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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  Fix or repair daily still holds true - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Designergal - January 15 - 2:29 am

  The vehicle is very nice to drive, the color was perfect for me. I was so impressed with Ford, this vehicle was loaded and at a great price. I was in love, but that soon ended and we are about to break up. I purchased the car 11/09 and 2 weeks later the headliner started comming down. The wires on the rearview mirror are exposed and a loud chirping/howling noise began with each take off. Ford is aware of the nosie,but has not come up with a fix as of yet. When the repairs to the brand new 2010 are complete, I will run not walk to get rid of this cute little rip off of a car. The lady who said that the seats stain from just water is right.

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  B2200 Vs Ranger - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By X Mazda owner - January 14 - 11:01 pm

  I drove a 1991 Mazda B2200 for 238,000 miles. I decided to buy a new truck and settled on the Ford, which is supposed to be the same as Mazda. The Mazda had 94 horspower, the Ranger claims 148. On the same trip I have driven a 100 times with the Mazda, the Ranger couldnt pull the same hills without slowing down. It has higher gearing so it cant pull like the Mazda did. On some sections of bad road it handles very badly, kinda like skips. Quality is a bit sloppy. there were burrs on the door handles, on the steering wheel, and down under where you grab the emergency brake lever. The cover on the steering wheel that covers the air bag, has a gap that caught my coat sleeve button, not good.

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  Fix The Interior And Its A Winner - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Nicky T - January 14 - 12:32 pm

  The interior design on this car is lacking. The center console is WAY TOO BIG and wastes a lot of valuable space. I wish I had taken the time to rent one before I bought this but unfortunately Ill have to put up with the interior the way it is. Otherwise, it is a really solid car

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  dont get a sunroof - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By smithpointjava - January 14 - 11:56 am

  I love everything about the car but the leaky sunroof that Ford cant seem to fix for the life of them. My car has been in the shop 4 times (soon to be the 5th) for the same leak that comes through the the over head console.

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  2010 Ford Escape XLT FWD - 2010 Ford Escape
  By NDEMARTI - January 14 - 11:31 am

  We looked at/researched several small- mid size SUVs and pleased with our 12/22/09 purchase. We were not interested in cross over vehicles. I was coming from a Toyota RAV4. We did purchase leather seating and moonroof/sync pkg with Serius radio. The Escape handles well in the toughest road conditions (no annoying road noise), very comfortable and roomy. Have not found any cons yet. This is the first American vehicle we have purchased and obviously, highly recommend the Escape XKT.

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  An "Okay" Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - January 13 - 12:47 am

  I bought this car when it was 5 years old with 67k miles. It did well for me the first year I owned it, but then I started having all kinds of problems: The vibration of the SOHC is so intense, I had to replace the motor mounts twice the factory fuel pump went out (which I heard was a common occurrence for these cars) a power window cable snapped the CD player started skipping, even with new CDs and a valve seat fell out of the engine at 95k miles. Considering the age and miles of the car when I bought it, I didnt mind so much of the repairs though it did pull a chunk out of my wallet having been a college student at the time. The engine finally died at 137k.

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  FUN! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By josh37 - January 12 - 9:28 pm

  I love this car.. Its My first car and Im proud of it. I have the 5 spd. It has plenty of power and i use it. It is comfortable to drive and to ride in, but the backseat is cramped. but its a sports car so its not suppose to be big. The sound system is pretty good and i love the cd player, it plays homemade cds and it sounds good. I love to hear the roar of that engine when the rpms get up to about 3000. I havent had it long but so far i have to get the front right brake calapaer cleaned out, i need to plugs, and my clicker doesnt work but i can live without that. This car is SEXY i think, Mine is all black with Cobra rims on it. I totally recommend this car.

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  Functional Vehicle - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By ottem82 - January 12 - 8:37 pm

  This is a great point A to point B vehicle. There is nothing exciting or flashy about it, at the same time it is comfortable, gets decent mileage, and is quite reliable. I bought it with 108000 on it and currently have 146000. I change the oil, put gas in it and drive it. Mileage in everyday driving is 21-25. On the highway driving 80 with the AC on 27-29. Overall it was cheap to purchase and easy to own. If the transmission holds up Im hoping to run it past 200000.

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  Solid car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Average driver - January 12 - 7:24 pm

  I bought this car at auction 3 years ago for $100. Best $100 dollars I ever spent. It had 150k miles when I bought it. Now has 185k. I had to replace oil pan, put new shocks on it, but runs great. I really didnt baby it either. Im a fairly aggressive driver. Did other standard maintenance, tune up, oil change, etc. Sad to say I may have killed it. Had it parked on a steep hill in 15 degree weather, and about a quart low on transmission fluid. Didnt let it warm up and transmission started slipping. Its been slipping, and not got any worse for about 2 months. Im currently shopping for a new car. Tempted to get the 2010 Taurus...

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  Tough Grader/Good Vehicle - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Oldnavycdr - January 12 - 1:22 pm

  The scores given above are relative to world class vehicles so understand that Im fairly tough. Overall, I am delighted with the Taurus. The ride is smooth, the steering is nicely weighted -- especially for an electric steering system, it is very quiet, and front seating is extremely comfortable - - in town or on the road. And trunk passes the 3 golf bag test. It does fall down in rear seat room and headroom although Im less concerned because I do the driving! Materials used in the storage console are very poor and cheapen an otherwise quality interior. Perhaps extend the wood grain theme here and stiffen the structure. But most of all create more storage! Shift paddles are stupid.