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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  The best crossover nobody knows about. - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By UltimateX - January 27 - 10:43 am

  I really like this vehicle, it drives like a car, has room for 6 adults. The kids really like their heated seats and 2nd row center console, and I really like the Sync and power liftgate. The AWD system is seamless, really the only indication that it is working is the fact that you are accelerating effortlessly in heavy snow when everyone else is spinning. This vehicle is an ideal blend of car, mini van, wagon and SUV. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Love this SUV, would recommend to anyone! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By happy customer - January 27 - 10:24 am

  Bought this car brand new and have never had any problems, just regular maintenance, still going strong. Hope to get a lot more miles out of the car, now has 87,000 miles, maybe get 200,000?

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  FOCUS = Fix Or Curse Until Stolen - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - January 27 - 7:36 am

  This car is an absolute piece of garbage. I got it as a commuter car for nothing but highway driving. I drive 60 miles a day at 65 in a straight line. Where do I begin to describe the problems? The interior is cheap and flimsy. The radio dial literally melts in high heat. The car feels like it will fall apart at 65. Awful road noise. The seats seem to consist of a cloth, cardboard, and styrofoam mixture. Reliability is terrible. I had it in the shop for routine mechanical and electrical problems every 6 months. It once shut off on a highway, literally turning off at 60 mph. Do not, under any circumstances, buy this car. Spend the extra money on a civic and save on repairs.

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  Fantastic Car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By dewiseone - January 27 - 6:07 am

  Took over 3 months from ordering to possession but was well worth the wait. My wife and I absolutely love the car. It is the most comfortable car I have sat in. It is easy for a large man 6 ft 285 lbs to get in and out of. We are only averaging 40.9 mpg. I know it is not 47 but blame the EPA and not Ford. They make up the rules for the test, Ford just followed them. I am happy with the mileage, how many other roomy mid size sedans can get over 40 mpg?

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  The SVTF is a hoot - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Donland23 - January 26 - 11:21 pm

  I purchased my SVT Focus new with 67 miles on the clock in 8/04. As of 1/08, its now at nearly 70k miles. While I cant say theyve been entirely trouble free, the Focus has never left me stranded. All of its foibles have been superficial. Right now it has no issues other then steering wheel wobble at freeway speeds, and even thats not too bad. Performance is superior 0-60 mph in about 8 secs, and up to 34 mpg on the hwy are both legit numbers Ive acheived. Being a hatchback has also helped, such as when I fit an entire kitchen table with the seats folded. Overall, great car for the money, and no regrets in purchasing it.

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  Great truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ryan - January 26 - 10:15 pm

  I love this truck I have never had a problem rides and runs smoothly the only problem I ever noticed with it was after fueling it takes about an hour to indicate that its full but whatever no big deal the only thing i had to take it in for was the a/c but they replaced the whole unit so it works great now. Great truck

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  Never another Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill - January 26 - 9:56 pm

  This is my second Explorer with a bad transmission, the first one was a 1996. When I wanted to have the tranny fluid changed my Ford dealer told me it wasnt a serviceable item. Funny, the owners manual says to change fluid every 30K miles. Also, at 75K miles the back wheel bearing went bad. I also had to have the rear axle seals replaced at 60K miles since I was leaking axle fluid on my garage floor. Brakes wear quickly as well. Too many problems to consider this vehicle dependable and/or economical. Will not buy or recommend another.

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  250,000 miles and still going - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Jan - January 26 - 9:42 pm

  I love my wagon. Never anything major gone wrong. It is a 5 speed manual and still has original clutch. Yep, the ol gal has been a trooper. Im thinking of getting a new vehicle now but I will not get rid of my old faithful. I never would have beleived when I bought this car new that it would reach 250K miles. What a car!

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  What a joke. - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Bryan J - January 26 - 5:55 pm

  This foreign engineered, made in Mexico piece of crap is not only a huge rattetrap, its slow and depreciates around 8 to 9k from the sticker price in 3 months and less than 6k miles. If you enjoy searching for the cause of rattles and poor fuel economy, this is the car for you. Last. Ford. Ever.

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  Great American Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By JoAnne Harrell - January 26 - 12:47 pm

  Tried other cars foreign and domestic, but came back to the Ford. I am a golfer so trunk space was very important. The interior design and comfort are impressive. Getting use to the SYNC with hands free dialing--not available on foreign cars yet. Came with serius radio. Drive and ride are very quiet and comfortable. Previously had a Camry and 300M. This car is already a more impressive car. Should be a fierce competitor. Way to go Ford!