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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  OK for what it is, but poor reliability - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By PDB - October 11 - 5:38 pm

  For a mid-90s minivan, comfort and space is pretty good. Rear seats are very cumbersome to remove to provide more cargo space. Performance was adequate. Main complaint is reliability (or lack thereof). Around the 100k mile mark things went downhill fast. Major repairs in last several years: * Transmission (replaced with low-mileage used one that one is now slipping) * Electronics/wiring * Alternator * Water pump * Blown head gasket.

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  Long Term Analysis - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Sonic Blue - October 11 - 1:25 pm

  I thought some long term appraisal was in order. Engine, clutch, transmission, drivetrain all holding up well considering my driving. Clutch is still stiff but my g/f doesnt complain a bit. Its somewhat unrefined but you can get decent gas mileage if you choose. It rides decent especially at 70, the seats are tight, they got better but they hold you in the corners. You can idle around town all day just a regular car so it seems. Its a Mustang people with a great engine, pretty good drivetrain. You want to go fast cheap? This is it. You want old big engine performance? You got it with especially with a few mods. Get 26 mpg on highway or see the gas gauge go down. Your choice. I like choices.

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  First Car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By John - October 11 - 1:24 pm

  Man, when my grandfather bought me this car I really didnt like Thunderbirds, but when I got behind the wheel and saw all the stuff it had on it, I thought it was great. The combination of luxury and performance is great. Its so smooth i almost fall asleep when I drive it, but it could haul the mail if it needs to. Pretty great for a first car!

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  Fantastic economical ride - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - October 11 - 6:16 am

  For a compact car, the Focus Sedan has an extremely roomy interior. The backseat easily fits one car seat and two adults with no loss of "oomph" from the engine. Throw in miles of trunk space for a stroller or two and you have a great economy family car.

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  Love the Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Doug - October 11 - 3:30 am

  The Escape is a blast to drive. It feels nimble, solid, and sure, and the acceleration is remarkably good. After 8500 miles, were averaging 32 mpg on the highway and between 32 mpg (my wife with a heavy foot) and 38 mpg (me with an exceptionally light foot) in town.

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  This CAR - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Figlar-Barnes - October 11 - 12:26 am

  I just had this car worked on and a blown head gasket was feared to be the problem, but it was a pitted area in the head--which was fixed easily. This car has 205,000 miles on it (bought new) and has had minimal problems--if all of Ford vehicles were like this one, Ford would not be having a problem with its value and quality compared to its competitors like Toyota. It makes me laugh when I hear new vehicle advertisements bragging about great gas mileage (28-32 miles to a gallon highway). This car consistently gets 37 to 42 miles per gallon highway. Imagine that, the car is 10 years old!

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  Good car for $1200 in 1999 - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jonathan LA - October 9 - 7:36 pm

  For the size of the engine the car did well in performance. I added intake and exhaust and noticed a slight difference. Lowering the car also enhanced handling making it fun, as well as taking it drifting and off-roading. The car has been in three accidents (all hit and runs) and has almost nothing to show for it, durability is high on this plastic-bumpered car. Even sold for $1000 five years later in 2004 with 150K miles on it. Bought it for $1200 with 80K miles and only had to do routine maintenance.

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  1992 Taurus GL Sedan - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Geoff - October 9 - 2:07 pm

  I bought this from a family member with 80,000 miles on it for $1,500. Has been nothing but trouble. Ive spent much more than its worth in repairs.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Helmey - October 9 - 6:47 am

  I traded in my 98 Taurus SE for a 2004 SEL and I love this car just as much. With leather seats, the interior feels like a luxury car and the drive is excellent with the Duratec V6. The SEL includes a lot of extras that are truly useful and make the car a pleasure to drive for long distances. The V6 Camry is a more refined car, but without the bells and whistles. The Ford is a fun car to own and a really great value.

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  What Else Could You Want? - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By JFIELDS - October 8 - 10:37 pm

  I have had my Taurus now for almost 5 years. I bought it new with 3 miles on it. since the day I drove it off the lot I have not had one problem with it, other than the normal brakes and oil changes and tires (also I suggest changing the tires to a better quality...it improves the ride considerably). I do however have a strange rattle noise coming from what I presume to be my windshield (right where the dash meets the windshield) and no one can seem to find out how to fix it or where it is coming from! I love this car and my brother just bought a Ford 500 and I would by another Taurus (which I am due to the 251,000 miles on mine). I would definitely suggest this car to anyone.