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 RIDING CAR - 2004 Ford Escape
  By sabrina perruzza - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE THE CAR BUT I HAVE IT FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND I HAVE SOME PROBLES WITH IT AND AM GOING TO TRADE IT IN. I FEEL LIKE FOR HAVING A CAR THAT LONG I HAVE PUT WHEY TOO MUCH MONEY INTO IT

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  Red FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By allen terwilliger - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My truck was the first flareside model that arrived at the dealer. I think they were as excited as I was to see it. After trading in a much loved 2002 f150, I wondered if I was doing the right thing. The truck is super.So many revised and new features. The rgular cab has great space behind the seat for storage. Just love the truck. I feel it puts other trucks to shame!

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  My big disappointment - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BWJ1978 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Well so far, the transmission has acted up, been in the shop 3 times (curretnly there) the tail light was replaced from condensation, the window squeaks when going down, it needed an allignment at purchase, the plastic around the steering column is warper(and on other trucks too). This has been a nightmare the worst Ford I have EVER owned. The 4.6 is way underpowered even for my reg cab so i pity people with s/cs and super crews. GOOD LUCK!

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  This relates to a 2001 Taurus SEL - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Robert Clower - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car althiugh theresale value is low. The only problemI have had is thr front brakes. Ford replaced the pad and rotors at 14000 miles. The vechile has 30000 miles now.

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  Ford Wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By THWSR - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We traded in a 97 Taurus on the 2003 Taurus wagon. This model was chosen due to our need to combine extra space and decent gas mileage. Price was an option and resale value not important as we keep our cars for a long period of time. Personally, I dont think you can beat this model for reliability, room, comfort and price. We did not buy new vehicle but chose a program car with 13,300 miles on it. This saved on cost & depreciation. Having had a van in the past we wouldnt be getting 24mgp as we are averaging in overall mileage. Very satisfied with this vehicle! A good sensible vehicle!

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  Too early to tell - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Patrick - January 31 - 11:43 pm

  Living in CA with the high gas prices, I traded my import SUV in for my first domestic vehicle. I did much research prior to deciding to buy this 500 but so far its still too early to tell. I bought mine used with 8k miles for almost $10k less than a new one. Its already been in the shop once for a power steering pump replacement. I went out of the country for two weeks, came back, started it up and heard a big loud boom sound (happened only once) when the engine cranked. The engine in adequate but not great. Interior noise is low and driving it is a breeze. Hopefully nothing else will turn up. Thank goodness for the 3 year/ 36k warranty. I wouldnt have bought it without that!

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  99,300 miles so far - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By pndcke - January 31 - 10:52 pm

  Car is getting hard to find, best kept secret, space, mileage, and seats you can actually get off of after a 16 hour trip with no pains or stiffness! Space for shopping and luggage! Black leather interior and surfaces looks as new!

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  The 70s - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Whoa...... - January 31 - 9:20 pm

  I will be 70 in March and my wife of 46 years will be 69/39 in September 2007. My wifes friends at "Curves Gym" drive convertibles and we had a GT PT Cruiser that was boring us to death. So we went looking for something to make us feel younger and have something we can have for years to come (5 speed 300hp). The car is a 10! Mileage beats our Cruiser in city and highway. "GO FOR IT"

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  Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Doretta Clevenger - January 31 - 9:05 pm

  Ashtrays should remain an option. There is a perfect spot for one but now is just a hole in console. Not much room between the door and the seat adjuster. Good thing we dont have large arms. Geared just a little high for driving in hill country.

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  Best pre-owned value for your money - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mobin Akhtar - January 31 - 5:32 pm

  We bought the vehicle pre-owned with 80K miles on it. Primarily we wanted something bigger than the Honda CR-V that we traded for this van. My family was used to the Expedition we had before that so from the CR-Vs perspective, this was a pleasant upgrade. Also this model had leather, wood, etc. and automatic rear doors that help us a lot with a 5 year old and a 7 year old. Car has been nothing but comfort for us. The only work ever done on it other than routine oil/tires and consumables has been a dead battery (expected at this age) for $50, a top engine seal vacuum leak @ $140.00 and thats it! Exceptional for a FORD vehicle.