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 SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JBL4 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Explorer new. I have been extremely impressed. The 5.0L V8 puts out a good amount of power, although it get terrible gas mileage (11mpg/16mpg). Perfect size and very manuverable. Comfortable on the highway, but feels every bump in the city. Very reliable except for on very cold days- Fords dont like the cold. No problems until about 60K miles. We had to replace the sparkplugs- $200. Overall, great car for the price.

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  Another FORD Glitch - 1997 Ford Contour
  By gprabaka - February 19 - 2:00 am

  The biggest problem I have with this car is the Check Engine Light. Every other year it comes on and I have to go and spend about $500-600 to get it fixed. That is why I give it a 2 on reliability.

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  Good truck for the money - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By kimco - February 19 - 2:00 am

  When our lease for our Tahoe was up we wanted to buy our next SUV. For the money the Exp was the best bet. Compaired to the Tahoe it didnt match up. But for the money we cant beat it. I wish it got better gas mileage. I only get 13 city/hwy. If money was not a option I would have another Tahoe.

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  Excellent SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By stlouisblues - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I am amazed with the negative comments posted here. This 1999 Expedition is my second Expedition. I love it. Never had any problem with it. My kids love it. It is the most secured and solid truck. Rain, heat, snow or ice, it just keeps on going without any trouble. I am seriously thinking about trading in my current Expedition for the newest Expedition currently on the market.......

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  Great Small Car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Kaye - February 18 - 7:00 pm

  I was very pleased with how well the car handles. I live in a high traffic city and do a lot of stop and go. I have had no problems, just regular maintenance. I am very happy with the gas mileage of 26 to 28 mpg. I would certainly recommend this vehicle for anyone who likes a smaller car that handles well in traffic and is easily parked.

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  The Camry-killer! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By misterzero - February 18 - 6:43 am

  I have owned two Fords in the past and two Camrys (00, 03), all of which have essentially been completely trouble-free. The Camrys have had excellent rides, but the thigh support and awkward steering wheel placement always left me very uncomfortable, especially on long drives. I test drove a number of cars on the market, including the Accord and Altima, and came back to the Fusion, as it has a ride very comparable to the Camry, and the interior is much better than the Camrys....much more comfortable. I bought an SEL V6 with Moon & Tunes and leather interior. I now have 1,200 miles on it, and the car has not developed any rattles or squeaks.

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  Terrible fuel mileage - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By GI JOE - February 18 - 4:03 am

  I average 21 mpg with a best of 24.3. I brought the SUV into Ford and they claim it gets 31.3mpg. I had an independent garage test it and it was 21 mpg. I checked it manually, and the on board PC fuel is on the money, 21 mpg. I have the AWD model and no matter what I do or how much I baby it I cannot get better than 24.3. The engine runs if any accessories are on. The engine also kicks in after 25 mph and right away if any upgrade. Overall I like the Escape hybrid, but I feel cheated after paying an extra $12,000 to be green. Figure 20% less mileage off EPA listing and the nav stinks. Maybe Ford should see what Toyota is offering. I own 2 new Fords but dont think I will again.

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  great - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By xavier gaona - February 18 - 2:00 am

  great on long trips

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  A Real Classic - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By RADANDRAD1 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great car for us for the last almost 2 years. Almost not problems except for a few minor fixes.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By #1Taurus Fan - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus replaced a 1988 Honda Civic which was falling apart. I bought it used, and at 15,000 mi., the car was in excellent condition. I loved my Taurus since the day I got it, and it hasnt given me any major problems since. It has 57,000 mi. on it and it shifts beautifully. The only problem that Ive had with the car is when a sensor and synthesizer went out in the engine. I had it fixed, and for $500, they made it run as good as new. Overall, I love the car, especially the design of it, which hides the fact that it is 8 years old. This is a high quality, low priced, fun to drive car that I would recommend to anyone.