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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  Solid Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Rossi - November 8 - 6:04 pm

  Purchased this car used in 2002 with 26,000 miles on it. Now had 185,000 and the engine still runs like new. Still has the original muffler and exhaust system, this is amazing for Vermont. The undercarriage has very little rust. Only trouble spots are the rear wheel wells which nee body work at this point. Front Rotors warp when replace with original equipment, but once I change to a premium rotor from another company, no problems with the rotors. On the whole this has been a great car with low maintenance. Looking to replace with another Ford with the same 3.0 liter 6. This thing is a work horse.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By dadsjk - November 8 - 5:33 am

  I cannot believe this car is a Ford. Look forward to driving it everyday. Great handling. Very fun to drive with stick.

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  You bought a Hybrid? and a Ford? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - November 7 - 9:52 am

  I have bought close to 20 new vehicles while I have been driving, american cars, european, asian, etc. The C-Max is the first Ford product since the late 1980s. The reaction from my friends is really interesting, cant believe I got a Hybrid, and if I wanted Hybrid, why not a Prius. The CMax was the first Hybrid that appealed to me, Main reasons: - wanted a hatchback capable of moving a larger item than would fit in a trunk. - wanted all the toys that are available in higher end vehicles - wanted gas mileage in commuting that would hit at least the mid-30s - had to have enough power to get out of its own way. It delivers on all of these. Had the car 2.5 weeks, it is put together!

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Matt - November 7 - 9:48 am

  This is the first new car my wife and I have ever purchased, had always purchased year old cars before this one. The Taurus is very smooth and comfortable car... and big, which I like because it will probably be big enough to keep us from purchasing a minivan (ugh) in the future. Just took the first long trip and got 33 mpg with a little tailwind and 27 going back into the same wind. For a 4000 pound car, I think thats more than acceptable. My wife drives it to work and gets about 20-21 around town. One thing I like about this car is the interior room. Im 64" and my wife is 6 and we both appreciate that Ford recognizes that there are people in the world taller than 58"!

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  fun to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By joe collazo - November 7 - 3:26 am

  A fun to drive econobox. A sporty suspension, an engine with some spunk and all the amenities that make it as enjoyable to drive as my Miata.

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  Best Yet - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ed Wood - November 7 - 2:43 am

  I am a life long Crown Vic owner. I rented a 500 for a trip up the west coast. I was hooked and bought one the next week. I drive this car over 1000 miles a week and I have had no issues with it. I feel very safe when driving. I like the visibility and high seating (63") - As a replacement for all you Crown Vic owners - Give it a test drive. Im glad I did.

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  Solid vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  I been putting plenty of miles on this vehicle and she holds up strong. Am currently pushing 170,000 miles and have not had to put any major cash into maintenance. Would highly recommend this suv to anyone out there looking.

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  a reliable fun suv!!!! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By 351wguy - November 5 - 5:03 pm

  I purchased a 93" explorer with 103,000. i performed a full tune up and coated the frae with por15 an anti rust paint its at 283,000 and ive never bought a part for it just maintenance . FAULTS.... 4x4 encounters occasional problems shocks (factory) are not the best for towing or off road 4.0L engine lacks power any 93 owner will tell ya about the brakes Pros extremely rely able engine and trans i speak for the 4+od std frae and body very tough and factory undercoat is A+ EASY TO DRIVE AND OPERATE ALL IN ALL ford ade a very good suv for the year and i a very satisfied with this truck this suv the grand father of the explorer line has set its line in quality 15

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  nice suv - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By bassraider - November 5 - 12:16 am

  Bought this car when my 97 S-10 was t-boned in an accident. It has been nothing but reliable and cheap to own. I have taken it on many long distance trips and it has been reasonably comfortable. The only gripes I have are the combo purse/cheap plastic center console arm rest that broke in the first month of owning it, and the rear wiper which never worked reliably (but who needs one anyways). As for the complaints about the rough ride, it is a truck and it has a VERY short wheelbase which combined together make for a very bumpy ride, needless to say if you dont want a bumpy ride get the four door version and say hi to the rest of the soccer moms for me.

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  Good Stuff - 2010 Ford Focus
  By CupOJoe - November 4 - 10:34 pm

  Bought it a few weeks ago. I am happy with it. There are a few things missing that I didnt think about when buying. The inside top of trunk is exposed (the inside, not the door). Most cars that I have driven have a foot rest for your left foot in an automatic. When the drivers door is open and the key is in the ignition, and you lock the doors using the automatic locks, they all lock then unlock shortly after (rather than just ignoring it).