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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  PoJ - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ghokester - April 4 - 3:16 pm

  This is a true Piece of Junk. Transmission went just after the warranty expired, 37K miles, cost over $3K to replace. Now it is starting to clunk again. Rear hatch cracked, which amazed me until I started noticing them all around town with the same crack. There is also a leak back there that lets water stream in regardless of the number of times Ive had it repaired. Now its the rear wheel bearings that are singing to me so they need to be replaced, which the repair shop told me is a big job (read that expensive). Bought a new one in the early 90s that I drove 200K miles with a lot less repairs. If I could sell this lemon I would but the word is out, its a PoJ. Need more space...

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  Stinks - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Need Outta This SUV - April 4 - 1:01 pm

  I have only had this a couple of months and its ridiculous the amount of problems I have already had with this thing. It stinks on gas, I put in $20 every other day, $300 a month. The mechanical probs Ive had are: the mirrors, they constantly move when turning on and off car, they even did it while Reversing (can be shut off), rough engine idle, and motion detector is really sensitive even when there is more room. RV mirrors wont go back into position, they look up at the sky when I get in my car, so I have to adjust often.

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  Finally an American car steps up! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By valleycars1 - April 4 - 11:35 am

  What a score for Ford! The fuel economy and safety are great, but what really sold me was the interior space. I am a 68" 300 pound man, and this car gives me room to spare. Mix all that together with the European design and this is the best American sedan ive ever driven.

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  Not built like they used to be - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Irate Owner - April 4 - 11:34 am

  I own two Explorers. The 96 (used) I loved and subsequently bought used 04. So far on the 04 I have had to relace the hood (pitted and rusting) Tranmission problem corrected under recall Differential and air conditioning just after warranty expired even though the problems were showing before but problems could not be found? I will likely buy Honda or Toyota next purchase

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  Great - 1999 Ford Escort
  By HERB - April 4 - 9:31 am

  Drives and handles great. Looks great. Drove it to New Orleans and back last year with no problems at all. Didnt even have it checked out before I left, I have that much faith in it. Just routine maintenance, nothing more.

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  Hunk O Junk - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By b8k3p - April 4 - 1:04 am

  Since buying the Taurus, weve had tires blow out, the alternator died while we were on vacation, the alternator pulley was locked up, we had to replace the power steering pump, and now the transmission is a load of crap. This car has been more trouble than its worth. Its been well used, and if I didnt still owe 1400 on it, Id just junk it and get it over with.

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  2 problems I have had constantly - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Chris - April 3 - 8:30 pm

  I do love my EB mocha color Bronco and will never get rid of it. Bought it brand new 7/93. Very very nice to look at! The body and interior are well built and my Bronco has 88,000 original miles on it. But nobody else has mentioned problems with the 2 items I have had to replace 4 times since the very beginning. The A/C compressor (no cost when it was still under warranty) and the radius arm bushings which are a problem due to deterioration from heat. They also cause a problem when you go for a front end alignment because they have to be replaced first. I have a 351W engine and yes the gas mileage is bad!

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  XL Bronco - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Bronco16 - April 3 - 7:01 pm

  Best truck Ive driven. Great drive- ability, great power will climb the toughest grades on snow or rain. Every part of this truck can be found in part stores or LMC Truck. Mine has 160,000 miles on it and it still starts and runs every time. The five speed manual is bullet proof never had to work on it. It still shifts as smooth as ever. To sum it all up this truck gets a ten from me because it just keeps going and going.

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  Watch Out! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Frank - April 3 - 6:05 pm

  I purchased this Ford with 26,000 miles for just over $11000. The car has been great, until now With 80000 miles, the transmission failed without warning, the rear wheel bearings started screaming for attention. Now that the repairs are done, the car leaks transission and engine oil. Im told bad design. This was my first and last Ford, Im going back to a Jeep!

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  2006 GT Convertable - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mark J - April 3 - 5:53 pm

  We purchased this car one year old, and it has been fantastic in reliability and retro style. Love the convertable roof, stereo is very good (shaker 500), and the car drives extremely well. We traded a very unreliable and quirky Mazda rx8 for this car, and every time I turn the key the Mustang jumps to life and is eager to run. The car handles very well considering its size and gives the driver a confident feel of the road, always in control. A 1500 mile trip to the coast turned in 26 mpg which is great considering the HP/Size (way better than the RX8 too). In town average is around 18 mpg.