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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  My mechanic loves my Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By carfocus - April 27 - 11:43 pm

  I have had this car for over 3 years and it has been nothing but one mechanical problem after another. Issues: brakes, brakes, brakes alternator the ignition went bad electrical system issues, stalling. Its only saving grace is its handling and pep. It is fun to drive, when it runs. Car is not reliable, cant wait to get rid of this lemon.

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  Forget Chevy...buy this truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By cool_man - April 27 - 10:18 pm

  Very roomy and comfortable. The ride is so smooth that it feels like a luxury car, which surprised me when I first test drove it. Having a V -8 4.6L engine I really thought there would be an increase in cab noise, but there was none. The gas mileage is not too terrible, it is about the same as my old 2000 Chevy S-10. Overall I am very satisfied with my truck and would suggest it to anyone.

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  Tims Toy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Tim S - April 27 - 9:43 am

  After reading everything I could find online and elsewhere, I figured Id wait a couple years before getting one. I was raised on Chevy 350 V-8s. I switched to FWD MAZDA 323s and Proteges. In February of this year, I went to get an estimate on my 60,000 mile service and replace my timing belt and hoses to keep my extended warranty intact. Talk about sticker shock, over $1,100 estimate with labor. I used my X-plan discount thru work and returned to RWD with no regrets. I am quite impressed with this V6, roughly 18 mpg city, tight as a drum and makes me feel like a kid again. I dont have the anti-lock brakes/traction control but have had no problems at all in rain or snow.

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  I love this car! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Wesmet - April 27 - 8:33 am

  If you are thinking about buying a Thunderbird and the tranny doesnt slip I would buy it! I have owned this car for over a year and only had to replace the ball joints. Plenty of power and ok gas mileage. Everyone that rides in my car tells me how much they like it.

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  No Regrets - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By TruckGal - April 26 - 9:34 pm

  After comparing trucks for almost a year, this Portofino Blue & Silver Bronco caught our eye. We bought it the next day. It had 49,000 miles on it and had never seen a dirt road until we got a hold of it. Its still stock except for the addition of an AirHog filter and SuperWinch manual hubs a brush guard is coming soon. It came with the optional 265/75-15 tires. And it still rides and looks great! My husband loves the tight turn radius Im fond of the agility in snow and rain. No hesitation at all when we need some oomph, either the beast just picks up and goes. There is nothing quite like a Bronco.

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  Nice car for the money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Bill - April 26 - 2:40 pm

  Traded in the minivan for a sedan, mainly to improve gas mileage. We were averaging about 20 mpg with van, and about 21.5 on the Taurus after about a week not a whole lot better, but at least its not worse. The interior of the Taurus is nice with two-tone leather and a moon roof, definitely nice extras - makes losing the extra space in the van a little easier to take. Really like the vehicle so far - smooth ride, good acceleration, and good brakes. It has the Flex Fuel engine, but theres only one station in my area with e85 fuel, and they charge the same as regular unleaded, so that wasnt necessarily a selling point for me. Would recommend purchase of this vehicle.

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  Great New Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Harry Risher - April 26 - 11:26 am

  The all-wheel drive Eddie Bauer 2004 Explorer with the 4.6 V-8 is about the BEST all-around SUV on the road. The power is responsive yet smooth. The handling is quick yet precise,and the build quality is second to none. Thats why the Explorer is the Worlds BEST selling SUV-its simply the BEST value for the money!

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  Amazing automobile - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rudejohn - April 26 - 2:00 am

  After driving sedans and old beaters for years, this was my first foray into sports cars, and my first manual transmission, and may I say... Im in love with this car. Its INCREDIBLY fun to drive, quick as heck, and its a real eye-turner... eons above and beyond the stock Mustang. If you havent seen a Mach 1... dont judge it by its tamer cousins.

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  I Love It - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jackie - April 25 - 5:45 pm

  I purchased my Escape mainly because my daughter & grandson live 300 miles away and its all PA turnpike. I wanted something comfortable and economic to make the 5 hour trip (frequently) but big enough to haul everything that I must take. My Escape has carried tools, furniture (they recently purchased a house) and a lot of toys. I love my Escape, the ride is extremely comfortable, not truck-like, sporty and a real pleasure to drive

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  Mine lost its breaks 4 times - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By IHATEFORD - April 25 - 3:40 pm

  My escape hybrid has had complete break failure 4 time in two years and 3 times in 3 weeks. Ford cant figure out what the problem is. They replaced the master breaking cylinder and while road testing the car, the breaks went out on them. Ford headquarters also takes no responsibility for the breaks and has basically told me I had to deal with the problem. I asked that they put in writing that the car is safe to drive when the repairs are finally done, but they refuse to do that saying it would be fraudulent since Ford doesnt do the repairs, Ford "dealers" do the repairs.