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:

• 

  Ready for an 08 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By J Jennings - October 10 - 7:50 pm

  Bought this car one day and put 1500 miles on it starting the next day. Handled great in all types of terrain. Mountains of N.Y. and New England, and interstate highways. Since purchase it has been in the shop for bubble in dash storage, one recall, and all 4 wheel covers replaced for peeling clear coat. All replaced under warranty. 30,000 miles the rear brakes were worn out but front were fine. Nothing major that would stop me from purchasing another 500. Gas mileage, comfort, and style all great. AWD only let me get stuck in snow once. Hope Ford keeps building this vehicle.

• 

  Absolutely nothing better. - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Alan McEntaffer - October 10 - 5:44 pm

  Having worked at a dealership I have spent more time than the general consumer getting to know and test every square inch of these new pickups and as long as you get the right engine for what you need and get all of the features you want, you will fall in love with this truck more and more everyday you drive it. Having the 2.7L V6 Ecoboost was the right choice for me in that when I pull anything its a small camper or boat, which with 7600lbs towing capacity it more than gets the job done. The same engineers who created the new 6.7L Powerstroke motor in 2011 are the same engineers who created this 2.7L Ecoboost motor, with a CGI block and diesel inspired pistons, you can really feel how amazing this motor is and still gets great gas mileage. Ive had many farmers and ranchers ride in my pickup who drive every brand of truck out there and are all diesel heads and are amazed by what this pick up can do. Contrary to popular belief, the aluminum is better than steel in every way, from being safer for everybody inside, to being more dent resistant with the inability to rust. No matter what they try to say as well, Ford has done a ton of work to make sure that its not more expensive to get fixed than the old style. For example the front quarter panels are the exact same cost to replace in aluminum as they were in steel. When you get below the surface down the the frame and everything else, their isnt a pick up out there that can even come close. No body has a stronger frame or a better designed body to protect everything. Example being that chevy has absolutely nothing protecting the engine compartment and Ford has more protection not only in the front of the truck but everywhere else around it as well. Talking to any Ford dealerships truck expert can show you every little advantage down to the bed bolts instead of the welds like other trucks. Having owned and driven the other competitors and spent the equivalent of weeks studying all trucks from top to bottom, their isnt a better truck that you can buy. When youre spending the extra money on a Ford, its not just for the name, its for the quality inside and out that no other truck can compare to.

• 

  great car-major enine problem - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By forddoc - October 10 - 2:00 am

  though this is a great looking car with power, there was a major design flaw in the engine coolant system which eventually caused a blown motor.Ford should have come out with a recall on this model. The first time I had any indication this could be a problem it was too late, the engine had already been destroyed. Apparently there is only 1 small gasket that seperates the coolant from the oil pan. This seal broke, the coolant poured into the oil pan, the car overheated and the head cracked all in the matter of 3 minutes of highway driving.

• 

  Big, reliable but somewhat uncomfortable - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By bigtimebroncoowner - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Bronco since 1998. It had 45,000 miles on it and now (10/2004) has 114,000. At 60,000 miles I did many of the recommended service items. Other than that I have replaced the idler pully, change to man. hubs and brake shoes. Body wise, it has shown signs of rust in the typical places including the bottoms of the doors, the top and bottom of the tailgate and the leading edge of the hood. My bronco also has painted bumpers and they do show signs of time. Overall, this has been a great vehicle. It tows very well. The suspension is a bit tight and going done the highway the truck will jump a bit. This could be improved by changing to a different tire.

• 

  Problems - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By razniqs - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had several squeaks, bangs, and clicks that cannot be fixed. That is annoying. However, I really like the car - except for the gas mileage which is a killer! 16 mpg is THE MOST I have been able to get on the highway and with gas as high as it is - little car - here I come

• 

  Piece of Crap - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Tigerman19 - October 9 - 1:02 pm

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Long story short.......this car has major transmission issues that FORD knows about but is too cheap to recall and fix. This started with the torque converter being sheered off at 60,000 miles and the total bill with the tow costing me right at $1,200. Then, only 14 months later, the transmission is now shot again. The cylinder clutch drum s going out and the transmission shop in town wants somewhere between $3,500 to $4,500 to completely rebuild the transmission. They will do a patch on it but wont guarantee how long that will last for only the low price of $1,500. When I purchased this car the vehicle had 46,000 miles on it. The car now only has 76,000 miles on it but is basically useless to drive as you can only get to 20 MPH before it kicks out of gear. I have been a lifetime Ford owner starting with the 1975 Maverick that I bought when I was in high school. I have owned also a 1988 Thunderbird which I loved and then a 1997 Expedition which was a very good vehicle. Besides the Taurus I have a 01 Expedition that I upgraded too after the 97 Expedition. I have had my share of headaches with the 01 Expedition as well. I am truly disappointed in FORD for their refusal to acknowledge they have a major flaw in the transmission of the Taurus for models around 2005. I have been a lifetime FORD advocate but not anymore. I will never buy another FORD again and hope that if you read this review that you think twice before buying a FORD and especially the Taurus.

• 

  Ford Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By storks2 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This car gets a bum rap. It handles better than the Toyota Camry, which was a contender for me as well. It came down to the simple fact that the Taurus is better accustomed to American-sized people.

• 

  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.

• 

  Second Ranger Owned - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By jiffyw - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Ranger 4x4 that I have owned. I like the looks and the way it performs.

• 

  Love my SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Roadrunner54 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used but the mechanical side of it seems to be great. Gas mileage is terrible for in town. Open road it is okay for a small Suv. Love the way it handles on the open road or in tight traffic areas. It does have alot of power to it. Really fun to drive. I am a sports car person but this Suv can change my mind easily..