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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  "08 Ford Taurus A Step Up! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Russ - August 29 - 5:43 am

  The new 2008 Ford Taurus is definitely a step up from my previously owned 2005 Ford Five Hundred. From acceleration, to handling, to quietness, the Taurus is much improved over the Five Hundred. The attention to detail in the interior cabin design was greatly enhanced, the seats are still the most comfortable we have found in this class car, and in at least a dozen other ways, great and small, the car is an improvement over the Five Hundred basic concept. The gas mileage is a bit disappointing, but I enjoy the new power and feel of the engine! The 08 Taurus is a winner!

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  Are you serious? - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By 1oFaKiND - August 29 - 3:21 am

  Over the last couple of months Ive had so much fun offroading the Expedition taking it to long distance trips it cannot get any more comfortable it already is it feels as if they used Nasa cushion in the chairs any ways im happy with my Expedition and Im planning to keep it for a long time. Im also going to keep the cheap black plastic :)

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  Continuing Brake Problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bill - August 29 - 2:50 am

  Enjoy the space and comfort but the brakes have been replaced twice, even though the I have had the car for 21 months and it has only 11,400 miles as of 11/24/06. The dealer tells me it is a continuing problem on the Five Hundred and Freestyle, which apparently has the same braking system. The computer system failed at 5000 miles and had to be towed in to have the software downloaded again. I have also had an annoying squeak in the rear suspension system since I bought it and the dealer hasnt been able to fix it for more than a few days at a time. The repair record always reflects "packed with grease".

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  High end feel in a mid range SUV - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Dan - August 28 - 11:56 pm

  I recently purchased an AWD SE from my wife. I got to say that the overall value of the car is excellent. It rides like a much more expensive vehicle. Theres plenty of room to seat five, and the interior of the vehicle Has high grade materials. I do wish that the SE model had the sync three interactive infotainment system. The 2.0 turbo seems to be plenty powerful enough to pass in highway traffic. The Michelin tires are decent. A bit underwhelming in weather. There is plenty of cargo space. I love the overall look of the vehicle and the led lights that complement the rear of the vehicle. I find it to be a great value in the middle d size suv segment.

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  Its Great! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By John Simm - August 28 - 11:30 pm

  I have always been a Chevy guy. When I saw the 05 Mustang I knew I would have a battle on my hands. Bottom line, I am still a Chevy guy, but I love this car!

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  I love this car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - August 28 - 11:00 am

  This is the first sports car I can fit into comfortably. Being 67" I can fit into most cars but would not want to ride in them for hours. The Mustang I could drive all day without my back getting sore. The ride is better than I expected and I have had no problems with the car at all. I looked a WRX also but it look so econobox and the STI version was too expensive.

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  Thoughtfully designed, fun to drive - 2002 Ford Focus
  By patrick - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a three-door hatchback to replace my 89 CRX. The Focus ZX3 had the best collection of features for me and its lived up to my expectations. Good flexible cargo area, good fuel mileage, fun to drive, easy to drive on clogged expressways, good stereo, easy to read instruments in all lighting conditions--and cute in Sangria Red!

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  2002 Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Francies - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I used to owen Honda (accord), Toyota (corolla), Subaru (legacy). The price and preformance, build quality is much better for this car

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  2003 Focus ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By pmh - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I really do like the Focus, but too many problems, and I though 2003 vehicles had been fixed. I have had my car back 5 times having new rotors at 9000 miles, alignment problems, vibrations through through the steering wheel, water leaking in from the windsheild, radio, door latches sticking, exterior trim falling off. Its just not worth it...stay away from this vehicle. Ford does not accept any responsibility for the product!!!

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  Great Sport/Race Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By LightningBoy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have no regrets buying my 2001 Ford Lightning. It has all the handling and performance one could ask for from a 35,000ish dollar vehicle. You also get the functionality of a shortbed truck that can haul a 16 ft. trailer or another vehicle. I also own a 2002 and its just as good! Thank you.