quality is questionable and I couldnt see this vehicle lasting more than 60k miles without a lot of repairs. My Escape has has multiple issues due to a water leak under or near the firewall. This has caused multiple electical issues from random power accessories failing, radio turning on when key is removed and turned off, wet floors, and the nice smell of mildew. Multiple trips to the dealer has yet to bring my truck back to new - so its going to be traded in on something else - possibly an Escape. Mine was just built on Friday. :(

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  Lacks kick - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By gonskeen - April 22 - 12:25 pm

  Got the car new in October, 2006 as a Company Car. Upgraded to the limited & got the leather, full power, upgraded radio, heated seats etc. Very roomy car & comfortable on long trips. Handles fine in the snow. I put snow tires on it in the winter. Overall very reliable. The engine has always been on the loud side & lacks spunk. The alternator has gone out 2x, currently on its 3rd. The heated seats have also malfunctioned 2x. Biggest issue is the A/C. It stopped giving cold air at low speeds & idle last year. Brought it to a local dealer 3x. They replaced the condensor & to this date, still doesnt work right.

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  Fun to drive, Police Interceptor - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By hinderrocks25 - April 22 - 7:46 am

  the 2004 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is a big car that is fun to drive and has pretty good power for such a big car. However this year of car has a common problem of headlight failure due to the lighting control module. If you are going to buy one of these cars make sure the headlights work! and not just intermittently. Also about a week after buying this car with 123k miles on it the shocks that hold the hood open failed and now it slowly shuts the hood down so u have to hold it up with your hands. Also when pulling the lever to open the hood it doesnt open the hood all the way and u have to pry it open with something just to unlock the latch. Make sure you inspect it good b4 buying.

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  Fun to Drive, But There Are Problems........ - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jeff364 - April 20 - 2:49 pm

  The C-Max has great interior design, a good sound system, handles well and seems roomy, but there are nagging problems that drag down the car. Like another reviewer, my clock just randomly changes time. The car also randomly starts itself which is a little disconcerting. The cruise control does not throttle back when going downhill so on a long, steep hill you can end up going 20 - 25 MPH over the speed you set. I think that is a dangerous defect, although not sure if I just have a defective cruise control or this is a problem with all C-Max cruise controls.

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  Enjoyment - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MoneyMan - April 18 - 8:16 pm

  I just purchased a 2002 Mustang GT Premium Coupe package, with the help from this site. I am very pleased with the looks, performance and handling. You dont have to be a Ford fan (for all those haters out there)to enjoy the thrill of a great looking vehicle, and the quick response from the 4.6L engine.

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  my Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tffny28 - April 17 - 11:26 am

  The car has a smooth ride. It handles very well.

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  Last of the Muscle - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Hexxman - April 17 - 10:00 am

  entertaining to drive and plenty of passing power.