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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  Bang for the buck - 2001 Ford Focus
  By ARLOBIGWATER - October 7 - 2:00 am

  When I bought it, this wagon was the last one in its size and price range available in the in the US.Drove similar rental in European traffic - was sold. Handles better than Civic previously owned. Driving car every day in DC traffic w/5spd and keeping up w/the flow easily. W/5spd manual and ZETEC it is an interesting and fun vehicle. Interior holding up to 2 kids and big dog. Mileage worse than expected, but in traffic, I should not be surprised. Avoid Sheehy Ford in Springfield.

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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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  Taurus among the masses - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By alaituri - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Generally a good basic car. I like the styling and the way it handles, although the base V6 is a bit under powered. Interior comfortable enough, back seat a little small for adults. Gas gauge no longer works reliably. Mechanic indicated this is a systemic problem in the 2000s, too expensive ($600) to repair. Gas mileage could be better. Likely go back to a LeSabre for the size, power and better mileage.

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  Fun and sporty - 2004 Ford Escape
  By lisab - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I had been driving an Expedition for 6 years..and previously a Tahoe...went to the escape for fuel economy purposes...had some reservations because of the room i was giving up to drive this car...but in the end...all the other features..and the fact that i save on gas...outweighed the size... Lots of fun to drive, great in the snow, and handles terrific in bad weather...passed a Liberty Jeep on the way home from upstate ny and it was in a ditch..mine stayed on the road..with very slippery conditions....very reliable.

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  Crown Vic Reliability - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jack Flash - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Crown Vic used and it has nearly 100,000 miles on the odometer as I travel a lot. I service it regularly and have never had a problem. Maintenance costs have been front brakes and a new set of Michelin tires at 65000. Just returned from 3600 mile trip and averaged 27 mpg.

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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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  Great Ride - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dv2331 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  We love this SUV for long travels to visit family. Over the road behavior is exceptional.

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  great potential, but not reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 3rdtime - October 7 - 2:00 am

  love everything about the vehicle -- size, cargo room, third seat and handling with the independent rear suspension; but reliability is an issue -- just little things, but a lot of them. Brakes have been done twice in only 45,000 of driving -- A little much based on my prior experience with these vehicles.

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  Numbert 3 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By George Holly - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Ford Explorer that we have purchased from the same dealer. The only real complaint is the difficulty in finding the safety belt on the drivers side. It is a perfect vehicle for our use in Upstate NY.

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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 ???