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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  Great car, great value, and very solid - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By RyanMartin - June 7 - 1:55 pm

  I put about 23-27k miles a year on my car and it has been extremely solid. Cheap car to begin with, but build quality of a higher line. I passed 67,000 miles yesterday and it runs like new. I get approximately 26-28 mpg on the highway and the V6 has lots of get up and go. My last Taurus was sold for $1800 after 10 years of driving and 215,000 miles they are excellent transportation vehicles. Much better value than Camry or Accord.

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  EXCELLENT TRUCK - 2005 Ford F-150
  By GRADY - June 7 - 11:56 am

  Drives better than my wifes 2003 Expedition, better gas mileage than Expedition. Average about 15 mpg town and on the road. You can see the road real well in front of you. Have had no major problems, One minor problem with the trim (double back tape used did not stick in one area), well solid built truck. Ford is putting more quality control into their product.

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  2004 Ford Explorer XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By onthego - June 7 - 10:33 am

  This vehicle is as good looking as any other out there. The quality is good, better than Mountaineer, but the ride is not as good as it could be (maybe because of the ATV tires that it came with). The gas usage is less than the window sticker using 89 octane. Overall it is not a bad vehicle and I am not sorry I purchased it. Ford has a problem with rear view outside mirrors shaking when driving down highway, hard to see behind vehicle, especially on windy day.

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  Ford has finally done it - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By troybowski - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car that does everything right. After wanting a mustang for years i finally have one and i can see what the fuss is about. This is the nicest car for the price in this class

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  love the escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By erica - June 7 - 10:00 am

  nothing bad to say

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  Superbly engineered hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By TXhybrid - June 7 - 4:10 am

  Have owned the car 3 weeks and love driving it. Previously a lifelong Honda owner, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best car Ive ever driven. Hybrid engine is superbly engineered, slipping seamlessly between electric and gas mode. Very luxurious feel inside with great features that come standard on the hybrid. Great size for fitting 2 car seats in back, plus an adult when needed. Am averaging 34-35 mpg so far, which is great with all the AC use in 100 degree weather.

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  Useless worthless piece of Junk! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Joe monti - June 6 - 8:23 pm

  More than 10 recalls on it as of today. One problem after the other one. Had more than 10 trips to the dealership. Nothing but trouble. Will never ever even think of buying another Ford product.

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  Its a very expensive pile - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By abstrakt101 - June 6 - 4:36 pm

  Who would pay $30,000 for an underpowered piece of junk? Sure, theyre pretty, but where does the $30,000 come into place? You can get a BMW for the price of a Mustang. Come on people, stop wasting your money

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  Old Man and the Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Ahrens - June 6 - 6:50 am

  As I am fast approaching my 60th birthday, it is nowhere near as fast as the 4.9 seconds it takes this Mustang GT to reach 60. Telling ya, I have been driving Ford trucks and SUVs for over thirty years and finally I bought a vehicle for the pure fun of driving it. When you crank it up the first thing you sense is a low rumbling growl generated from a 300HP OHC engine. By the time you put it into 4th gear you are going 70MPH at 2000 RPM. Thats power. Add a little "Rolling Stones" on the Shaker 500 sound system and life takes on a whole new glow.

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  Mid Life Crisis? - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Michael McDonnell - June 6 - 3:16 am

  I decided to buy my first convertible at the age if 46 and was aiming for the new Solstice. But due to non-availability and threat of paying $5-$10K over MSRP, I opted for the Mustang and went all out. First benefits were the lower cost and the ability to put my sons in the back seat for family drives in the rolling hills of Virginia. I picked up the car and was home before my family. When they arrived they could not believe I bought the car. We all jumped in for a quick trip with the top down. As we sped down the road I looked in the rearview mirror and all I could see were gigantic grins. My first car was a 67 Mustang and here I am again with a similar looking edition. Its great!