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 SUV - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By SUVLover - July 19 - 10:03 pm

  Overall, a very good SUV. Great power/performance, very good towing capacity/capability, lots of interior room, 3rd row seating that actually can fit 2 smaller adults, nice styling. 4WD cuts in flawlessly when needed. Seats are comfortable but not as much as others Ive driven. Bad blind spot in the passenger rear corner but can be compensated for by adjusting the side view mirror. Transmission sometimes has harsh engagement before it warms up when accelerating from a stop. Brakes get some getting used to since it takes more pressure than most vehicles Ive driven over the past 40 years.

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  Better gas - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By justin - July 19 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my exp in June. I like it a lot. It has 220,000 miles in it it is a very good SUV. I like it a lot safe for my kids but I got spark plugs done. It gets good gas now like 16 miles a gal.

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  2007 Escape Review - 2007 Ford Escape
  By EscapeDriver - July 19 - 12:47 pm

  I love my escape. I always wanted a black SUV and when we drove the escape, I knew this was the right SUV for me. Ive had it since 2007 and havent had any problems! Its incredibly reliable and fun to drive. I would definitely get another escape in the future

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  summer time suv - 2010 Ford Escape
  By JACK - July 16 - 3:10 pm

  Great summer time SUV. Great city miles. When snow is on the ground this 4 cyl, fwd is bad news. It slides. You cannot go down any small grades when snow is on the ground. The tires glaze and you do not stop. I took pictures of the glazed tires. After the roads are plowed it is not bad. Too light in the front rotten traction. Will trade for an awd.

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  Transmission Problems at 70K - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Northern IL - July 16 - 2:37 pm

  I bought this used with 3K miles on it, have driven 80K. I really like the car. There are two issues, one is the lumbar support broke, the part is $35, but the seat would have to be taken apart. The real problem is the transmission. It will jump out of gear on hard acceleration, and wont downshift at times or when it does it clunks into gear. There is a module inside the transmission that is worn out, appears at about 70K plus miles. So youre out of warranty. It is about $2K to fix. Gas mileage is also lower than expected, but it is a heavy car. I get around 24 average (hwy and town).

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  First thoughts since buying a used SEL - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Pete - July 16 - 11:33 am

  My 1998 Mercury Sable GS, which I bought 3rd owner, for $1000, and lasted 4 years, had to go bye-bye. It was BEAT! but the engine and tranny were excellent. So what do I get my wife now?? We happily found a 2007 Ford Taurus SEL, sure it has 73G miles, but it runs and looks excellent. 2nd owner, was an old fellas car, did a lot of trips. Black exterior, Tan leather interior, all options I can see, power everything, sunroof, 6CD changer. And after a couple of trips we are averaging 31 MPG out on the Highway! WOW! Doesnt matter if windows and sunroof open or AC is on, same mileage. Ride is terrific for us. Nice seating. Roomy (I am 6-2 260!). Smooth at a Cruise locked 55 MPH. Quiet.

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  I got a good deal - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - July 16 - 12:49 am

  I am quite surprised by some of these reviews. I bought my 99 Taurus with 35k miles and it now has 160k miles. I have had no problems what so ever with this vehicle. I have a friend with a 98 and his has 250k miles on it and it runs like a champ. I do regular maintenance on my vehicle, oil changes, a few trans flushes, breaks and the like. Overall, I have been quite happy with this car and look forward to another easy 100k miles. -Paul

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  Nice Ford Vehicle - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By glett - July 15 - 7:44 pm

  We purchased at 115,000 miles and sold it at 185,000 miles. Solid reliable vehicle mechanically. No major mechanical issues! Little things went wrong like drivers side auto window, electrical issues with factory radio/cd player. However, it always started in cold, never leaked fluids and maintained the V6 power and 4-wheel drive.

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  Energizer ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By rich - July 15 - 12:47 pm

  Excellent running truck. Im the 3rd owner of this truck. Currently it has 185,000 miles with just regular maint. I work for nys dot and the truck gets me to work in the worst snowstorms with summer tires. I do agree the fuel mileage does stink 18 mpg.

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  PonyPkgV6Premium - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Pres. - July 15 - 8:25 am

  Except for gas mileage, this is about as much fun as Ive ever had driving an automobile. I dont refueling as I only get 20-22 mpg. I did slightly modify the dash panel as the chrome rings around the gauges made the instruments hard to read in some sunlight conditions. The Pony Package suspension with cold air intake and DynaFlow duals make driving country roads near my home a blast!