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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  An ICON of FUN! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By RevMatt - June 8 - 11:13 pm

  Now that I have owned my Ford Mustang Mystichrome SVT Cobra convertible for two full years, I would like to share my experience with the vehicle. This has been the most reliable and fun vehicle I have ever owned. This is my sixth vehicle purchased brand new and my eighteenth total. This is also my seventh convertible. Having written that, I would like to say that the 2004 has been my favorite. I have had ONE problem with it. A bad cigarette lighter socket! The Cobra invites you to mash the gas pedal and delivers awesome power, speed and torque. With its IRS, it also begs to be ridden hard around the twisting and curving roads along the Pacific Coast Highway. Drop the top and GOOOO!

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  Money was worth it - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By larieaux - June 8 - 6:34 pm

  I actually bought this car for $1300 from a gas station with lots of hidden problems with it. About a week after purchase my car wouldnt start because my starter had died then that same day after getting it fixed my car had to be towed again because I had blown fuses. After that the car was loud but it ran great. When i finally gathered up enough to get the exhaust work done I found out that I had no catalytic converters. This was after I replaced the rear struts and sway bar links and battery. Then I found out I had a nasty leak in the main transmission seal which possessed me to sell it after everything we had been through together. but over all that the car got me where I needed to be.

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  Great performance and riding machine - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Dick Funkhouser - June 8 - 6:21 pm

  Easy to handle, takes curves great, excellent on gas (especially now), most comfortable vehicle Ive ever long distance traveled in.

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  Still excited about driving this car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Woot - June 8 - 9:06 am

  After 6 years, its still a thrill to drive this car. This car is my daily driver, and it has never let me down. Only maintenance problem that I have ever had was a fuel filter replacement ($200). If you want to keep the stock tires on it (Goodyear Eagles z-rated), be prepared to shell out some cash. Average z-rated tires last about 20-25K before needing replacement. The car seems to get lighter in the front at higher speeds, but then settles down around 70-80. Very throaty exhaust with tight suspension for turning. Finally, Ive never lacked power to get out of the path of bad drivers. The 265 horses it comes with, makes it feel like the muscle car it was designed to be.

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  underrated! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Craig - June 7 - 11:28 pm

  I bought my car with leather, a sunroof, 55,000 miles and every other option available. I bought this 2 years ago, all for $5 grand. Good luck finding a 99 Camry or Accord for that price. This car is insanely underrated and is an incredible value. I have modded the heck out of this car and have gotten nothing but satisfaction with the results. I love this car.

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  BEAST! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By RRVU - June 7 - 10:35 pm

  We havent had this vehicle too long, however, its a beast. Comfort, comfort, comfort! We wanted an SUV that could transport more than five and this was the choice. After all, with the current price of gas most dealers will do just about anything to unload these hogs.

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  My first Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Stargazer - June 7 - 8:43 pm

  If your considering buying an Expedition verses an Explorer - I would suggest the Expedition. The engine is much better than even the optional V8 on the Explorer (I noticed the difference towing a trailer). The windshield is much higher giving you better viewing. The third row seating has much more leg room. U-Haul will not rent to any vehicle with Explorer on it (ALL MODELS). The Expedition has all the room you could ever want and the power to tow.

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  Major Problems Reconsider Before You Buy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jess - June 7 - 7:39 pm

  I had major rattling in the dash, the drivers seat pops, the sending unit had to be replaced because my gas kept showing empty when it was full. The gas went over when I was filling, or just stopped when it was 1/2 full and wouldnt go anymore. The transmission is AWFUL! It acts like its in neutral and revs sometimes while Im driving it, or just taking off then CLUNKS into gear. Nobody can fix it, they cant figure it out. It shifts very hard. And the other day the abs locked up on one wheel when I started it up, METAL-ON-METAL grinding after a lil bit of going back and forth and slamming on the brakes it quit, took it to the shop, they couldnt figure anything out. VERY DISAPPOINTED.

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  This van is a joke - 2012 Ford Transit Connect
  By jimr91 - June 7 - 4:50 pm

  I use a Transit at work transporting college students around. I have never been more disappointed with a new car. the only pros are the goofy look, which I like, and the head room. Everything else on the van is awful. The steering is extremely stiff to the point my hands hurt toward the end of my shift. The seats are very uncomfortable and dont have the right kind of support you need to sit in a car for long periods of time. The van i use has 30k miles on it and it has 1 hubcap left on it. It has been in the shop numerous times for brake issues and electrical problems. I have hope for the new redesigned ones but these cars are junk and are way to overpriced.

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  2005 Expedition XLS - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Consumer - June 7 - 3:36 pm

  Generally a good full-size SUV. Plenty of room, comfortable first and third row seats. Second row seats OK but cushions are too low. Limited headroom in front row. Good all-weather SUV very good in snow. Some interior squeaks and rattles, mostly in cold weather. Poor mileage 10-12 mpg in the city. 28 gallon gas tank = $84 fill ups at $3/gallon. Wont fit in some parking garages.