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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  Taurus Wagon - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Roberta Emery - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Stable unexciting working car used by conservative lady driver for shopping and occasional trip. Low maintenance so far , good care by driver.

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  Four wheel drive not worth it - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By kwhiting - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Not only to I agree with the above review citing TRANSMISSION problems, but I was recently informed that after about 100,000 miles the head has a tentancy to crack due to poor manufacturing. Repairs for this are over $3000, and this was on top of a transmission problem last year and a fuel injection probelm costing over $400 the year before. I rated the confort as fair, that is, when the seat was not falling backward due to a broken screw so far within the seat, it woudl need to be replaced to fix the problem. If youre thinking of buying an Explorer, any year, please look at a Pathfinder or a Toyota.

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  Pleased "New User" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Larry Marks - November 8 - 2:53 pm

  After our first 6 weeks we realize that we pick a winner. First tank of gas City Driving has proven 22 MPG. Rides like a dream, no squeaks and engine appears to be smooth and powerful. Highway trip is next.

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  Throttle body issue - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jth - November 8 - 10:18 am

  Do not buy this car unless they agree to change the Throttle body before you leave the lot. My 2016 shut down on me while I was making a turn into a busy highway. Thus could have been bad. Shame on you Ford for not issuing a recall. Now my rear AC is acting up. Strike 2. I have only made 3 car payments! I am disappointed.

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  Honest Review of Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By miss_steph - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, I was just dissapointed with the dealer because they didnt tell me the car had been a rental until I had paid for it. However, the car has been in fine working order. Its an excellent car for family or teenagers (Im a teenager).

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  Ford Taurus 2003 SES Deluxe - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By GLandears - November 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this auto 1 year ago. I am 52 years old and by far this is the best automobile I have ever owned. It handles very well rain or shine.I would recommend this automobile to everone who wants a very comfortable ride and a great handling vehicle !! The only engine to get is the 24 valve DOHC !!

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  2013 Ford Fusion SE 2.5 L - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Jay - November 8 - 1:28 am

  I will tell you this car drives great and its very comfortable and peppy for it to be a 4cylinder. Now the bad I am spending a total of 60 dollars a week in gas and only stay 8 minutes away from the job . Please reconsider in buying this car its not worth it and also my windshield wipers are getting stuck when they are turned on after 5 minutes smh. Do your research and proceed with caution.

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  225,109miles just brike in. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By john damphier sr - November 8 - 12:22 am

  this truck is fords f150 11 generation, full box frame huge hd shocks mounted on outside the springs, 5.4 3 valve engine 300 hrs power , [not 281 like the 03 365 pounds of tourq] i had an 07 lincoln mark lt but still own my old ford, they drove the same,the chevy 5.3 has smoother power and better milage,i have an 2011 with 145,655 miles i bought new, i keep the fprd because the undercarage is the same as the 2017, and my truck dose not have 1 SPOT OF RUST, I SPRAY EVERYTING UNDERNEITH AND ENGINE ALL HINGIS WITH REMINGTON GUN OIL , NOT A SINGLE RUST SPOT ON FRONT AXLES -REAR END- SPRINGS, GAS STRAPS, TRANNY COVER -OIL PAN, DOOR HANDLES ,THE ENGINE IS SHOWROOM, and the for has the best half ton breaks. I drove a 2017 f 250 4x4 all aluminum that truck was all over the road, to high way too light, the wind blows all over the place, ford will be sorry, [but Im picky] all the half tons lookgreat,dodge ram-chevy-gmc-ford-Nissan -Toyota, the consumer has great choices, I dont like v-6 turbo gas motor,

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  I Love My Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By DChristian - November 7 - 1:10 pm

  I have people stop me all the time with questions about my car. Ive wanted THIS Mustang since 1969, and couldnt be happier with it. The only negatives I can think of would be the front seat headrests. Could have been designed to be more comfortable, I think. And I have a 5-speed and I think someone with longer arms would have trouble shifting comfortably, especially if they had something in the cupholder. Everything else is perfection!

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  Great secret model at Ford - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David - November 7 - 11:00 am

  Had to have a v8 and wife wanted this truck. It been rock solid as terms of reliability. I am large guy and takes some time to find a comfortable driving position. Interior is my only complaint. Hard plastic scratches easily and hard to keep clean. Handling is better than any truck I owned this is due to independent rear. Have every option but leather. Sound system is great. Some are complaining about mpg. We are getting 18.5 in combine driving of city and highway. On long highway trips we are getting 23 on average. Ford stand behind their warranty and had no issue when small issues came up. See below.