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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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Tina Stanford - October 20 - 7:27 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Ford Fusion Sport about a year and a half ago, used with about 28,000 miles on it. I have not had any issues with it. I love the security features, leather seats, navigation system, and the voice recognition. The only thing I have had to purchase for it is tires due to driving through construction sights frequently. The only negative I see is the amount of gas it uses. I was never a fan of Ford cars due to some past issues with Fords. I can honestly say that Ford got it right this time with the Fusion. I would recommend this car and would purchase another one when I am in the market again.

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  Ford Believer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mingo333 - October 20 - 2:30 pm

  Previous vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Thought I would get another one (05), but changed mind after driving and comparing Jeep and Explorer. (Doesnt hurt that both my husband and son are "Ford men"). Am so happy with 05 that Ive already gone to dealership to check into getting an 06. Got good price on Explorer after negotiation, but sure wish I had waited and cashed in on all the incentives that have been occurring lately -- but who knew, right? Also test drove and considered an Acura MDX, Mercedes SUV, Chevy Tahoe, Honda Pilot, Toyota 4-Runner, Cadillac Escalade (in addition to Jeep Grand Cherokee) but the Explorer ultimately won out.

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  My kids hate this car! Mom loves it! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By LKB - October 20 - 12:28 pm

  This car has been very very loyal to me. Great gas mileage and very few repairs. I have driven it for 6.5 years and it has proven to be very reliable. Its not a pretty car my kids dont want to be seen in it. I told them theyll be begging my to drive it when they get their licenses I would have done backflips at 16 if this was my car. But I wont review the cars I had to drive with the rusted floorboards. It is great for a small person with 1 or 2 kids nothing fancy and you do get plenty of road noise -- so turn up the radio!

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  All Show, Not Enough Go - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Brian - October 20 - 10:36 am

  I knew Ford had a winner when I saw the wonderful concept car. With slick retro styling and more power, I was sure I would love the car. I really like both interior and exterior styling and the car is very comfortable, even with the stiff(ish) suspension tuning. The car handles pretty well for the money too. I am a bit disappointed with the lack-luster acceleration. Im not looking for high-end V8 numbers here, but I dont feel even a slight surge when flooring the accelerator-even when downshifting first. It seems to accelerate the same whether the pedal is at half-way or pinned to the floor. Most of us dont drag race these things, but a little more power would be appreciated.

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  Get up and go with newer engine - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By roadrunner6700 - October 20 - 4:45 am

  Very good, reliable car. Ive owned many cars but this is a tough car with the new engine.Tough also on impact I accidentally ran into a brick house and when I backed out it had no body damage, except one small scratch on the hood. Very reliable and TOUGH.

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  All mighty Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Mike Pagone - October 19 - 10:30 pm

  The car has been very good so far. I only had minor problems. Since it does have 90,000 miles this is normal for any car. It rides great and it is by far the most comfortable car i have ever driven. The only thing I cant stand about the car is the inaccurate fuel gauge. It seems to never tell me the right amount of fuel I have.

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  Solid 95 T-Bird V8 - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By sfreid - October 19 - 7:18 pm

  I love this car. Bought off the dealer lot in Nov 94. Very solid. Great touring car. V8 has good power and good highway MPG. Most expensive repairs were made under warranty. No major repairs, but starting to have a few minor problems at 122K. Always buy T or better speed rated tires for better handling. Car is pretty easy to work on.

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  Great Work and Family Vehicle - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rodger - October 19 - 6:26 am

  So far this is the best truck I have ever owned. The sound system is awsome, the handling is great, it has a lot of power and great comfort.

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  Dont buy a Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mari - October 19 - 4:08 am

  Like some others here, we had to replace the transmission within the first couple of years. Van has 68K and needs ANOTHER transmission! Hello! Problems with side door, electrical, mileage only 14 with plenty of highway driving, expensive to repair things like small bumper dings (cant they design bumpers that dont cost 1800 to fix?). Like rubber bumpers or something?

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  No problems after warranty - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Sqoug - October 19 - 2:37 am

  My Focus seems to be the opposite of the usual. I have had quite a few problems with it in the first 36k miles, but after that no problems at all. The things that failed were: - hood was repainted because someone at the dealership dented it, - dash was replaced because of weird squeaks in hot weather, - alternator failed and was replaced, - rear wheel bearing seized and was replaced, - engine computer was reprogrammed - engine hesitated in the 2k-3k rpm range. But I had no problems after 36k miles. I do all the maintenance on the car. Stock tires lasted about 32k miles, and front brake pads lasted about 35k miles.