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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  my Taurus wagon - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Weshoe - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Taurus Wagon 1 year old with 39000 miles on it. It has performed flawlessly for my family with little exception. The only repair it has needed was to cut the front brake rotors in the 20000 miles driven since I bought it.

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  great car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By chuck1 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had no problems. Its really smooth on the highway and cruises well. The ride is nice, and the engine is probably the best feature. Gets about 24 mpg on the highway, which is not as good as its supposed to be, but its plenty powerful. The seats could be better.

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  This vehicle could have been more reliable - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By woodinva - December 26 - 9:26 am

  Replaced Good year Tires RTS at 10k ( dealer replace) then again they wore out at 40K . Tranny replaced at 37K miles. Shocks replaced at 40K miles ALl new Front end & ball joints replaced at 40K miles. Bearings replaced at 40k miles. Got new Michelin LTX M+S at 40K miles now rides like a dream if you ROTATE tires every 10k miles.

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  Awesome first car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jara - December 25 - 7:34 pm

  I received my Mustang for my first car and I have loved driving it for the past three years. It turns heads, provides the get up and go needed for passing on the interstate and has decent milage for a sports car (averages 20mpg in town and on the highway). I have never had even the slightest problem with the reliability of this vehicle. The only thing that concerns me is that it is totally a warm weather vehicle, in the midwest where we can get a few feet of snow at a time, the RWD and light overall weight of the car just is not safe enough even in town on snow-packed streets. Also, for long drives, even my young back begins to hurt. Even with these criticisms, I still love my Mustang.

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  2005 Escape - A must have SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Traci Muchowski - December 25 - 1:40 pm

  I have driven Ford cars my entire life. This is my first SUV. I will probably never go back to driving a car. I absolutely love this vehicle. We live in the Cleveland area and have seen hundreds of these vehicles on the road. It appears to be a very popular here. I would recommmend this vehicle in a heartbeat!

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  My Sweet Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sweet Escape - December 25 - 1:26 pm

  I replaced my 02 Mercury Mountaineer- 6cyl-AWD-that was getting about 12miles to the gallon for this great 08 Escape. I get on average of 23-25mpg and I love it. Everytime I go to the gas pump I smile--except at the prices of course. I had test driven the Jeep Patriot and Liberty but wasnt satisfied. Once I got behind the wheel of the Escape I knew. I love the Vista Blue Metallic, its gorgeous! This is my 1st vehicle with a sunroof and it has spoiled me. I also love the satellite radio-NASCAR! This is my first new vehicle-I definitely made a wise choice.

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  75K No Problems with reliability - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Terry - December 25 - 8:03 am

  Owned for 4yrs and 75k miles. Drive 70 miles a day on main hwys to work. No major issues. 36 - 38 mpg. Just had serviced all good . brake pads 75% left. Upgraded tires for better winter traction. Rear deck material falling apart. Drivers rubber molding comes loose.

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  Rented car for a week - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Mike H - December 25 - 7:16 am

  So, i got this 2017 model while my original SUV was getting fixed after a tree branch fell on it. Pros: sync 3 is like an iphone and very responsive, good headlights, upgraded brakes as part of limited upgraded worked well, good grip on road though i drove in dry conditions. Cons: the interior surfaces scratched easily but perhaps thst is due to soft plastics?, the upper dash is soft but where you right leg hits dash is hard which is bad for a tall guy, acceleration with the base eco boost is bad especially for freeway merge, fuel economy at best was 16.5 mpg which is well below EPA, parking brake hits your left foot. Seriously ford, you couldnt put in an electronic parking brake as you hate hand brakes?

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  Happy about my Explorer!! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sharron - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my vehicle 3 months ago and I am very happy with my Explorer. I love the interior and exterior design. It is a comfortable ride, but it is a little noisy.

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  FUN MUSTANG - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MIKE - December 25 - 2:00 am

  tHIS IS MY 3RD MUSTANG. THE BEST ONE SO FAR. GOT TRIPLE BLACK CONVERTIBLE. A GREAT CAR FOR A GREAT PRICE.