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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  Love/Hate this car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JEK - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Although I like the concept of this vehicle and it is great to drive it is one of the most trouble prone I have owned. Received it with tires out of balance, 3 recalls, replace thermostat at 10,000 miles, oil pressure switch at 27,000miles, new tires at 29,000, idle air control at 31,000, brakes checked at 27,000 and 30,000 miles - by 34,000 was metal to metal on front - front rotors replaced (this is the fastest brake wear out on any car I have ever owned). Ford needs to get their act together on quality, especially brakes.

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  2000 CROWN VIC - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DARYL DOVE - May 2 - 10:00 am

  SINCE I PURCHASED MY CROWN VICTORIA I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT POSITIVE THINGS TO SAY. THE RIDE IS VERY SMOOTH, ACCELERATION IS STRONG, THE ONLY THING I REALLY REGRET IS NOT GETTING THE LEATHER SEATS AND THE KEYLESS REMOTE ENTRY. I HAVE DRIVEN MY CROWN VIC TO MD, VA, DC AND ALL OT THE STATES DOWN TO FLA AND I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. THE LOOK OF THE CAR IS VERY SPORTY FOR A SEDAN. I HAVE OWNED FOR PRODUCTS SINCE 1996 TWO LINCONLN TOWN CARS AND THE CROWN VIC I HAVE NOW. GREAT CAR(S)!

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  A BLAST TO DRIVE!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By henderjc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my zx3 for about 2 months now and i love it. After a stressful day nothing beats getting in the car and going for a cruise with the tunes cranked. The fun to drive factor is off the scale. It could use more power but around corners it is sooo much fun.

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  I like mine - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By uaw2317 - May 1 - 8:33 pm

  Bought with 110,000 miles on it. It now has 125,000. I know thats not much for a review but I have had zero problems with mine. Not even an odd noise. And the paint still looks new.

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  Another good Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Shannon - May 1 - 1:06 pm

  I owned a Taurus a long time ago that I really liked (SHO). I have had many cars in between. I decided to go back to a Taurus for my 45 minutes each way/daily commute. I was looking for a comfortable ride, decent gas mileage, good stereo, nice looking, and of course - a sunroof. The Taurus definitely fits. I enjoy driving it each day. Fuel economy could be a bit better, but considering the engine size and car design, its not bad.

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  I love my Eddie! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By WolfpackGirl - May 1 - 5:15 am

  This is a great SUV. Purchased it after getting tired of my sedan. I love the visibility and safety. The ride is comfortable, the seats feel like Im sitting on a sofa. When I retire this one I will buy another!

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  Brembo Brake Rotors Needed, Best Buy - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By observer22 - May 1 - 2:21 am

  Mandatory to have Brembo brake rotors installed on any Taurus (no special brake pads needed) to overcome the rather poor stopping performance with standard rotors. Like a Volvo, it is comfortable, great crash test scores, quiet. More reliable and much less expensive to work on than Volvo. Large trunk. Best to get a Taurus when it is 4 years or older due to depreciation. Cheap to insure and 2000 and newer models have addressed the various problems & weird styling of late 90s models. Buy it!

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  first 300 miles - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By gt - April 30 - 7:23 pm

  Just got a 2006 V6 SEL with black leather interior and safety package and upgraded stereo. Overall a successful design. Handling is very good and it has a quiet and comfortable ride without being too isolated. Despite having plenty of power at the front wheels it still has a good steering feel and no noticeable torque steer. Ford succeeded in finding a good balance between handling and comfort. The optional perforated leather seats are very comfortable and look great to boot. However little design details display Fords lowest bidder supplier mentality: cheap plastic analog clock, no cabin air filter! (allows outside dust on black dash and vents), cheap looking instrument panel.

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  Found On Road Dead (FORD) - 2005 Ford Focus
  By paulnlacie - April 30 - 5:52 pm

  Man, after trading in my 94 Escort for this new ZX5 SES, a year later and 15-20 visits to the dealership for repairs I have come to the conclusion I got a lemon. Have had problems with AC, power window switches, transmission, engine, just to name a few. The dealership wants to take no action to fix this problem even we have now a classified lemon. This is Ford for you, At least the dealership will give a loaner to all people who buys their cars. But I want My Car To Drive thats why I bought it. WHERES THE ESCORT!

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  Great buy for the family and off roading - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Steve - April 30 - 5:41 pm

  I have owned this car for about 5 years and i am very satisfied with the car. the family is comfortable on long trips and has enough room for trips to the Home Depot. we have dirt bikes and tow a 4x10 trailer with no problem. As we connect the trailer the back end goes down about three inches, but within seconds the airbag suspension turns on and lifts it up to normal height and it even helps climb the dirt roads. I have only had two problems so far. My head gasket had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles and my heater core had to be replaced at about 70,000 miles. And it was not a happy time because my Ford dealer has terrible service. Other than those two things the car is a great car.