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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  great car and fun to drive - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By xxsweetazsinxx - September 2 - 2:00 am

  very reliable and depenable car comfort affordable and beautiful

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  Great little work horse - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By jleg - September 2 - 2:00 am

  No major recals or significant shop time on this little truck. The dealerships have been night and day from my chevy. I trade keys for the rental after I describe the problem and thats that. No arguments about weather its covered or not. I get a call when its fixed and that is that. Ford dealerships are great. I have yet to come across one in the detroit area that is bad. I have not had the same experience with Chevrolet dealers.

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  Paid $10,000 for 99CVLX w/25K miles - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Georgia Troutman - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Bulletproof engine that pulls hard under throttle, even at 70MPH! Smooth comfortable ride. 25MPG at 70MPH+ on the highway, with the air on...try that with anything else that is a V-8!! God Bless Big US built V-8 engines powering rear wheel drives!! You will not find a better deal, in terms of bang for the buck, power, ride and MPG than a used Crown Vic. This car had 25,000 miles on in in 6/02, stickered for $26,000, looked damn near brand new, and we paid $10,300 out the door.

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  What a Headache! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By tfroggin - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Repairs:#1 trunk latch replaced at 15,000mi, #2 rust on trunk 20,000mi, #3 breaks replaced at 28,000mi, #4 left rear door latch replaced 31,000mi, #5 front wheel bearings, sway bars, and tires(because of the wear) replaced 40,000mi, #6 pretty sure it was the rear wheel bearings this time(possibly the front again)about 43,000mi, #7 left rear door latch replaced 54,000mi, #8 and #9 towed twice to dearlership would not start, no cause found, #10 fuel pump replaced 58,000mi, #11 plastic wood grain molding on door broke off just recently. Keep in mind I took the car in for the $200 check up ever 15,000mi.

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  I LOVE my truck! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Queen - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Explorer XLT in January of this year (03). I have had nothing but pleasure out of it ever since. I love to drive it but it could get better mileage.

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  Best 2-door sport out there! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By chad4887 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have loved my 98 Explorer Sport ever since we bought it in 2001 used. The biggest problem weve had with ours is the passenger lock sometimes has trouble coming up and down, but thats IT! It handles great and the gas mileage is great. Haha, you few down there complaining about the gas, try getting a V8 AWD Explorer than complain, the gas mileage comparison is GREAT! Its a nice V6, lots of power, 10 no doubt!

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  Good Truck - 1990 Ford F-250
  By madman121 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  The truck is a great vehicle. It goes anywhere and everywhere.

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  escapie - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Linz - September 1 - 2:00 am

  excellent. i love my escape, its cute and its ok to jump a curb once in a while, nothing will break off :-) its not a car, but its not an suv- the perfect mix.

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  2012 Ford Focus SE 200A Package Review - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mdallen22 - September 1 - 12:27 am

  My review after two months of being an owner and an aggressive driver: Overall I think you get a great car for the price. It drives great, gets the advertised gas mileage, great sound system, I assume its as safe as the reviews say, although i havent been able to test that (knock on wood) and it looks sharp. There are a few suggestions/improvements id like to see Ford make to send this car to the top of its class, but overall I would recommend this car to a potential buyer.

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  Wally Comments - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Wally - August 31 - 6:30 am

  I keep hearing that this vehicle needs a bigger engine...dont agree. The 3 liter engine is fine 95-98% of the time. (If I lived in the middle of the Rocky Mountains I might lower that % but most of us dont!). The 6 speed transmission downshifts more than one is used to but you quickly learn to work with it. Even in 5th gear, engine speed is close to what many other cars are in their "top gear". I bought this car because its a full size sedan with a sensible engine size and Im very happy with it. I love to cruise along at 70 MPH, 2000 RPM and get mileage that hangs around 30 mph...a whole lot better than my Lexus ES300!