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:

• 

  Love my hybrid Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Patti Cornelius - June 24 - 2:36 pm

  Although I understand this vehicle is hard to get, if you are looking for hybrid technology I would highly recommend this vehicle. Most of my driving is done in the city and the nearly 40 miles per gallon really helps with $2.00+ per gallon gas prices here in California. This Escape is roomy and fun to drive. The quality, fit and finish is excellent.

• 

  Nothing but trouble - 1998 Ford Contour
  By jelly - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for two years and have had nothing but problems. Average money put into the car in two years : 3000 $. new transmission, tires, engine, battery, and O2 sensors that were suposed to fix the check engine light but its still on from 6 months ago. Runs badly in the winter, barely starts. Cant wait to sell it. Oh and to make a copy of your key will set you back about 150 dollars!

• 

  Ranger 4X4 SuperCab 4-Door FX4-Level II - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By TruckLarry - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding initial build quality. Tight, perfect paint, no sqeaks or Rattles. Everything screwed together very well. Cabin layout is near perfect and well designed. Switchgear is tactile and solid. 4.0L V6 has plenty of power and torque. BFG All Terrain KO 10.5X31X15s are superb in the snow. Torsen limited slip is a definite improvement over a standard Limited Slip in the snow. Above tires, wheels and rear are specific to the FX4- Level II package. I have the 5 speed Automatic, which was not listed as an option here on the review site.

• 

  Its a typical Ford - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Katey - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage is PITIFUL!! 16.5/city, 17.8/hwy -- AND the gas gauge needle would not go all the way to FULL -- very aggravating! And no OOMPH!! Very "bogged down" when getting onto xprsway. Other than that, it is comfortable, lots of leg room ALL around. Radio isnt the greatest... Air/defrost fan works well rear defrost coils dont. The pull up/apart feature of the armrest/cup holder, etc. (between the front seats) is not very well designed -- too many little spaces to keep clean. And the "pull tabs" on the back seats to "enlarge" cargo room (or hide small possessions from view easily??) are silly and very obvious!

• 

  i will never own a taurus again - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By roberta - June 24 - 2:00 am

  i bought it ten years old ran great the first two months, in the last year i have replaced rack and pinion,air compressor, radiator,thermostat, cooling fan sensor,transmission pan gasket,front brakes,back brakes and a few other repairs that i cant remember what for.It has been in the shop for the past week with a possible broken head gasket!!Looks great but mechanically when it rains it pours with this car!

• 

  The ONLY sports car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By jchap - June 24 - 2:00 am

  The fastest and most fun car I have ever had the pleasure to drive.

• 

  small problems - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By stan2 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer because it was most relaible at the time of purchase. I enjoy my vehicle but driving so many miles per year the gas mileage is very poor. The resale value is on the poor side. I am having to get the heater coil fixed and it is very expensive.

• 

  Wish we got one sooner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rdgolden - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Moving to the larger vehicle wasnt as difficult as my wife and I expected. With 7 years experience driving a mini van she had no problems driving the Expedition around town or parking. The kids have plenty of room and the fold away back seat makes it easy to get groceries. During our Christmas trip to MI from Norfolk, VA we were caught in a blinding snow storm. The 2WD Expedition helped us feel secure and handled the extreme weather conditions very well. One thing I would maybe do over, "Get the larger engine." The 4.6 liter seems a bit weak at times. This may only seem a problem because I drive a 1986 F-250 351W, most of the time.

• 

  Buy This Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By sordog - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Moving from a 300M to the Focus SE was scary, but once I drove this car I loved it!. The best handling of any car I have driven. Cruises around 75-80, and gets 28-30 mpg.

• 

  323playa XLT 5.4 is a great value - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By 323playa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I think that the 5.4 XLT is great value.So far so good with reliability. (knock on wood).I got all the E.B. features on mine with the running boards,fog lights leather, third row ect. Gas isnt the best but it is a big suv and gas prices are high.I heard if u remove third row seat you could save a mile per gallon.So far i am happy with my expo.It runs very strong.