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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  2005 Ford Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Brandy Bergstresser - April 14 - 5:00 pm

  My new Ford GT has been awesome to drive. Its the best car Ive ever owned. Its power is incredible and its so smooth. I barely even notice when I go over a bump, and theres no wind noise. Its very comfortable. My leather interior is so fine. The Ford Mustang GT exterior and interior is extremely well made. Ive had SO many compliments on it! As soon as people see it and drive it, they want to own one themselves.

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  Great car, terrible marketing by Ford - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By BNSF616 - April 14 - 4:23 pm

  Our beloved and generally reliable 99 Dodge Grand Caravan had 135K mi and was beginning to worry us on road trips. I had been aware of this Ford design since it debuted as the 05 Freestyle. Found a pristine 08 (19K mi) at the dealer, test-drove it several times and finally bought it. Its hard to imagine a more versatile daily driver -- RAV4 and CRV, maybe. What is just amazing to me is how incompetently Ford marketed and advertised this vehicle. Weve received nothing but compliments and admiring questions from total strangers, and they invariably say "Never heard of it." Sadly, Ford is killing production in Feb 2009 after only two model years. This is tragic and stupid.

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  not bad for a ford - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By H Valencia Sr - April 14 - 4:40 am

  I drove this car on a road trip to new Mexico with four adults and one child and found it has plenty of trunk space and it had no problem with the weight of a full load. Other than the lack of view when backing you just have to trust the back up camera. I would recommend this car as a well thought out vehicle

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  Best truck I have ever owned. - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Brandon - April 14 - 3:05 am

  I bought the 2001 XLT, 2WD, 4.2, 5 speed in 2004. Its now 2017 and this truck still runs like a clock at 190k miles. The only thing I have ever done is change the oil, and air filter, plus other regular maintenance. This truck owes me nothing, and has paid for itself. I did put new plugs in it at around 100k , new ball joints and all tie rod ends in at around 150k. I get 15mpg city, and 19mpg highway. It is starting to look old-school, so, I priced new trucks, but they offer the same fuel mileage. I have decided to keep what I have paid-off years ago, it only costs me fuel and nickel-and-dime maintenance. The engine and 5speed manual tranny sound like they are new still. The headlights are starting to fog over after 16 years, so Im going to have to spend $38 on a restore kit. I know that tomorrow I can jump in this truck and drive across the country if I had to, and there would be no issues.

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  solid value car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By ff2 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very pleased with our SEL Taurus. The ride is comfortable and the car has been very solid. No major problems, other than one seat belt mechanism that broke. (covered by warranty) You can get the mileage stated but only if you drive 55-60 mph. We lose about 3 mpg going 65 or higher. We think it is a great value for what we paid, and has been a sharp looking family sedan.

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  Stay away from a Taurus - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By junktaurus - April 14 - 2:00 am

  One transmission/another one going bad. Only 107k on this car. Radiator/water pump/2 window wiper motors. This car is junk! Ride is rough, lots of road noise. Engine sounds awful.

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  do all fords suck? - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By tonya ogden - April 14 - 2:00 am

  problems with the transmission, motor, battery, speed sensor, door panels, heater, windshield wipers, power seats, 2 tires were on the car were the wrong size, and head gaskets, there is more but i lost track.

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By ckline - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I only owned this truck for a few short months. But right away the truck proved itself to myself and my wife. I was hit broadside by a Honda which resulted in a rollover. I sustained only a broken arm because it hit the curb. The passenger cabin fared a lot better than I would have expected in this type of accident. Had my young son been in the truck with me, I am certain he would have had almost no injuries. Certainly a tribute to Ford engineers. I will definitely buy another.

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  7.3 nothing better - 1996 Ford F-250
  By T Black - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 17k, station in san diego for two years and drove home up in Washington State just short of us/candian border(1400 miles oneway) 4 times a year. Best ride and fuel economy for a 3/4 ton truck (avg 18, best 23 mpg). Never miss a beat and and easy on the pocket. Currently hauling 26 ft TravelTrailer and no lack of power.

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  Never Again - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Never Againnn - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I should have turned in the lease when the Ford Dealer would not warranty to 7/70,000. They knew it was a crappy vehicle.