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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  Versitle hauler - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob Gervais - May 3 - 7:41 pm

  Bought this car new. Traded an 2005 Caravan which was a huge disappointment. The Freestyle is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. It converts from a comfortable people hauler to cargo hauler in seconds. Very comfortable road car. Decent gas mileage. After 70K+ miles, only on second set of tires and they have pleanty of tread left. No problems whatever with this car. Comfort, ride and power is more than adequate. Climate control system controls are small and hard to see and adjust while underway. Living in Maine, the AWD is a necessity and works great. There is no stopping this vehicle in snow. CVT has worked perfectly with no issues. This is a great car.

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  Ford has outdone themselves :D - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Mack - May 3 - 1:10 pm

  I just purchased this car 4 days ago and I love it! At first I was iffy because of the past Taurus, but this one hasnt failed me! I love it! It has been getting great gas mileage, very roomy, the stereo is great w/ the 6 CD changer, the wood like finish, the 8 cup holders, and the storage! I love the way it looks inside and out! Its the perfect car for those who dont want the 4 cylinder or a V8! I searched for the car for me and this was it. I didnt go out of what was hot this year, but out of comfort and my likings. This fit everything. The style and comfort! Im a V8 owner of a Ford Explorer XLT, and I love this V6 Taurus SEL. It gets me great gas mileage and saves me money!

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  Loads of Room Inside - 2004 Ford Focus
  By amapola - May 1 - 1:39 pm

  This wagon holds a ton of stuff. We are using it to go camping and theres loads of room for everything and everybody. Its a zippy little vehicle and easy to park in small spaces. Surprisingly smooth ride for such a small car. It looks very sleek ,unlike some of the SUVs we considered. Fuel economy is great. Altogether a very good buy.

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  Best in SHO! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Todd - May 1 - 8:59 am

  The SHO Taurus is amazing - incredible job by Ford. Ive had Lexus, BMW, Infiniti, and Acura - shockingly this car competes in that group at $10-$15K less. If Americans dont consider this car they are snobs. First, it is QUICK - this car has the zoom-factor that will make you grin. The integrated SYNC, Sirius, and voice controls make the navigation and satellite radio a must have and set the bar for the industry. At first sticker seems high for a Taurus, but with the options you get it is extremely well equipped relative to all luxury sedans. GO DRIVE ONE!

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  Trusty but Rusty - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Jerame - April 30 - 4:01 pm

  I have owned my 2002 Ford Taurus for the past 6 years and have 123,000 miles on it and can say it has been a comfortable and dependable car to this point. I had to replace the front rotors at about 90k and have both ball joints replaced in the front end, but outside of that it is a good daily driver. Be careful to watch above the rear fenders for rust as it likes to start from the inside, I found out that they tend to rust very easily due to not being sealed well at the factory, mine didnt show rust until 6 months outside of the 6 year body warranty and the factory would not help. Overall I like to exterior looks and smooth lines, but the rust is getting worse.

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  2010 Taurus Limited FWD - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By jdydiesel - April 29 - 10:33 pm

  Bought my wife this car 3 nights ago, as of right now all I can say is WOW! I would drive this car 24-7 if I had a choice. I might just have to go get one myself. The exterior styling is second to none on the market and the interior is huge, comfortable, and makes you want to stay in the car.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Kim - April 29 - 12:03 pm

  Ive owned this car for 6 years. Never had any major mechanical problems. My passenger window has a short in it and it wont work in the summer time. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  love this suv - 2009 Ford Escape
  By james warner - April 28 - 10:02 pm

  owned a 1984 ford bronco ii definitly a step up still tring to figure the bells and whistles but the gas mileage is great. would recommend to a friend.

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  I Love My Expo - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By I am Happy With It - April 28 - 6:12 pm

  I am very pleased with my Expedition. I bought it 3 years ago and had to replace the transmission ounce at 150,000. It tows well and off roads well. nice ground clearance. Hauling 3 kids and a dog and some friends around, camping and taking trips is comfortable with the interior design. I do wonder about the electrical though, I have trouble withe the keyless entry and my dome lights no longer go on when I open the doors. Other then that a good family vehicle.

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  Ford Makes the Best Trucks - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Akgirlie - April 26 - 11:46 pm

  I bought this truck after my 00 Chevy Silverado just kept giving me problem after problem! I had an F-150 before, and it didnt take me a year to trade it in for this one. I live in Alaska, and I need my 4x4. I love how reliable it is, even hitting 9 years old. Ive had yet to have an engine or transmission problem on either of the ones Ive owned. (this one has 107k, my old one had over 165k) I love how the bed is heavy enough that I never bother to put weight in the bed and I feel completely in control in blizzards and bad street conditions. Built Ford Tough is absolutley the truth!