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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  Vanpool - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By alshoe - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a leased 10 passenger van. I vanpool approximately 140 miles round trip per weekday in Los Angeles, CA traffic. Our previous van, a 2000 Ford Club Wagon, was not the stretched version and had a V10 engine. This one, the 2003, is stretched and has a V8. The V10 was much more responsive and powerful. However the V8 provides adequeate power and averages 1.5 to 2.0 MPG better than the V10 on our commute. With fuel prices rising, that is a plus! It would be nice if Ford offered a hybrid version of this van. Bottom line, considering the abuse our van gets, it has been reliable and have not had any major mechanical problems.

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin - February 14 - 11:59 am

  Im biased because Im a Mustang lover. For all those people disliking the comfort, interior design, and fuel mileage go buy an import. This is not an issue for the real men who drive Mustangs. The interior design is a bit bland but to be honest it doesnt matter with me. This car is so underestimated out there in the high hp car world. Probably because now its kinda rare since they were only produced for 2 years. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Awsome Car! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Jon P. - February 14 - 11:12 am

  This car has been my nice weather car since I bought it back in 97. The performance is what youd expect from a Mustang and fuel economy was actually good. I put a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust and Hypertech power programmer on the car and is much faster than stock. The reliability has been good except for some minor brake and radiator problems. Probably spent around $600 in repairs since owning it. I really like the styling on the interior and the front seats are pretty comfortable. the manual trans has been good and no problems, just replaced clutch once. Overall very satisfied with my purchase and hope the 06 Mustang Im buying this spring will be just as good a car as this one.

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  Good looking but the quality is not there - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Patric Pederson - February 14 - 1:45 am

  So I am just going to say this outright (and this is coming from someone that had owned 6 Fords in 13 years) this car has turned me away from Ford Motor Company. When I bought it, I traded a perfectly good 2010 Focus SE. I really wish I hadnt done that. Sure, the car is pretty fun to drive and it gets pretty great gas mileage but the transmission just puts a dark cloud over all of that. I have had it in the shop 5 times for transmission issues. Fortunately, they have all been covered repairs. One of these episodes left us on the side of the road during our Memorial Day 2015 weekend trip. Its a good thing the breakdown happened just outside of our hometown and our dealership is awesome (always gave me a free loaner). I am having issues with the transmission again and this time I am out of the extended warranty for the vehicle. According to my service advisor, the cost of repair is somewhere in the neighborhood of $1600. Along with those issues, there is a really annoying clunky sounding rattle coming from the rear door. I cannot figure out what it is. Also since almost the beginning of its life, there have been multiple rattles (seems to come from around the headliner). I am trying to get into another vehicle but the value pretty sad and I will have to roll negative equity into a new loan.

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  2004 Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Joe - February 13 - 10:25 pm

  Great road car and the 24V engine has great performance with good gas mileage. We love to travel in this car. You can be in the seats all day and not have your back hurt.

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  Very Pleased - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Richard M - February 13 - 9:16 pm

  We bought a 6 month old vehicle and have driven 12000 miles to date. Very pleased with the comfort, reliability and flexibility. Fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this size too, particularly on the hwy. It is easy to drive, and great at lugging 4 adults and two teenage kids about. Just a little dissapointed with the stock tires and a small amount of lag in the AWD system on snow. Perhaps a decent set of Michelins will rectify that next year.

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  Loved it! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Maverick - February 13 - 7:50 pm

  I bought mine with 36K for $6000. I had minor niggles with the car. 1 month after I bought the car, realized that oil gasket had a leak but the problem was not serious. Occasionally the car smoked but the problem never got out of hand. I got tires changed at 40K and brakes changed at about 60K. Steering squeaks (heard many such complaints about the model). I had the "check engine" light at about 70K - problem with DPFEP valve but the light went away before I could get it repaired. Overall I did not have serious issues with the car. The car was fun to ride. No matter how long I drove I never felt tired. Wrecked it at 80K - now I am unable to resist buying another Taurus.

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  Convertible fun - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Sleevossler@gmail.com - February 13 - 2:23 pm

  Car is gutsy.

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  Have i found my perfect car? - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Douglas - February 13 - 2:20 pm

  My on going quest for the perfect vehicle stopped at the 2006 Ford Mustang V6. I needed a car that looked cool, could carry my friends without too much complaint, and had that fun factor that everyone desires. After first gear I was sold. The pull was impressive. The salesman, who was obviously new to ford, actually asked if it was the V8. The cornering is tight and whips into parking spots effortlessly although the nose is long and sometimes deceptive to where it is. The gas mileage is better than expected, while cruising at 80 mph, I achieved 32 mpg. The cabin is roomy, even for a 62" guy like me. Even still, my knee tends to hit the hard plastic boarder of the center radio cluster.

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  Little BIG Wagon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By ak - February 13 - 1:16 pm

  Bought in 2002 with 105K miles while in school. Was well maintained by previous owner. It currently has 155K miles and had to replace Alternator, Clutch, Tie rod ends, Rear Suspension, Front brakes, Cooling Fan and Thermostat so far. The last maintenance was at 130K miles and never had to do anything after that. I still consider this a extremely reliable car and still gives me 38mpg highway! The engine is rough and noisy, but will start in one try even on coldest days. Have made many long distance trips, a couple of them over 1500 miles one way, and this car has never ever left me stranded. Too bad have to sell it now, am sure the next owner will put another 50K miles easily on it!