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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  My First Ford - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Larry Parks - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Probably the poorest engineered and poorest quality vehicle Ive ever owned, its my 10th vehicle. Ive had nothing but problems since I bought the car, I actually got it in July 2002. Im glad the dealer decided to sneak a premium extended warranty in on the contract, I have a feeling a lot more will go wrong after the initial 36,000 miles.

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  Cant Tow a thing with this vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bogeymstr - October 17 - 5:06 pm

  I purchased this "redesigned" vehicle as it was the perfect vehicle to tow the 17 fishing boat and the still have room for the kids. I recently went to rent a smae 6x12 enclosed trailer to do some moving. Much to my surprise this National company refused to rent me the trailer citing that "the vehicle is a high rollover risk when towing". I checked with my insurance company and verified that the vehicle was at high risk for roll over when towing, in fact they want to triple my premium no that I broght it to thiier attention. Needless to say I am exploring either Lemon Law remedy or at least consumer fraud.....This vehicle seems to have become a bad buy!

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  first time expedition owner - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kennythornhill - October 11 - 2:00 am

  we started having problems at 1600 miles with the hydrolic motor mount going out then there is the problem with the excessive brake dust. then at 13,000 miles the rear end had to be rebuilt and then most recently at 14,000 miles.

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  One-Dimensional Boy-Racer - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - October 10 - 8:46 pm

  After reading the raves here and on some other sites, I sprung for this vehicle without even a test drive. Boy! That was a mistake! Now Im stuck with it until I can save up for another vehicle. In a nutshell: Interior noise off-the-chart. Weird "What gear am I in?" transmission...the list could go on, but I dont have enough room.

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  MPG - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Marinverona - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Sticker says 20 mpg City and 27 mpg highway. Actually it averages 15.7 mpg driving 60% highway, 40% rural. Very little city driving.

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  WHAT A PIECE!!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By What A Piece! - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has been horrible!!! I have had it for just over a year and have have spent at least 500$ every other month on repairs. Ford seems to complicate their cars so that they are the only ones who can fix them half the time, and they are outragiously over priced!!! The anti-theft features are more of a hassle for the driver than the theft. Gas mileage is NOT as good as advertised. Looses value quickly!! I dug myself a hole with this one. Was very disappointed since the car had good reviews. Once again Ford has let me down... Im going Honda. Im upside down, but extra money now will be well worth the money Ill save in repairs.

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  Wish I Knew This Before I bought it - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Nicki Griffin - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ford seems to make good Trucks but I dont think they try too hard on their cars. I drove a 95 thunderbird and its faster than my Mustang. They have the same engine and horse power both automatics too. I thought mustangs were suppose to be faster. Next time Im going to buy a trans am like i wanted to in the first place.

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  Engine & Transmission Woes - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Jim - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I Purchased my 1999 Taurus SE used with 8500 miles. I noticed a significant differance in my fuel economy from my 93 Taurus that I traded in (Same 3.0 Engine) I Also noticed a excessive amount of pinging, even with the higher octane. (Dealer claims they all do it) At 30000 the transmission failed. (Thankfully while still under warranty) Think I should buy the extended Warr ???

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  Poor design - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Konrad 2002 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Last year, I bought a year old SEL Windstar. I am getting rid of it this year. Poor interior use of space. There is hardly any storage inside the car. Back seat is uncomfortable for adults and a hassle to get into the back seat. Radio has very poor reception. I had it replaced by the dealer, but it still only picks up a few stations in a major metro area. Drives poorly on snow or slippery roads. Pretty good on mileage for this type of vehicle. It would be nice to have a full spare, since its mounted under the vehicle.

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  A Mechanics Dream to make more money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carl - October 5 - 2:50 pm

  This car is a piece of junk, mechanically speaking. 60,000 mile, with 3 brake jobs, 1 alternator, 1 front wheel bearing, 2 idler arm ball joints and Fidelity Extended Insurance wont cover it, considered normal wear. What a crock. I will never purchase another Ford product.