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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  Bullet proof - 1997 Ford Escort
  By John - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I hope I dont jinx myself, but my Escort seems indestructible. I bought it with 72,000 miles and it just turned over 237000! It runs like a champ and gets 33-34mpg consistently. It still has the original clutch, struts, and even exhaust system! I would not hesitate to drive it cross-country. I typically change the oil at around 4K- 5K miles (most of my miles are pretty easy, few city miles) and it is never more than 1/2 quart low on oil. I love my Escort and will be very sad when I finally have to replace it. Im shooting for 300,000 miles!

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  great car bad battery and window system - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By stevie - November 12 - 10:34 am

  I love to drive the car and to look at the car. I have had problems with the battery draining. Ive jumped it 5 times. Ive also had problems with the driver side window. I had to take it to the dealership 2 times for the same issue. The 3rd time it was out of warranty and the dealership didnt want to take ownership of the problem.

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  Mach out rock out - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 03sfmach - November 11 - 11:25 pm

  I needed a rear drive, v8, stick shift car to drive everyday that I could stomp on allday everyday and still depend on it running all the time. This car has been awesome. Thought about a 2001-2004 vette (way too cheesy), early 2000 SS or z28 camaro (crappy tranny, rear-end, interior quality, overall looks) or a 2003-2004 cobra (bad-a$$ car but pricy) but the MACH seemed like the best value . ($14700, 22000 miles, lowered, tri-ax shifter, magnaflow exhaust) I have not been disappointed at all. The car really sings after 3500 rpms, tranny has a steep 1st gear and a low low overdriven 5th (about 1900rpms at 75mph). Pick one up if you can

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  Oh yeah, I love my taurus! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Pat - November 11 - 9:13 pm

  What more can i say about it, i had my ford taurus for about two years as my first car. Nothing in this tank went wrong even as it approached 150,000 miles it still ran strong. I would highly recommend this car for a new driver because its not overly powerful but enough to get the job done. I just got a new car and let me tell you it was sad to see it go. Over all great first car, it will be missed!

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  Mixed bag - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Sigh... - November 11 - 6:55 pm

  Have owned the car since it was new. Now have 180,000 miles on itso we know the good and the ugly. The good: great concept and design, very comfortable, great highway vehicle (primary use for us - never was a city car which is prob why we have so many miles on it),tranny is orig and fine engine/trans/systems well conceived (but see the bad...) now has 180K on it and runs great - still not burning oil. The bad: it was made so poorly!!! We have replaced virtually every seal in the engine, rebuilt all the brakes, cruise control and ABS computer quit working years ago. Have replaced many parts - it has been an expensive car to maintain.

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  Fusion SEL 6cyl. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By tom - November 11 - 3:13 am

  This is a great car! The only drawback I can complain about is the gas mileage has been consistently hovering at 21mpg with about 50/50 city/highway driving. Other than that you cant buy a better car for anywhere near the price. I have all the luxury options except AWD and have had no problems with anything on the car. It handles well, has ample power and rides smooth. The sound quality from the audiophile radio is fantastic. Buy one, youll be happy!

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  New 10 - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Kirk Miller - November 10 - 6:23 pm

  Traded in 08 GT for new 10. Quite a bit different. Exterior is sleeker and interior is worlds better. Materials are much better, very quiet inside (until you step on it). Even turn signal is a significant improvement. Not really any faster, but definitely handles better. Friend just got SS Camaro. It is faster, but feels much bigger than Mustang on the road and more cramped inside (I am 61").

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  Great mileage - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Wayne, NJ - November 10 - 5:14 pm

  Averaging 27 mpg combined highway and city driving. Has all the creature features and comfort you expect in an American car. Suttle engine vibration concerned me at first but Ford states its part of having a big 4 cylinder- will get used too. So far so good.

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  Has never failed me - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - November 10 - 11:19 am

  This is my first truck. I got it when I turned 17 and it has been a great car. I dont take care of it and I drive it like I stole it, but it keeps on going. Starts every time and never leaves me stranded. I even wrecked it and I still drive it today without replacing anything but the windshield. It has some problems with the gas line. There is a crack in the filler neck hose so I lose gas onto the ground every time I put gas into it and I only get 17 mpg. It idles pretty rough too. Its pretty fast for a 4 cylinder with the the aero dynamics of a brick. Overall this has been a great truck and Im content with it.

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  Good truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Paul Piellusch - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Good truck no maintenance 70K kilometres