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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  Why doesnt Ford market the X better? - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By FORD FOR LIFE - August 20 - 5:33 pm

  All I can say is wow. What a great CUV, but why doesnt Ford market it more? Although at first I was a bit bummed when the wife said she would rather have the Taurus X than the AWD Limited Edge we both really loved, I am happy to say that I am very glad I bought her a Taurus X. So far, this is one fine CUV. The day after we got it we took it up north with 3 other people and stuff for the 5 of us and still had plenty of room. The only thing I regret not getting is the DVD Nav.system. So far avg 18.5 city and 24hwy MPG. Very pleased considering it has less that 1k miles on it

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  Not a lemon yet - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By scottk_61 - August 20 - 5:14 pm

  We bought the vehicle and were unable to even leave the dealership. It died right there. The dealership replaced the complete fuel system at Fords advice which seemed to take care of the problem. Now at 8000 miles, the rear end is shot as well as transmission problems and axle bearing problems. The vehicle is beautiful and rids very nicely ... when it runs.

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  An Overall Good Car - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Mackdaddy_j - August 20 - 11:59 am

  I have had very good luck with mine with the exception of the head gasket. Car gets very good gas mileage for a V6, although it is not very powerful in return.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Cop786 - August 20 - 10:30 am

  I purchased this car after driving five F-150s in a row, and I am not disappointed a bit. The Fusion drives nice, the V6 has plenty of power, and it gets great highway gas mileage. The SEL has lots of great features and feels like a more expensive car.

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  Second one -- I love it! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Steve Feintuch - August 20 - 10:26 am

  Like some of the new features over my 2000. Transmission shifting is a little different and Im trying to get used to it. Love the 6.0 Powerstroke.

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  I Really Like It - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ira - August 20 - 5:06 am

  Based on my first 1000 miles I achieved 29.4 mpg. For a car this size and with AWD I am pleased with the mileage. The vehicle has a stiff European type ride and responsive steering. The symbiotic relationship between the electric motors, gas engine, generators and battery results in a smooth, seamless ride. The car is not a luxury vehicle so dont expect frivolous amenities. The car also has good acceleration (153 total horsepower), but the right armrest is too short and the seats could use a little more padding. Overall: Im very pleased

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  Built Ford Tough - 2003 Ford F-150
  By bmwm517 - August 19 - 4:55 pm

  This is the second F-150 I have owned, and I would own nothing else. This truck is extremely stylish, reliable, fast, and very gas efficient for its size. I bought the last year of the "old" body style because I think Ford should have kept their styling the same into 2004 and on. I have added a K&N cold air induction system and I would recommend this to any owners, as it significantly adds torque and horsepower, along with gas mileage. I would also suggest adding dual exhaust as it adds a "head turning" sound and also adds horsepower and torque.

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  Great truck with some problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By J.C. - August 19 - 7:43 am

  This truck is very nice, especially the interior, but it has vibration problems that have been a major headache. The transmission, along with many other parts, had to be replaced at about 16,000 miles. This doesnt give me a whole lot of confidence in this truck. I also have an automatic a/c control module that has been replaced 3 times because of the air shutting off at various times.

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  I Love this car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Carl K - August 19 - 7:06 am

  I had an AudiA6 4.2 that went out of warranty, so I started looking to replace it. While the Fusion is no Audi, it also doesnt cost over $50k. The "step down" I thought I was taking, is not a step down at all. I love this car. I love the mileage, the looks, the regular gas, and all of the premium type appointments -even the stereo- which has long been weak in Fords. I bought SEL V6. I truly love it. If it didnt say Ford on it, I would never believe it. It is a winner all around. No other car that I looked at can give all of this for this price. Leather etc. put a Camry into the $30s. No brainer for me. I only wish it had Parktronic rear sensors. Other than that, I am very very happy.

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  Quiet and Smooth - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ls san diego - August 19 - 4:43 am

  Love the high ride, excellent visibility, and features. Fuel economy is very bad but you already know that. Bed extender is a must and skip the FX option if you dont go off road much and the ride will be smoother. Have traveled the West with 5K lb trailer and didnt know it was there. The roomy cabin served family of well with room to put in a 13 inch TV on the console for 2 kids. Purchased new and has 14K. Dealership has been very good. Nice Power when you need it. Excellent value.