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:

• 

  Nice - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By 03 - February 20 - 5:48 pm

  I bought my truck about a year ago and I do a lot of driving. This has to be my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. The power is there when you need it and I love trying to push it as much as possible. Gas miledge is nothing to write home about but getting about 18- 19 with heavy city driving and traffic isnt too bad. Love the visibility, much better then sitting on the ground with my old Tercel.

• 

  Awesome little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Doug - February 20 - 4:42 pm

  I love driving this truck. I would have liked to have a 5 speed, but circumstances at the time dictated that I take what I could get. My last truck was a F-250 with lock out hubs. I love this truck that all you have to do is turn a switch and youre in 4WD. With the off road package, its a little rough on fuel, but not the worst that Ive seen.

• 

  What a Bargain - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By fredco - February 20 - 4:35 pm

  I just bought a 08 Ford Taurus last week and cant believe what you get for the money. Since 1998, I had five Cadillac Devilles and two Eldorados. When I drive the Taurus, I dont see much difference between it and the Devilles that Ive had. I suppose there may be a little more road noise in the Taurus, but not much. Ive been resetting my mileage gauge when I go from city to highway or highway to city driving to see how the mileage looks. So far, it appears that Im getting about 17 city and 28 highway which is great for a car that is this big, comfortable and safe. Im quite pleased with this purchase.

• 

  Have it almost one year - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By LeeAnn - February 20 - 2:12 pm

  I like the vehicle, but have had problems with a strange strong vibration when the car hits 50 - 55 mph. Had it back at the dealership several times. Other than that, I enjoy it, I drive approximately 80 miles a day 5 days a week and the drive is enjoyable minus the vibration. I used to have a Nissan Maxima, which lasted me 9 years and 250,000+ miles, hopefully the Ford Fusion will prove to be comparable. However, the Fusion is definitely a lot better in the snow than the Maxima!

• 

  500 dollars well invested - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By DSCES - February 20 - 10:07 am

  We bought the car used and for only $500 dollars. When you buy something for that price and at that age things will go wrong. We have had it for almost a year now and the car still starts and runs. We had to do two repairs on it but nothing to serious. 1st thing was a oil leak and second was a MAF sensor. Other then those two things it runs great. So I can trust my teens in this car to drive because its big and dependable

• 

  Bad Paint - 2003 Ford Escape
  By LauraD - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my Ford Escape and the interior is good except that the gear shift is in the way of the radio controls. My problem is that the paint has not performed well at all. I took it to a car wash (big mistake) and it is covered with swirl marks! I am shocked at how bad they are. After fighting with the car wash people I was actually forced to make a claim to my insurance to have it repaired, and they thought it was bad enough to pay. So now I have a brand new vehicle with paint that looks ten years old. I even paid to get the stupid paint protectant from the dealer. My first mistake.

• 

  A Big Black Eye - 2001 Ford Escape
  By acaboo - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This was our first new car and very excited to order it just as we wanted it. Loaded! At 13,800 we now need a new transmission. Our dealer has not even called us and the Escape has been in their shop for two weeks today. I called and inquired why no one had bothered to update us and was told the salesman "must have forgot". The transmission problem has left me on the side of the road for the second time and if I have my way.....it will be the last chance it and any Ford dealership will get. Not Happy!!!

• 

  Dorf on Trucks - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dorf - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Practical as a Truck and yet I can haul 5 adults comfortably. Gas mileage is decent and interior is quite comfortable. Left leg room is limited with steering wheel so close. Overall a very useable/practical vehicle.

• 

  NICE TRUCK - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Steve456 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this truck with a 5.4L engine although edmunds didnt give me that choice...people if you are looking for a truck your search has just stopped. One of the best..spend the extra money and get a 5.4 instead of a 4.6. Great all around truck

• 

  A Car for all season-reasons - 2003 Ford Focus
  By majorette - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. Well equiped and fun to run.Too early to judge reliability and fuel economy. Best $CND for car of this class.