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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  This car saved my life! - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Stacey B - March 5 - 5:20 am

  The first thing that attracted me to this car was that it was a used police interceptor. I soon fell in love with the smooth ride and the way it drove. Hardly any problems with it, I have maybe replaced under $500 worth of parts in it. It was racking up around 120,000 when I hit a tree. I walked away fine from that accident, because my car took all the force. If that was a smaller car, I would be in the hospital or dead. I love this car so much, and even though I cant drive it because its smashed in, it still starts!

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  Best of Two - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Mark - March 2 - 11:20 pm

  I took an Acadia home overnight and after nearly 150 miles I could tell it was nowhere near the advertised mileage. I drove a similarly equipped Edge and thought for approximately $2K less it was the better of the two vehicles. The transmission is smoother and even though it doesnt shift up and down with the buttons the engine braking feature on O/D lockout is much better than on older Ford vehicles. The vehicle is fun to drive, and has a much more comfortable driving postion over my Honda Pilot, thanks to a more comfortable seat and the telescoping wheel. I was getting over 26 MPG on a trip on the interstate and am getting around 21-22 on the mountainous roads I drive daily to work

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  Observations of Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By George McDonald - March 2 - 10:13 am

  This vehicle is excellent handling. Brakes are effective. Engine performance is acceptable, but lacks torque. Vehicle has been driven 25000 km but will need rear brakes very soon. Paint and body very good. Poorest feature is noisy inside vehicle from engine.

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  CLUNKY - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jscott - March 2 - 9:30 am

  My 06 GT 5 speed transmission AND rear end clunk so bad, I hate to drive this car! Im a retired dealership auto technician, and cannot believe I cannot find other complaints on this particular problem. Yes, IÂ’m very coordinated when shifting, but itÂ’s impossible to even drive this car w/out this annoying issue. It makes me hate the car. When downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, it acts as if the clutch isnt completely disengaging ... the transmission dont grind, but it makes an awful noise. IÂ’ve never banged a gear, or been to the drag strip. IÂ’d be afraid the driveshaft would come through the floor! Very dissatisfied customer. This is my 4th Stang since 1994.

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  Level II in VA - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ADIRUBBIO - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Awesome for any outdoor activity known to man. Aftermarket accsessories easier to find and cheaper than that of import trucks. The motor is very strong for a V-6. Tranny is smooth. Revs at about 2700 rpm at 75 mph. Great for gas mileage concerns. Gas mileage is about 250 miles a tank for about $18.00 bucks. That is average DC area traffic. Highway gets around 275-285 a tank.

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  Quality job 1.5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Spazz - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Great all round 3 person family vehicle. Very sporty for a wagon. safe and fun

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  My review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gordon24 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car, and I love it!!

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  Not BAD!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TCOX - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I look at all of the SUVs and settled on the Ford. Not bad I have been please Im currently looking to upgrade to the Eddie Bauer.

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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By robby - February 28 - 10:00 am

  If your looking at the Explorer, Envoy, or the Trailblazer STOP. After looking at those cars I stumbled upon the newly designed Expedition. I climbed in, test drove it and never bothered going back to looking at those smaller SUVs. All the comfort and space for an extra couple of thousand. I dont think I can out grow it any time soon!

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  Expedition review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By john doe - February 28 - 10:00 am

  We bought the new Expidition after getting sick of our Hummer. Although it isnt as fast it gets twice the gass mileage and rides nearly the same. We got a totally base Expition for $25,000. Less than half of our hummer. The Hummer isnt worht the money and the expition is just a basic navigator, it rides just as well.