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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  A Breakthrough for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fourthvoice - April 18 - 3:06 am

  I became a Ford customer with my 1986 Taurus company car. That car was a breakthrough for Ford. The new Five Hundred is another breakthrough vehicle. It combines the best of American values with engineering from around the world. Weve had 3 Duratec V6 Tauruses; what a fun and reliable engine. The new ZF 6 speed transmission is smooth and responsive. Good work, Ford!

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  Behemoth - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By WAIN - April 17 - 10:10 pm

  This is the best family vehicle in comfort, ride, reliability, and safety. And not to forget the cargo space. My father in-law is a world business man and travels quite often and brings us back a lot of goodies and this Excursion welcomes him and all his cargo with open doors. Weve taken trips from San Diego to Vancouver Canada and back, Vegas, LA to Seattle, and many trips to San Francisco with 4 large adults and two kids, and everyone praised how well it rides. It is really comfortable on long and short trip, rides high so you can enjoy the scenery.

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  Never buy a Ford! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Disgusted - April 17 - 3:54 pm

  Nice vehicle in terms of looks, comfort, safety and driveability. But it has been costly to maintain. Needed new tie rods, intake manifold developed a leak, new rotors, AC/heater control failed, blown head gasket. Over $8000 in repairs with 66000 miles. I have owned three Fords and all had major mechanical problems. Thats three strikes in my book. I will never buy another Ford. I looked at an Odyssey but wanted to buy American. Its a national disgrace that they cant build a better vehicle.

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  Texas Edition - Excellent Value - 2007 Ford F-150
  By jbm_TX - April 17 - 10:03 am

  A fantastic truck, value-for-money. I looked at Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota. The Ford F150 is a real truck and it rides like a luxury car thanks to the recent changes in shock positioning. I switched from Ford to Nissan and now I am back in a Ford to stay.

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  Nice car if youre looking for a money pit - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ryan - April 17 - 4:59 am

  I would not reconmend this vehicle. I have had nothing but problems from sqeaks and rattles to leaking sunroofs due to faulty weatherstriping and the new one is with the emergency brake assembly going bad causing the wheel to lock up temporarly once in a while. I have older explores and never had a problem. Im unhappy with my experiences in this vehicle. Built ford tough sure it is.

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  Bit the Dust - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Texas Blondell - April 16 - 3:01 pm

  I never had a problem with this car breaking down. I had it checked every six months. The ABS kicked in when it was supposed to. This car was very reliable. enjoyed having this car. The disappointment was that even though being well maintained the major parts, i.e. engine and transmission just went with age. I have a good looking exterior car but it is worthless because the repairs are too costly.

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  Great Family Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris & Abby - April 16 - 12:53 pm

  For a family of four with two car seats this car is great. The car offers ample passenger and cargo space in all configuations. Additionally changing seating/cargo configurations is very quick and easy. Its a great cross between a station wagon and SUV without sacrificing comfort, road handling, or visibility. In addition it has great fuel economy for its cargo and passenger capacity. If you have a fairly big family and dont need to tow much weight this is the an excellent choice.

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  Still Excellent - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Owner - April 16 - 12:30 pm

  I still love it even though its 6 years old, and even though I now make more of a Lexus salary than Ford. Very reliable. In those 6 years its been into the shop exactly once for new brake pads. Great for hauling and towing. I easily haul a 4,500 lb. boat, plus wife and two kids and associated stuff. Great fuel economy. Much better than the newer design.

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  2nd Taurus, Never Happier - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By gmercedesbenz - April 16 - 10:36 am

  Bought my baby in March of 07 with 74k on her. Its been 2 months, Ive taken her to Long Island and Virgina, with no problems at all. Only had to replace a sway bar link when I first got her, under dealer warranty. My SEL is loaded with ever option. Highly suggested for a college commuter, it will get you there, and look good when you get there!

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  Drivability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Larry J. - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, good, but could ge better. Road noise and fuel are bummers. Ride, comfort and performance are good but not great. Leather Seats are comfortable but power adjustments are too limited. I prefered the overhead display to the tiny in dash display of temperature and direction. Stearing wheel tilt adjustment could be better. I wish I had opted for the back-up scanner. Too much shifting while in cruise in small hill terrain.