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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  recall tranny - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By fordsarebest - September 8 - 2:00 am

  i bought my taurus in 2000 and i love my car but the transmission kicks out of gear often when i stop at redlight or turnoff.i took it to ford garage and theysaid it was a problem with all of them from that year. i think they should recall these cars for safety reasons and fix the problem.Other than that I love how it drives still and gas mileage is decent for a big car but could have been better.very comfortable on long trip,and has the best engine (3.0) I think has ever been built.

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  fordman - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By FATMAN - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THREE TAURUSS BY FAR THIS IS THE WORST ONE YET RIDES ROUGH, AND CONTINULY IN THE SHOP WITH FAULTY SENSORS.

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By DanteGreen - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the car on the 27th of June, and I have had the car for a lil under 3 weeks now and I have to say I love my car thus far, its everything I expected it to be and more. I purchased it for $14,000 flat with license, title and fees. I felt as if I got a great deal and thats including the destination charge, weather package, and the 6-disc changer with audiophile package, not to mention I did get the best ZX5 available in the Premium, so I did well in my mind. The car is faster then I expected also. Over all, the car is great and with the new powertrain warranty, things are looking well!

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  The best Mach Ford ever built! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Machman - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Pretty much the perfect Mustang in every way. It has plenty of power, Retro styling, luxiorious interior, great handling and brakes. I have no complaints. I have met several people who own this car as well and they agree with me 100%!!! I also own a 93 LX 5.0 and it was NOTHING like this Mach!! PERFECT!!!

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  Fun Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By worm - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Its not my 67 but its still a blast, the traction control is a pain when driving up a steep wet road, it tends to slip alot uphill. Other than that more power and a better suspension at a lower cost and this car would be perfect. Cant wait for the 05s

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  Be warned!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By mschief - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I was just informed that my focus is corroding from the inside out. Nice huh? The first door went this week, they told me at the dealership they could fix it, but next time (not IF it happens again, but WHEN it happens again) the whole latch assembly will be replaced. The same symptoms have already started on two other doors. This is all besides the O-ring being replaced, the Oxygen sensor dying, and a cylanoid being replaced as well. Anyone want a focus?

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  Its been a great little car! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Blondibear - September 7 - 9:23 am

  I have owned 18 cars since I started driving in 1978. This is the first brand new car I purchased after owning at least 10 previous Fords. I have truly enjoyed this car. Its reliability has been 100% - I have never been left stranded. It rides and drives like a much more expensive car, and has plenty of leg and headroom for this tall, plus sized girl! Admittedly, I do favor Fords overall, but when I go to buy another car next year, it will most likely be another Focus.

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  no test drive required - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By fastz28s - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 31k miles. Have had zero problems, aside from the carrier bearing on the two-piece driveshaft scaring me when it gave. An excellent vehicle, it is easy to see why there are so many of them on the road. And Im a GM guy (2 Z28s, 2 Firebirds and a Trailblazer in the stable now).

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  Good buy for the money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By John Cross - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Taurus and I have neverhad a bit of trouble with any of them.They are solid,dependable and economical.

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  Best to drive ever - 1994 Ford F-150
  By RBonham - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Ford PUs over the past 30 years. This one tops them all.