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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  Too Few Made For Ford To Care - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sloopy98 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  With only 4800 made for the US, Ford does not want to invest in fixing an idle problem common to many SVTs. Lots of little problems - stalling, poor low-end torque, fog lamp with condensation, loose plastic buzzing in engine compartment, backfires on deceleration.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By teen - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Being the daughter two hard-working, blue collar workers, this SUV was a big investment for our family. Luckily, it has been a great purchase. The only thing that kinda hurts is the poor gas mileage, but we have been doing okay on long trips. Being 17, I really appreciate the audio system. Moonroof was a great addition, it really adds something. I have 2 siblings and we vacation for long periods of time (3 weeks, all driving), and the third row seat was GOD SENT. Thanks Ford for giving my family a car that Im not embarassed to be seen in, (BLEH CONVERSION VAN!)

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  Fun little car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Randle - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Ford built a fun little car. Only problem after 36,000 miles is the annoying transmission squeal driving at speeds between 63 and 69 miles per hour. Dealer says this is a design flaw and completely unfixable. Which leaves me driving either over or under the speed limit on my daily freeway commute to work. This squeal could be a contributing factor in road rage.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Laneau - February 20 - 9:42 am

  I purchased this car for my wife. She loves it & so do I. It has good looks in & out. The 3.0 engine is peppy, tranamission shifts smoothly & we average 27 to 29 mpg & we live in the mountains of NC. The front seats are firm, yet confortable. We recommend this car for a great inexpensive & confortable ride!

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  Great family car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By owner - February 20 - 9:11 am

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years and other than oil changes, a precautionary tune-up I gave it after I bought it and a tune up just recently, The only money I put into it (as far as repairs) were for a few faulty sensors none more that $100.00 that I easaly replaced myself. Its roomy, has a powerful DOHC. Great travel car if you have kids and they can bring their friends. My kids loved the rear facing third seat.

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  #1 Car to drive - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Matty Mustang - February 19 - 9:21 pm

  I loved my 2003 Mustang GT deluxe coupe, but all it took was a short test drive for me to trade it in for a 2006 GT premium coupe (both manual transmissions). The increase in horsepower and safety was what truely convinced me. I mostly do in town driving and average about 20 mpg, but I took two trips both over 1200 miles where I averaged 26 mpg. I had to have the stereo replaced about 4 months after I got it, but since then I have had no problems. I have a friend who owns a V6 and he didnt think that there was much difference between his and mine until he took it for a quick spin in the parking lot, now he is thinking of trading his in.

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  Nice car! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By starr - February 19 - 9:13 pm

  I looked at Lexus and MBZ before taking a look at the Taurus Limited. I was impressed with its safety rating. I live in the High Sierras and we will get about 20 of snow a year. The Taurus does great in the snow. The Taurus is not an "old mans" car anymore!

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  Decent Vehicle - Lousy Interior - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas Judge - February 19 - 7:48 pm

  This was our 8th consecutive Ford vehicle, and will probably be our last. Overall, this SUV had the potential to be a great vehicle, but an awful interior design and numerous quality issues ruined it. The 4.0L engine and 5-speed trans are terrific. Body style, ride, handling, etc. all very good. Excellent for moderate towing - we towed a boat and dual snowmobile trailer. The interior is awful. Poor hiproom, inaccessible parking brake release, stupid/awkward door pulls. Experienced following failures: broken lumabar mechanism, 4wd motor failed, PB release failed, engine failed to start, shift lever locked in park. Ford botched an otherwise decent vehicle.

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  Its a great car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tim - February 19 - 3:36 pm

  I go though a lot of cars with my job. This is my first Ford since 1979 and I really like this car. Now Im driving 220 miles a day and it is very comfortable. I have 135,000 miles on it. Never had to do anything to it, expect tires, oil,brakes. No belts or spark plugs ever changed. These car were built on the volvo chassis. I dont buy into people saying it is under powered. I have the speeding tickets to prove them wrong. It will 90 to 100 mph all day long and still get 27 mpg.

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  My Favorite Car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Kyle - February 19 - 11:36 am

  This is my 4th car in two years; Ive had an Accord, an 86 Camaro, a Camry, and now this and I LOVE IT! Its as fast as my V8 Camaro was and the handling is impeccable. I live in Colorado and it even does well in icy conditions given my previous training with rear-wheel drive. The interior is comfortable and smart looking and the exterior is simply HOT. Gas mileage is decent at around 21 mpg compared to 14 mpg in my similar performing V8 Camaro. Though only complaint I have to say quip about is the quality; Ive had it since November and it squeaks like a wild horse. I played the stereo too loud and now the glass in the side view mirrors is loose and rattles! The cheap plastic can cut you.