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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  Low Cost Car - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By 1991 Ford T - June 26 - 1:17 am

  Bought it at 99,000 miles. Since then, Ive put 81,000 miles on it over 6 years. While some of my friends have spent over $50,000 to get new vehicles two or three times over the past six years and dealt with major mechanical problems on these new vehicles, Ive only had to replace the water pump and pay for regular maintenance on the Taurus that cost only a fraction of their vehicles.

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  I must be lucky - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By doug - June 26 - 12:55 am

  I bought this car in 1998. I have put over 90,000 miles on it since. Not having problems with the transmission just average maintenance done and a few minor repairs but has been a very good car for me and my family. Sorry for all of you that had all those problems.

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  Still the King! Wake yours up! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By don wells - June 25 - 5:29 pm

  This is my 2nd Lightning, my first was a 2000 model. Dont leave it stock for another day! As soon as you put a cold air intake and chip it, maybe change the exhaust, you realize how restricted they come from Ford. You gain at least a 1-2 second increase in the 1/4 mile, and since Ford sells those same mods, it wont even void your warranty. They are quiet, comfortable, handle well,and still tow 5k lbs! You can outrun the $50k Dodge truck for about $2000-$2500 in mods, and still be $20k ahead. And the SRT- 10 cant even be used as a truck! My first one went over 40k with NO mechanical problems - the huge Dodges, like Vipers, have many. When you feel that 550+ lb/ft of torque you know who rules.

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  Overlooked sibling - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Minivan devotee - June 25 - 1:38 pm

  This is the overlooked sibling of the minivan market, but having driven Chrysler vans and the first-generation Honda van, I can tell you this is a excellent bargain. I bought mine second-hand with about 5K miles on it, and paid at least $10K less than the more popular vans. The basic SE model has a number of convenience features in the cabin, including a flexible seating plan, lots of cup holders, etc. Only mechanical problem so far (now have 12K miles) was a leaking transmission gasket, repaired under warranty, but still a hassle.

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  Family trip vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Bud - June 25 - 10:35 am

  So far the diesel engine and all the other features have been tops. Only a few small glitches and three Colorado and 6 trips over 1500 miles with two under three year old kids and this is the way to go. Tuned the computer with micro chip and now get 21-22 miles per gallon on the highway--in this tank, what a way to go. Only had one adjustment early on the diesel and one tank of contaminated diesel which cleaned out just fine. You cant beat this for loading up and hitting the highway. Gets up and roars when the accelerator is pushed amazing for a vehicle this size.

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  Relaxing Drive - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kat - June 25 - 10:30 am

  My new Freestyle is incredibly comfortable. I first noticed it going around corners. You glide through the turn and experience very little swaying. The seating is just wonderful, and the storage when the seats fold down is amazing. I usually buy a car and just drive treating the car like just a car. This one took me by surprise--great handling and braking, comfortable ride, and good gas mileage. I love my Freestyle.

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  Great all around vehicle - 2002 Ford F-150
  By sal - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Graet truck for weddings or yard work or boat and camper towing(5.4 engine) or soccer practice with the kids-you get the picture!!

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  Total Recall - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By PGW - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The only reason I went to the Ranger, after having so many excellent Toyota FWDs, was cost. Ive put only 25,000 miles on my Ranger, and it has performed well. It does well in the snow and offroad, and is very comfortable on the highway. My biggest problem is with the gas mileage, but I knew that before I bought it. Shame on me! Also, I have grown tired of the various recalls. They do make you wonder about the quality of Ford products. (My Toyota pickups had nary a recall in 30 years.)

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  3.8L V6 1998 Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Gucci - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The Mustang is surely one of the best muscle cars in todays market. The design is very original and distinctive. Both the V8 and the V6 versions offer plenty of horsepower and make this car very fun to drive. Handling is good and predictable, but could be improved. The seats are confortable and the overall build quality is very good. The interior is stilish but the door handles are way too cheap. The trunk is surprisingly spacious and functional. This car is perfect for everyday driving.

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  29 year old Crown Vic owner - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By copcarguy - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I guess Im a little bit younger than the average Crown Vic owner, but I love them! This is my 4th one. All of my Crown Vics have had excellent reliability and are still going strong. I have sold my old ones to friends and the 91 has 250K, the 92 has 198K, the 95 has 154K all on the original unrebuilt drivetrains.... Need I say more?? The comfort on the highway is unsurpassed. I would recommend this car to anyone. After all, this basic design (V8, auto, rear wheel drive, full body on frame) dates back to the dawn of automobiles and Ford has certainly exterminated the bugs out of this design. :)