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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  nice truck - 1995 Ford F-250
  By Matt - October 15 - 1:56 pm

  I recently purchased a 95. Its an XLT 4x4 with the 5.8 and a 5 speed. I am very pleased with this truck. It has good road manners, and shines offroad. This truck loves the mud and is at home on the trail. The manual locking hubs are a pain, though they are strong. Overall, this is a great truck. My only gripe is poor(13 mpg) gas mileage, but its a truck. If I wanted good gas mileage I would have bought a Prius.

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  Love and Hate it - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WHITFOC - October 15 - 2:16 am

  I have had a 98 and an 02. I have had a number of problems with the 02. The rear seals and wheel bearing have been replaced twice, 10K miles apart. The transmission has been in four times. The filter assembly changed twice and now it is in for a new tranny at 43K. Luckily I paid for an extended warranty. Life span of rotors is horrible, same as 98. Sunroof, front wheel bearings, and drivers seat cover replaced. The truck is great. The reliability is horrible. This will be the last Explorer. Too bad they cant make quality job 1 anymore. First model year, but should not have had this many problems.

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  Maybe its just my luck - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MyPoorPony - October 12 - 2:11 pm

  I bought a 2005 Premium Convertible. My first car Ive bought on my own. So far Ive had it in twice for the fuel pump and Im taking it in to get the top replaced because the rear defroster stopped working. Ive had the gear shifter replaced in it. Im not happy camper with this car. If it wasnt for all these problems, Id absolutely love this car. Rides great, minus the time it stopped running on the middle of I-95. Love driving with the top down, love the audio in it. Maybe I just got a bad pony. But I wont ever buy a Ford again, the service is awful.

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  I should have kept my Dakota Sport 4x4 - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Dallas - October 5 - 4:55 pm

  I bought my 01 Ford in 04. But within 20 thousand miles I had to put a brand new a/c in it. This vehicle loves to drink gas. The brakes are lousy. I have a 95 base model S-10 and the brakes are better on that truck. Its acceleration is like telling a donkey to "mush!". I wish I would have bought a Corolla because they are more reliable, better on gas and a better sound system. The sound system seriously lacks. Im 22 and I feel like Im a 38 year old with three kids driving that car. Ford needs to focus on making their vehicles better. I wouldnt recommend a Taurus to my worst enemy. Did I mention it was boring?

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  Lemon - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mellsu4u - October 4 - 9:26 pm

  In 4 years I have had to replace the front rotors and brake shoes (the first year!), replace two window motors and regulators, replace the power steering pump, rack & pinion unit, battery, CD player, factory dry rotted tires, and the air bag light keeps coming on. The car looks brand new inside and out, is regularly maintenance, has few passengers (no kids), is driven carefully and has few miles on it. A mechanic said you have a 50/50 chance on getting a good one. Guess which % I was in? Please, dont buy one!

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  Whats This? - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Den - September 30 - 9:53 am

  Does Ford even know this vehicle exists? Solid performer, found by accident. No marketing on a decent family vehicle. 08 Taurus X FWD SEL. Recent family vacation, 2 adults, 4 crazy kids and way to much luggage. The true test of this vehicles function. Strong drive train performance, no problems on steep grades at all. Fuel averaged about 25mpg highway. Interior was comfortable and held up well. 3rd row, two medium sized kids, 12hr ride, no complaints. Overall decent vehicle. Ford could have a winner here, but guess they will drop it for the new Flex.

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  F-150 Still strong after all these years - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BuLL1 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  good truck. bit shabby on internal workmanship but still a strong truck.

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  2003 Unhappy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By sweeney5 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  So far its spent most of the first month in the shop now Ford tell us that the clunk we hear on downshift and upshift is normal. Wed like to trade it for something else.

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  Good Commuter - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By schmaltz - September 24 - 3:12 pm

  Purchased 2.5 years ago for a commuter car. Reliable basic fuel efficient transportation with no frills. Now has 210,000 miles on it, uses a couple of quarts of oil between changes.

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  Review - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Flomart - September 21 - 6:53 pm

  Vehicle driving is comfortable, it is very good in winter conditions. However since the vehicle was purchased new, gas mileage has averaged 10 miles to the gallon. If I wasnt retired and still working the increased mileage and cost of fuel would be prohibitive.