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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  Great small truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By JC - August 22 - 11:25 pm

  Cant say much more than the title. Have owned this truck for about two years now and the one thing that stands out is that it will go just about anywhere. Have taken it up 45 degree hills with no slippage in mud and snow and it tows my 16.5 bass boat as if it was not even there. Have experienced some of the normal, minor problems of this model but all of the info available on the web makes fixing hem a breeze.

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  A Solid 9 - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ChampionDriver01 - August 22 - 8:31 pm

  Reliability- in 110K, needed only gas, reg maint, a hose, 2 transaxle seals, and the low coolant light comes on 4 no reason. Build quality is a 9 b/c panels come loose, and cruise button quit. Ext design is perfect. Interior design is str8up. Is A lot of fun 2 drive. Gas mileage is poor, 20 city, 23 highway, and I do 95% highway. EPA is 20/27. Comfort-9 (see below). Performance- 9. For cruddy gas mileage, would love another 100HP, 200 and 24V isnt enough. But I love it, perect family car. Dont care for the Fusion, may go for 2008 Taurus, because I loved the 500, but never got one.

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  More HP - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BOB CASEY - August 22 - 6:36 pm

  Excellent car; so far only have 5000 mile on it. Could use more horsepower. It is a little sluggish from 0-60, other than that very well built car.

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  Waiting for the Camaro - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By dave1958 - August 22 - 8:24 am

  Couldnt wait for the Camaro so I bought a Mustang GT convertible. I am not greatly impressed with the 300 HP. I would have bought a Shelby except for the $25K upcharge

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  A decent vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By alexweb8 - August 21 - 10:05 pm

  My family liked our 05 Ford Freestyle for its cargo space and features. There were several safety features we liked too. We were very dissapointed in the performance and gas mileage. We took it in to service yet it still is only getting about 14 mpg! The accessibility could be a bit better like how the third row always gets stuck. It also could use more interior quality. I enjoy driving but I understand why the car doesnt sell very well. I hope Ford improves this car for 2008.

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  No Problems - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By No problem - August 21 - 8:46 pm

  Bought it new in early 2001. Wifes car shes a lead foot. Very few problems, no engine or tranmission problems. Sliding doors need adjusting very couple years. We put 107500 miles in 6.5 years. Never broke down, if they still made them Id buy another. We never missed an oil change or other service.

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  Leaky Sunroof - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Nelson - August 21 - 10:21 am

  We bought our 2007 Expedition Limited in January of this year. For the money you wont find a vehicle with more options. The vehicle overall is great with one exeption. We live in Alaska where it snows frequently in the winter and rains often in the summer. The sunroof has leaked the whole time. We are concerned that it will effect the entertainment center just behind the sunroof. The dealer has attempted seven times now to repair, replace or do whatever it takes to fix the problem. Unfortunately we are in the process of going through Ford to replace the vehicle under the lemon law.

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  Poor fuel economy - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mi - August 21 - 2:57 am

  I had to replace the engine head although there was coolant in the tank. Fuel economy is terrible. It now barely makes about 13 mpg.

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  The Real Deal - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Eagleman - August 21 - 2:40 am

  Ford hit a home run with this one. We now have over 100,000 miles on our loaded 2002 SEL and have put less than $2000 total maintenance (including tires) into the car since we purchased it new. It has been a great smooth and quiet ride through all the years. We get 29 mpg on the hwy going 85 mph or 55 mph. A great road trip vehicle.

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  Old Blue - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Indy2007 - August 20 - 5:02 pm

  My father purchased this truck off a used car lot. It was a one owner and the owner was a old man who wanted a new vehicle. He bought the truck with a little under 1000,000 miles on it. He had to put a new exhaust on it as well as fix a cracked injector and normal wear and tear parts. This was a family truck with a 5.4 triton motor that worked great for pulling our 26 foot camper(6000 pounds roughly). Due to his job he had to buy a 4x4 and gave his son(me) the truck. I drive it to and from college(about 2hrs). and it is wonderful. I have gotten up to 18 mpg(driving senible) but if you drive it hard it can go under 14 mpgs. Its has 150,000 miles and still looks and runs as good as a new one.