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:

• 

  Reliable and good value for the money - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By TR - January 7 - 6:54 pm

  This car was NOT my first choice but I have been pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. While not the sexiest or most stylish of vehicles, it is a solid performer. The ride is smooth and comfortable, the engine is quiet and the interior cabin and its parts all seem pretty solid. Gas mileage has been very good. For the money, a used one of these with low mileage is the way to go if you are looking to save some money while still being able to drive a decent size car that has some "bells and whistles" (i.e. leather, moonroof). My only complaint is with trying to park because it is hard to judge where the nose of the vehicle is when pulling in a parking space.

• 

  one of the best - 2002 Ford Focus
  By stuck with ford - January 7 - 3:39 pm

  I owned my Focus for 5 years have had transmission replaced at 37000 miles, tires every 20000 miles and the alternator replaced once. Not too much work for 140000 miles, besides routine maintenance. I like the cars fuel economy/handling/pickup. If I didnt need more room I would buy a new Focus. So I sticking with Ford and buying a Ford Escape Limited.

• 

  Love my 2016 Explorer XLT - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By John D. - January 7 - 2:26 pm

  Very comfortable, refined, and looks great. Only have 1000 miles on it so far, but it is performing excellently.

• 

  Driving 07 Expedition in winter mountia - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By RWC, Phoenix - January 7 - 12:24 pm

  First trip was to Kaibab forest cabin northwest of Flagstaff for Christmas/New Year 2007. Four days of cold and 1.5 ft of snow. Truck drove faultlessly over back/forest roads in 4WD auto. Heater and all auto defrosters excellent. Independent rear suspension excellent on rough roads. Excellent driving and handling from and to Phoenix on freeways with full load. Mileage up from Phoenix 16.24mpg down from Flagstaff 17.3 mpg. Nice creature comforts: satellite radio, and DVD for grandson.

• 

  Fun while it lasted - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - January 7 - 10:23 am

  Had this car for 2 years. Many problems started developing after one year. One was the fuel gage...Id fill the tank all the way and the gauge showed zero then went to full and back and fourth a few different times. Then the battery died leaving me stranded at work. At least thats what Ford said it was...it turned out to be the alternator which left me stranded again! And the list goes on. The car was fun, everyone seemed to like it, but the same old Ford issues kept coming back to annoy me.

• 

  Let the buyer beware ... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By DW - January 7 - 9:40 am

  I initially didnt like the looks of this car, but I wanted a hatchback and it was surprisingly peppy and fun to drive, so I took a chance and threw my money down ... and AWAY! What a mistake. Mechanical problems too numerous to list stranded me over and over, and Fords service department kept the car for WEEKS every painful time I had to tow it in. The interior is an ergonomic nightmare, ruining a long trip by saddling the driver and passengers with endless back pain (and Im in my 20s!). Horribly unreliable compared to other cars in its class, this car is not an alternative to Honda or Toyota ... its not even close. Pay a little - and get a LOT more - elsewhere.

• 

  High five Ford! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By jigmaster - January 7 - 4:26 am

  Had my TX for a month now, 1500 miles on it. Very happy with purchase, did lots of research on crossovers and test drives ( tested Acadia,Outlook,Suzuki XL7, Mazda CX9 ) and TX was the best handling and most fun car to drive. Plus price and fuel economy is the best as well. Dont understad how some drivers are driving if they geting lower MPG than advertised? Hello, whats about using cruise control and other fuel saving tips? I am getting 24mpg average, althought I must admit I drive 70-80% on highway. But even in city never got less then 18.5MPG. But of course if you like to push gas pedal to the floor and strain that new 3.5 lt engine all the time, than thats what you get;)

• 

  Fun car for the price but..... - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Matt_adams - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Dont get me wrong, this car is fast fun, and a performer, but ive had some problems with it. Firstly it has been in the shop about 5 times already, once with a computer malufunction in the transmission, another for new struts, thirdly for another computer malfunction continually stating to service, fourthly for a faulty alternator and lastly was a power windows malfunction. The car is fast but for only a little bit more other sport cars become available that seem to have the stang beat.

• 

  very happy - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Cindy Westerberg - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The car is so nice inside that I almost forget I am driving!! very comfortable, roomy, great detail in design, sheer joy to drive, can do a uturn better than my old Voyager.

• 

  Not too bad for a 13 year old car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Gary - January 6 - 6:25 pm

  I bought my 2003 Ford Escape XLT with leather seats and a sunroof in February of 2015 with 130,000 miles on it. The moment I got it I gave it a tune up and a oil change a month later I had to replace the front driver side strut and its been good ever since. I read reviews online that the transmission sometimes has problems on these cars so I decided to install a transmission oil cooler which is supposed to extend the life of the transmission it shifts smoothly by the way and the engine is good too. The battery light has been on ever since I got it but there is nothing wrong with the battery or the alternator I had it looked at by more than one mechanic and they all said the same thing one of them said it could be a bad connection to the alternator he had customers with the same exact car and the same exact problem and he said he replaced the alternator only for the light to come back on so he changed the alternator connection and that solved the problem just recently I drove 8 hours to Buffalo, NY and 8 hours back with that battery light on and nothing happened. Dont expect a 13 year old car to be perfect its going to wear down a bit and end up needing a repair no matter the make or model Ford, BMW, Volvo, Nissan, Honda, Chevy, etc. I am satisfied with my Ford Escape