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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  Sweet Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By J - January 11 - 2:27 pm

  Just bought my ZX2 in November with 17,000 miles on it. It came loaded with everything leather seats, cruise control, 6 disc cd player, and a sunroof. My car also has the 5 speed transmission. This is an absolutely amazing car it has power to spare and looks good too. Mine just hit 21,000 miles on a trip to Texas from Pennsylvania ... it ran superbly. I averaged over 40mpg the whole trip! I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality car (there have been NO recalls), with performance, and good looks for not a lot of cash.

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  05 Mustang V6 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Rob - January 11 - 1:48 pm

  Looks great. No goodies like some of the new cars, but its a sports car. Radio is great (500). Only problem is that the engine is cutting out at high speeds. Ford said that its a gas mixture problem. Most likely where Im getting gas. Doesnt seem right to me since I have 2 cars and 1 truck all using the same gas and this is the only car having a problem. In fact my whole family is getting gas there with no problems. Ford tested the gas and did not find a problem with it but thats still what they have came up with. One other problem was that the trunk was setting off the door is ajar light. Ford adjusted it.

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  Just purchased - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Just purchased - January 11 - 6:56 am

  Have had the vehicle for two weeks. I regularly transport 5 passengers, so a 6-seater was a must. Impressed with the leg room in all seats, and my kids love all of the compartments to put their stuff. It has 12 cup holders! The third row is easily accessible with a kid-friendly pop-up middle seat. This was an improvement over other makes we looked at. From a drivers standpoint, I am having trouble getting used to a middle console. I miss the floor space in my minivan. I also do not care for the steering wheel. It doesnt adjust very much. I do love the adjustable gas pedal and brake pedal. This keeps me from having to sit so close to the steering wheel, making the airbag safer.

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  Catch the wind! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By flowernymph - January 11 - 4:08 am

  I have had great luck with my Explorer but that only really bad thing is, it is a WIND CATCHER! I drive in many areas of high wind and it is always a deal to handle. Otherwise, it is great.

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  Class - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Outer Banks - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Everything I hoped an auto to be and more.

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  Taurus not too user freindly. - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Jim - January 10 - 11:42 pm

  Taurus not bad riding, except for exterior noise that dealer or Ford wouldnt address. Problems with noisy front end had to bushings replaced twice. Brakes wore out quick and never were smooth after dealer replaced. Car became second car quick. Had 1987 Ford Taurus much better quality. Wouldnt buy again.

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  Im Impressed - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By DebraLynn - January 10 - 7:23 pm

  My husband and I love this SUV. It drives so easy and Im short. Im able to handle it okay. My 7 year old loves the room it has. With all the bells and whistles its a dream to own.

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  Moderate Enthusiasm for Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jean - January 10 - 12:10 pm

  I now have 5000 miles on my Escape hybrid. Gas mileage is great (about 33 combined) but vehicle seems plasticy. Seats are very uncomfortable, interior cheap plastic throughout. Lots of rattles. Amenities available are few. Air conditioning system needs improved engineering. It handles well though and is agile. Fairly smooth ride for a small SUV. For the cost it should be a nicer, smoother vehicle that seems stable and well built - so I have some disappointment.

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  I Guess Im Lucky - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By JP - January 10 - 12:33 am

  I feel lucky after reading all the negative reviews. With 140K miles, we are rolling along pretty problem free. I anticipated worse even when I bought it. We have pulled trailers well over 10,000 miles of its life and the transmission is still intact. I liked most everything about the van and just hoped it would be reliable. It has been. Poor sounding sound system. Some minor electrical issues. The trailer wiring system was a pain.

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  SWEET! - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By bloomy - January 9 - 11:09 pm

  The car is super fast! The handling is great, as well as everything else. 225 horse doesnt sound like much, but it uses all of them. Thats for sure. If you find one with power everything, moon roof, and a five speed, its like driving a really fast Caddy. Overall this truly is the best bang for your buck. I found mine for an even $3,000. It looks like it rolled off of the showroom floor. The best part is that with minor mods you can put this car in to the 300+ horsepower range. In 91 the engine is better than later years. You can also find parts much easier for this year.