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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  Great Deal for the Money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By ray - September 1 - 12:11 pm

  I bought the car from a new car dealers used car lot with close to 15K on it. It was a super deal and the cars ride is smooth with adequate leg room. The design of the car and associated option package was excellent.

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  I tried to trade in....and couldnt - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Brian Barnes - September 1 - 12:57 am

  We decided that 3.00/gallon gas was the limit and went to trade our F150 in. Ended up getting a used car for commuting, and keeping the truck. This is the absolute king of family vehicles. It saved our trip to Florida, while pulling a 27 camper with no strain. Gas mileage for a 4x4 with a 5.4 Triton is good, if you dont get carried away with its power and speed. Ride comfort and room are unparalleled, and reliability is a given with Fords. Even with gas prices going out of control, we wont part with our Lariat! Im shooting for 200,000+ miles before that thought comes around again.

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  My Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Desiree - September 1 - 12:50 am

  So far, very happy with vehicle. Very responsive, gas mileage not bad if you drive sensibly. (I average 20 mpg which is a combination of mostly city and some highway driving). Air Conditioner works very well! Stereo system pretty good as well. Perfect sized vehicle for my needs. Vehicle has firm ride.

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  Underrated Car for the masses - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Ian - August 31 - 5:08 pm

  My Duratec 24V engine Taurus has been utterly reliable. Ive covered 39,000 miles since 11/02. I service it myself and use synthetic oil and high quality filters, which I change every 10K miles. I got a repair shop to change the serpentine belt, changed brake fluid and auto-fluid too. This helps maintain the cars life and reliability I feel. Regarding performance, only use the overdrive 4th gear on freeways, stick to the 3 speed around town, gas mileage will improve as the box is not hunting up and down all the time. Great road holding and comfort. Seats are hard, but good for my back and there is oceans of space inside. Controls are easy to use. Brakes are appalling, as is wind noise.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Michael C. - August 31 - 7:46 am

  I am impressed with what Ford has designed and built. Mine also came with the 502A Nav package. My iphone worked without a flaw with the sync via the bluetooth for the phone and the usb for the songs. The car does handle and feel like a luxury car. Smooth and quiet ride with a strong positive feel. The controls are easy to use and the feature list sounds like a Lexus. It is impressive that a car with this much volume and power gets 35+ mpg in the city. I was originally going to purchase an Accord but after reviewing and testing the Fusion Hybrid I believe I made the better choice. The Honda is a good car but no comparison to the quality, feature list, and mpgs of the Fusion. Thanks FORD.

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  America still beats the foreign trucks! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Nick - August 31 - 6:36 am

  Bought this truck in January and have had no problems yet. This truck is sound when driving. Road noise is hardly noticeable, especially with wind gusts above 30 miles an hour. My truck actually has the 5.4 engine and this has plenty of power. The 3 valves per cylinder helps increase the overall performance of the vehicle. The dash controls are easy to reach and this truck has plenty of storage space. The tires provide good traction also.

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  Loved it at first... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By JDD - August 31 - 5:27 am

  Purchased my Mustang with less than 20 miles and enjoyed it until I hit the 40K mark. I have taken great care of my car hoping it would last a long time, but it hasnt made a difference. I have owned the car for over four years now and in the last year it has been literally falling apart. I have had problems with the brakes, the passenger door, the power side mirrors, the a/c, and the transmission. The car still turns heads as I approach but the loud engine kills the mood. I did not get my moneys worth and I will not buy another Ford.

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  Economical but a bit cramped inside - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Suzi - August 31 - 4:33 am

  Its too bad that you dont get more for $25k.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By LisaR - August 31 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for a fun, reliable, convertible, this is the car for you. Nice solid ride with plenty of power. Not ideal for long road trips, but well worth the lack of space. I would not purchase any other convertible.

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  FORD,S RULE!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By lissamel - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my third new mustang GT and I absolutely love them. Performance is excellent! The way it handles can not be beat! Speed and acceleration.....well, go drive one it is awesome. The only thing I have to say is anyone who does not buy a manual transmission can not appreciate all that a mustang is!!!