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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  Not happy with my Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By notahappydriver - July 25 - 3:24 pm

  I have had my Escape for a little under 2 years and I am ready to get rid of it. The acceleration is great thats about the only thing I like about it. It does not ride smooth and feels rough around the edges. The tires and wheels get covered in brake dust within a day washing them you can never keep them clean.

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  A mixed bag, but more fun than a Honda - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kevin - July 25 - 1:36 pm

  This car was well worth the wait. Its a blast to drive, and people love to look at it. Ive only had a few problems with it (mentioned below). I do wish it had more hp. I know that sounds insane, but it should have hp equal to that ugly GTO that Pontiac is making. This car is rated less than the 98 Camaro. Seven years later those cars should not be able to keep up with Ford. That said, this is way better than any Mustang ever made, even the 69. Classic car guys will disagree, but this one beats in in quality, performance, sound system, mpg, paint quality, crash tests, and driveablity. Love the car.

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  Not Impressed - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Stonemannn - July 25 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car in 1998. Ran well for a few years. A transmission part needed replacement at about 70,000 miles. Now I have a fluctuating temp gauge and dont even want to know where that is taking me repair-wise. I wont buy another Ford.

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  I Love My Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Noreen Sutphen - July 25 - 12:37 pm

  We are in our 70s and have never had a van, but we are enjoying the Freestar very much, and find it very comfortable, and easy to handle, with fairly good gas mileage. We have had 2 Explorers, but the Freestar is much more comfortable, and fun to drive, and the roomy interior is a real plus, as I am on oxygen so we can carry all my equipment and still have lots of space. It is also great for traveling with our 4 year old grandson, and our new puppy, a Bichon Frise.

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  2005 My Ford Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Philip Sanders - July 25 - 10:56 am

  My 2005 Ford Taurus is comfortable and well appointed. It also handles well. It is the third Taurus I have owned.

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  NOISY VEHICLE - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By BOERNER - July 24 - 11:56 pm

  Noisy engine. Diesel engine noise same as 04 model year no dampening material under hood to eliminate same noise. Factory will not correct the problem. Also pulling a 34 foot Airstream trailer the rear of the tow vehicle sags 2 inches low, making the connection look like its dragging down in the middle at the hitch point.

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  Comfort, Power and Style - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By navyman - July 24 - 1:49 am

  This is my 4th Ford. I think Ford has a very good quality product. This is a new milestone for me, my first automatic tranny Ford. I bought this truck used in Jan 04 for my wife to drive and it had only 15K miles on it and it was still under factory warranty. Currently: 43K miles. We have driven it on long trips (12 hours+) about 8 times and it makes the trip go so smoothly. The ride is very comfortable and is a real pleasure to drive. I have never had this vehicle leave my wife or me stranded. I LOVE the power and low end torque. I am very pleased with this vehicle. Maintenance: transmission flush $187 oil $360. Repairs: power mirror switch and bubbling paint on hood (warranty)

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  Old Reliable - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By GoodGame - July 23 - 10:33 pm

  After 8 years and 142,000 miles, this old van is the most reliable and practical vehicle I have ever owned. Its the kind of truck I want to hold on to if I can just find a mechanic I can trust to nurse it along. Fortunately, I havent had to do much to it so far other than normal wear and tear issues. If you can find one with low miles get it. Chances are its got a lot of life in it. My engine still does not burn oil between changes and I get 20+ per gallon on the road.

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  It does it all! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Deb - July 23 - 3:31 pm

  We purchased our Bronco - one year after being in a car accident - for its crash test results and pulling power. We love it! It keeps my kids safe and pulls our 74 190 SeaRay without issue. It also does well in the snow. I do recommend switching out the hubs to locking so once you need them they are there and you dont have too wait for a few rotations in the tire for the autos to kick in. The ride can get a little bumpy on the those rough freeway spots, but not everything can ride like a Benz.

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  XLT Sport - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By JMeis37136 - July 23 - 2:14 pm

  At first I really wanted a V8 Explorer but the are like finding a needle in a haystack at a dealership around here. The V6 has decent power just wish the fuel economy was better. Fit and finish on the vehicle is pretty good except for some solvent popping on the hood. The leather interior is great and I would highly recommend it. The Audiophile sound system is second to none in the sound department. The display on the radio just needs to get in the 21st century. vehicle is smooth and quiet to drive on both the city and the highway.