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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  2010 GT500 - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Rich Gillespie - January 18 - 6:23 am

  Great conversation piece; gets many looks. No problems through 2500 miles. Satisfied with build quality and overall value.

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  Bulletproof, reliable truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By AdmiralHappy - January 17 - 7:04 pm

  Just hit 223,000 miles with no major issues. Radiator replaced by shop after being damaged by mechanic, but other than that, all original parts. Regularly serviced. As a valet, Ive had plenty of competition to compare my car to, and have found the 1st generation Explorers to be one of the most agile and reliable vehicles around. Ive parked a couple of Explorers with over 500,000 miles with original engine and transmission, and the owners still ... and mine feels like it could go as long, too! Exterior in good shape, some dings and dents but paint holds up well ... interior in even better shape, looks ten years younger than it is. Gas mileage is lackluster, but hey, no vehicle is perfect.

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  Good Truck - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Bruce - January 17 - 6:19 pm

  Bought the Expedition new in 1996, just after they came out no major problems, but several recalls. The two problems I had included an engine oil leak, but Ford covered 75% of the repair it seems there is a problem with the early 5.4L. There is a service bulletin on this. The other problem was the 4WD quit. A vacuum line had hit the manifold and melted, an easy fix once found. I have averaged 14.4 MPG so far, I record ever fill, so this is an accurate number. This includes a lot of trailer towing. Overall this has been a great vehicle.

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  Roomy but no power - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By maryann - January 17 - 11:30 am

  We needed a roomier car than my Honda Accord for our growing family. The Taurus wagon was a great fit for all four plus a 50 lb. dog. I was grateful for selecting it over an SUV when we avoided a head on collision through emergency handling in New Brunswick Canada. The car was loaded for a 2-week vacation with luggage carrier on top. We absolutely would have rolled over in an SUV. The car (and driver) performed beautifully under extreme conditions. Negatives: this car eats brake pads for lunch and Im no pedal to the metal driver, no rabbit starts and stops. On several occasions, the car has stalled on the highway and no mechanic has been able to diagnose the problem.

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  I would buy again - 1999 Ford F-150
  By John - January 17 - 8:12 am

  I have replaced 3 ignition coils, all on the number 1 cylinder. I dont know why, but 3 on the same one seems kind of weird. I also had a fuel pump replaced last year. Other than that, its been very reliable, and its used in rough service. I have many short trips to and from work, and I often tow my boats with it. It has plenty of power, and it looks, rides, and runs like new.

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  keepn it till it dies RIP - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By mellowdude - January 17 - 4:49 am

  The color caught my eye and since taking it for a test drive I was hooked! Nice car ... reliable and safe even if its just going to work and back and errands. The only problem was the shifter cable that snapped from the shifter lever between the seats - not the easiest thing to replace as air ducts were in the way.

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  I hate Ford cars - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By shanna - January 17 - 2:02 am

  Too many transmission problems in one year. Heat went out in the middle of winter. Main antifreeze hose broke while driving. Does not like to start on first try in cold weather.

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  LOVE IT! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Pam - January 16 - 11:26 pm

  I absolutely love my purchase. It has been 4 days and I drove over 300 miles July 4th weekend. Transition from electric to gas was not noticeable. It was great to sit in a traffic jam, traveling less than 30 miles per hour and realize the car was in electric mode and no gas was being used. Many stares and questions from other motorists. Savings already noticed. Rides well with luggage and 4 adults.

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  heater problems - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By jeni740 - January 16 - 9:50 pm

  I love my car except the very first day I had it, it started to squeal nonstop like the belt was wet. After multiple trips to the dealer they replaced the belt. Now it is ok. Also my blower just went which is not covered under the warranty, so I have no heat and it is 10 degrees out. Other than that very great car.

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  Common yet reliable - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Lukas - January 16 - 2:42 pm

  My first truck. Big, bulky, gas consuming auto yet I can finally fit all along with my family. Mechanically sound and solid, I love the 5-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch - no problems there, good pick up yet sluggish if you do not know how to handle it. Clean and powerful engine. Explorer is extremely popular truck around and I was afraid Ford builds quantity and not quality - I guess I was wrong, absolutely no mechanical problems. The gas prices are the main concern as this truck likes to consume. I get better mileage with manual transmission but fill up costs me a bundle