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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  BadAss Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By MikeL - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The stares you get for driving this truck make it worth every penny. The sweet whistle of the supercharger brings tears to my eyes!!!

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  Definately - Fix Or Repair Daily - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Dawn - October 31 - 10:00 am

  In the shop more than on the road. Poor milage even on the highway. Nice car to have if you prefer to drive a rental car while yours is in the shop.

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  Money Pit - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Junkcar - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Car is in the shop more than on the road. Over the last three years, I have spend more on repairs than on paying the principle of my loan. Tansmittion went at 39500 miles (36000 mile warrenty), had the roters resurfaced twice, brakes replaced 3 times (first time at 22000 miles, rack and pinnion steering replaced, emissions problems, fuel injectors repaired, etc. Buy something else, anything else. Nothing but problems. A great car if you would rather drive a rental while yours is in the shop, or if you have an uncontrollable urge to throw money away.

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  Its Hard To Believe its a Taurus! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Zanne - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Taurus. I was lucky to be able to purchase the SEL and it is sooo sporty! Everyone comments on how they cant believe its a Taurus! The seats are so comfortable and there is plenty of leg room in the back seat. I definitely made the right choice when I bought it!

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  The truth - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ger1 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It has been everything I been looking for and then some. The car drives, handles and brakes like a car costing thousands more. It most definatly gives you the feeling that you can pull off moves that you normally wouldnt with lower performing vehicles. As far as features and amenities go, I feel that you have more than you could possibly ask for in a pocket rocket. Leather trimmed seats, 6-disc changer in dash, power driver seat, heated mirrors and a keyless entry are features that never used to appear on cars in this class. Overall, its a tight package that is not going to be easy for the competition to beat.

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  5 SP SEL Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By R Bates - October 31 - 8:53 am

  So far the Fusion has continued to impress me. The 4 cylinder 5 speed SEL combination was hard to find, but well worth the hunt. The handling is very direct with a European flavor which I appreciate. Try the 5 speed before you fall in the automatic crowd, you wont regret it. So far reliability has been perfect without any hint of problems, rattles, etc.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Davesw - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I am thrilled with this SUV. Its performace for cost is wonderful. Home run for Ford!

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  Great if you need a big ol cruiser - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Julie - October 31 - 1:30 am

  I bought this car used at 30,000 miles. Like so many of the Tauruses, the front rotors were trashed and the rear brake components were about ready to go and all needed to be replaced. Have your brakes inspected by a competent shop! The car ran great until the dealer did a tune up. After that point the engine knocked terribly, except with premium fuel and they said there was nothing they could do. On the freeway, it was great, about 28mpg. When I moved to the city it got between 12-16mpg which was not acceptable. Other than that, it never broke down and had LOTS of room.

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  Solid Ford F150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By TLNH - October 30 - 12:52 pm

  My F150 XLT Supercab, 4.2L, 6 cylinder automatic currently has 83,000 miles on the odometer. At under $19,000 new, it is one of the lowest cost, well equipped, six passenger vehicles available. It has only had one problem with a failure of the coil assembly. It was relatively low cost to repair & did not leave me dead out on the road. We use it as our primary vehicle for our family of four. It enables to go where we want, when we want & bring whatever we want. I have been rear-ended twice. The structure held up well & suffered minimal damage in both accidents. I plan on keeping this truck for at least ten years. I would recommend it for anyone wanting reliable people & cargo space.

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  My Ford - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Michael G Strother - October 30 - 10:43 am

  I have owned my truck for only two months. The comfort and initial quality of the vehicle are outstanding. It provides a smooth quiet ride and plenty of power to get the job done. The steering and handling are superb, especially considering the size of the vehicle. The appearance and styling of the vehicle is second to none. No other truck on the market, in my opinion, can match the tough, bold, appearance of the Ford.