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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  do not buy! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By justagirl19762001 - November 3 - 8:30 am

  This car so unreliable. Have sunk about $4,000 in 3 years. JUNK! Spoken by a HONDA lover. Worst gas mileage with FFV option. Frequent repairs! Engine light on for past year no one knows why. Fuel gauge broke, electrical glitches, cooling system gone in 2003. Heating system gone in 2006. Not sure why ratings are in at 7.5. No retail value for these cars.

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  2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Glenn Flesher - November 2 - 4:06 pm

  Perfect vehicle for retired couple. Really fun to drive. Easy to park, lots of pep. Just wish the gas tank was larger.

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  Could be better - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Harper - November 2 - 2:02 pm

  Nice truck for small tasks. Rides decent on the road and has enough power to romp on it when you need it. The interior lacks any kind of impressive style as well as getting anything in or out of the super cab is a pain since the seat only comes up so far and there is no suicide door. Also stereo could use a little work.

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  My Eddie has taken care of me - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By tywms - November 2 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this 6 cylinder SUV in 99 with 43k miles and currently has 135k miles on it. Hadnt had ANY major problems with it until now -- transmission needs a rebuild as I write this. But primarily have just done routine basic maintenance and it has served well. It still runs well -- no engine noise, leaks, etc. but the 2nd gear is shot. Still looks good and am hoping that after repair this vehicle will continue to serve me well for as many years as I can get out of it. Good value for the money.

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  Better Than I Expected - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bill - November 2 - 5:40 am

  Bought this car after owning a Honda and a VW and wasnt expecting too much. Ive owned Fords before and have had good luck but this car has far exceeded what I expected. Im 6-6", and the interior space is great, including the trunk. I bought the I-4, SE w/SE premium package and a 5 speed transmission. The car has very good acceleration, handles well and gets gas mileage above what I expected. The radio is very good and plays MP3 CDs, seats are comfortable and is a great looking car. For the amount of money you pay, this car is a great deal. In 5 months of ownership Ive had not 1 problem or complaint or any reason to take it to the dealership. For the price & reliability try Ford again.

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  Good Value, Good Mileage - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Terra - November 1 - 6:29 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage, especially as a person on the interstate a couple times a week. Interior colors and design are very pleasant, but the seats are terribly uncomfortable! In fact, after about 30 minutes in the car, my back is wrenched. I also drive a Chevy on occasion, and I dont get that problem. Mileage: 22city, 26 highway.

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  Hard to beat - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Carl - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  Bought this loaded LX (leather, dual power seats, climate control, etc.) in June 04 for $10,000 off sticker price of almost $30,000. For performance, comfort, safety and quality, this car is hard to beat. My wife loves it. Gets solid 25 mpg on highway and almost 16 around town.

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  1994 Ford Escort LX Sport - 1994 Ford Escort
  By X. March - November 1 - 1:19 pm

  I recently took the car to the mechanic for a periodic full check up. My mechanic volunteered the following unsolicited comment: "I wouldnt think twice about taking this car across country. It is in such a good shape." This experience reflects my feelings about the car and my experience with it: "Not a single real problem in all these twelve plus years!". I chose the car because of (1) its fuel economy, (2) its ample room for either people or for loading shopping, (3) its comfort for unloading or loading because: of low back door and back seat down option, and (4) its sporty look. It turned out that to this I should add (a) its dependability and (b) its reliability.

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  Never again! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By tetread_99 - November 1 - 11:27 am

  Owned this Ranger a little over 2 yrs. 76 K miles when purchased. Terrible build quality and reliability. Currently 100K miles and the transmission is shifting hard and O/D Off light is flashing. Power locks work intermittently, were fixed 1 year ago and started happening again. Wipers only complete half cycle and stop in middle of window. They were fixed a year ago and problem is happening again. Ford should be liable for putting out this kind of product. I will never buy another Ford again. Vehicle is expensive to own, 3.0 litre engine is terrible on gas (16 mpg) and extremely sluggish.

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  So Far its OK - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dave in Michigan - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a Ford Ranger Off Road with this car. What a difference in ride! This car rides like a luxury car in comparison. Very smooth so far. Had one problem with air bag light which dealer repaired.