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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  Reliable SES - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Buddy4 - March 27 - 10:58 am

  Has been a very reliable car, never have had anything fail or break down. The only expenses have been routine maintainence items, i.e. belts, hoses, battery, tires, etc.

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  New to Ford - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Richard - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I am a pro-Ford, pro-Dodge, pro-Chevy guy and really enjoy seeing all three ramp up their muscle car lines. In other words, I have no bias for or against any of the three. This is the first Ford product (other than my 28 model A) and it has been a blast so far. Excellent power, the stability control has saved my @$$ and my kids cant wait until I die so they get to drive it! I have no plans to ever get rid of this one. I highly recommend it to people looking for a long term addition to his/her garage and to those who enjoy weekends with nice weather or taking a car to the track.

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  More than Youd Expect - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - March 26 - 11:22 pm

  There are enough bells and whistles for convenience. Too bad theres only 153hp under the hood! Rides great on smooth highways -- jittery on any thing less or in heavy crosswinds. Handles OK but somewhat ponderous for parking and around town. Huge trunk. Comfortable seats. Too soon to know real world mileage but the computer says 28 highway about 26.5 in town.

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  Junk - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By padge24 - March 26 - 11:19 pm

  Torque converter failed at 40,000 miles. Brakes are a constant issue, poor design. Gas mileage is worse than most other minivans. Save your money and look at a different brand of van. I have owned a Ford Escort, Taurus, Ranger p/u, Explorer and currently also drive an F150 p/u. I dont have any complaints with any of those vehicles but the Freestar is a piece of junk. Hope I was clear.

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  Look elsewhere - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By spence - March 26 - 9:46 pm

  Clunks going into reverse, rear bangs when making sharp corners, front end shakes even with brand new premium tires, rotors warped making brakes pulsate, front end squeaks when going over bumps, rear gate low quality....rattles continually, engine feels disconnected from gas pedal, sliding moonroof cover falls off track, CDs get jammed in player every time, factory speakers are junk. I had a 96 Explorer for ten years. It was the best vehicle I ever owned. So I figured Id get another after the other was trouble- free for all those years. What a mistake. Stay clear of these vehicles.

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  Great Daily Driver - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mshuler09 - March 26 - 7:57 pm

  Purchased from a family member who got it from a Ford dealer used. As an auto tech student Ive done some work to it. Since Ive had it, and the only problems Ive found with it are leaking valve covers, and the thermostat on it got stuck open. Pretty easy fixes, and nothing that will leave you stranded. Overall its a great car to drive everyday.

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  Yum, I like to eat tires - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - March 26 - 7:45 pm

  I bought my little 4 cyl. for about 10k. It has nothing but ac, spray in bedliner, and a cd player. I like the interior and the seats okay. My problem is it always eats the tires. I have the tires rotated, and the alignment check over and over and yet it still eats the inside of the front left. Ford says there is nothing wrong with it.. You get what you pay for. I want something new but my wife wont let me get anything worthwhile and we dont have much money so 10k is 10k. Stay away if you arent poor like me.

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By CAROL - March 26 - 7:21 pm

  I bought this car 5 years ago from an individual that bought it new. My Ford Explorer now has right at 300,000 miles on it . You read right - 300,000 miles. We still take off on 4 hour one way trips all the time. The check engine light stays on a lot but I have gotten used to it as the car still runs perfect. We drove it on a 4 hour trip this past weekend and it brought us home as always with no problems. I love my Ford Explorer and all the extras it has such as the keyless entry, temperature and compass. I would recommend this car to my best friend

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  The best of both worlds - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TNTrac - March 26 - 6:46 pm

  I was tired of maintaining both a car to carry folks in and a truck to carry big things in, so I bought my Sport Trac almost three years ago. Its the vehicle of choice when the family gets together to go out or on vacation. Backseat riders say the backseat is as roomy or roomier than that of any car I have ever owned. I love the looks of a truck, and the Sport Trac lets me drive a car/SUV that looks like a truck. The small bed is sufficient for my needs, although I admit it may well not be for some folks. Also, I have noticed that the number of men and women who drive the Sport Tracs I see seem to be pretty equal, so the Sport Trac is in many ways a crossover vehicle.

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  Silent killer - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bill - March 26 - 6:35 pm

  Its a good handling truck overall. The only thing is it wears tires out fast and the front end shakes a lot. The engine at 100,000 miles had a tune up and it cost 1,800 dollars we had to replace 3 coils on the plugs. At 116,000 miles the motor went out and we spent 7,000 dollars on a new motor. The Ford company says the motors have very tight tolerances and have no room for error. The oil gummed up in the oil pan and stopped up the return tubes not allowing the oil to drain back down to the bottom end. So the oil pump failed and the cam phasers went then the bottom end. Most mechanics say its a bad design on the motor.