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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  space space space - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tall driver - June 12 - 2:56 am

  At 65" I can fit into usual competitors (Impala, Charger...), but a full-size person could not fit in the back seat of other cars behind me. Back seat in this car makes you feel youre driving in a limo. Raised seats keep legs/back from cramping during long rides. EXTREMELY comfortable. Only car where I dont feel in a hurry to get out of car. Agile. Acceleration in town good thanks to gearing. Youll hear engine entering freeway, but runs smooth and very quiet at highway speeds (75 mph) allows you to enjoy radio. Wind noise nearly non-existent, road noise reasonable. Suspension/ride perfect -- absorbs bumps well but feels nimble. Friends will want to take your car.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By jtspenfield - June 11 - 9:34 pm

  Excellent full-sized sedan for the money! We bought a 2006 SEL with all the available options leather, sun roof, alloy wheels, ABS, etc. The car is very roomy and has very comfortable leather seats. My friends commented on how smooth the ride is! Acceleration and power are good, not top of the line, but more than adequate for most drivers. Ive been averaging 25mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. One recent long highway trip averaged 31 mpg, very nice! Folks, you own it to yourself to check this vehicle out. Great news that Ford is keeping the Taurus name!

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  Nice SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Greg - June 11 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my EXP sport used and I have really enjoyed the ride. I found the vehicle to be just the right size for me, as I am generally the only one in the vehicle.

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  Another Truck Review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Nick - June 11 - 4:40 pm

  Great truck, so far only 3,000 miles on it and no complaints. Gas mileage not great but its a truck. The interior is like a sedan with no engine noise and very little road noise. A/C is not cold; on 100 degree days it can still be warm in the cab. The sound system is lacking power unless you add a amp. or aftermarket speakers. The power of the truck is adequate for the truck size. Cmon your pushing 5500 lbs. of steel. When you step on the gas it will go, it just takes a little bit longer. The new tires that Ford has contracted with is okay, why didnt they make a more common size; its pretty hard to find a replacement tire. Overall great truck.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Vince - June 11 - 3:56 am

  Seemed hard to get a Escape Hybrid, but it was well worth the wait after ordering it. Absolutely love driving it and watch the MPG display show 33+ MPG. Love the body style and the interior is very well designed. I couldnt be happier with this purchase.

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  2006 Explorer V8 - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Dennis Barrett - June 10 - 7:21 pm

  I now have 18,000 miles and here comes the transmission clunk (at slow speeds) everyone is talking about. Not sure what to do as it sounds like everyone is getting the big blow off from Ford. This is my third Explorer and yes it is quiet. The glare from the dash however is life threatening and I hope Fords attorneys are prepared. The only help has been to put on one of those white-trash dash covers....really classy! Its no secret about the door handles and gas mileage. Ride was very nice at first, now after a year feeling each bump! Also if quality is job one, then how about a five or seven year warranty?

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  love this car! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By colleen - June 10 - 6:10 pm

  This car is fun to drive. I use the navigation system constantly with my line of work. Open and airy. I constantly get comments about how nice the car looks. Handles great in the snow. Very fast and sport. Absolutely love this car. I almost bought another Ford Escape but changed my mind at the last minute, now I am glad I did. Great job Ford once again.

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  3rd one in seven years - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By BOBB - June 10 - 5:33 pm

  Good,solid transportation. Not the most stylish, but very dependable. The 4.0L is greatly improved The supercab might allow for an overnight bag or tackle box,anything more and I use the Expedition. Excellent value - never pay more than invoice!

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  1995 Ford Escort 4dr sedan - 1995 Ford Escort
  By thumper7 - June 10 - 4:53 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage and is pretty comfortable. The performance is OK. It takes a while to accelerate, but it turns good. Great for a first car or an extra

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  Ford Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Carla - June 10 - 1:37 am

  I love everything about this truck except the gas mileage. It is a good family vehicle took 2 adults and 4 kids on a 600 mile trip with pleanty of room. Very reliable, cant complain about the way it handles on the hwy. I really enjoy driving this vehicle. It had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it 1 1/2 years ago now has 89,000 have had very little maint. had to replace 2 spark plugs and 2 coils and the brake pads. Too bad it doesnt do a little better on gas mileage.