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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  The most bang for the buck - 2010 Ford Focus
  By #1 Fan - November 9 - 9:34 pm

  This is our 3rd Focus. We bought 2 2002 Focuses and both are still on the road with 200,000+ miles each. Husband is still driving his and I passed mine on to our son and bought the 2010 and I love it. I researched and drove tons of cars and this was by far the best. The Synch is great, the shifting has improved over the 2002 model and it is just a fun car to drive. Drove 600 miles in one day to pick daughter up from college and mileage was over 40 mpg. Only minor problem is lights are dim and set too low. Ive been driving with the brights on at night and no one flashes me. If this car gives us the same quality of the 2002 model, we will be thrilled.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Boris - November 9 - 5:43 pm

  Living on a dirt road, I needed an SUV. Living out of town, I needed good mileage. I bought a base-model Escape Hybrid and I got both. This thing is getting a combined city/hwy mileage of over 30mpg. Amazing for an SUV. Even the base model comes with lots of features. 6-disc CD changer (with MP3 capability), electric driver seat, 110V power outlet and all sorts of little bells and whistles. I only got about 26 mpg on a long trip for 800 miles, but the city mileage in the high 30s made up for that very quickly.

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  This car is a keeper! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Duane - November 9 - 3:02 pm

  I bought my 1995 Taurus in 2003, having been very impressed with the lumbar back support of a rental Taurus. The mileage was 57,500 - very low for an eight year old car. Within the first year, it developed a water leak and some other minor problems. Other than that, the car has performed nearly flawlessly since then with only routine maintenance.

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  Hard to beat - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Lapoot - November 9 - 2:57 pm

  Bought used with 80000. Issues: spark plug wires replace once at 110,000. Shift lever loose at 145,000. Mileage: 22 on the highway, 15 in town. Very comfortable ride , even for large people. SOLID, DEPENDABLE. I regularly have the tranny flushed, and filled with AMS oil.

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  Great car fun to drive - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mccann_mike - November 9 - 10:00 am

  This car sounds as good as it looks and runs even better. Great fun. Everything about the car is good.

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  Pretty nice ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By nice - November 9 - 12:24 am

  I bought my 2005 v6 Ford mustang in August of 2008. I had a Jeep wranlger before it and it was a huge change. It has an amazing amount of standard features, smooth ride and astounding handling (especially on turns)! I would suggest though, dont go in the mud... I bottoms out really easy, so if the roads dirt, dont test it but if you stay on concrete its a pretty Nice ride. It also has amazing leg room, Im 6,2 with and when I put the seat all the way back I can make my legs completely straight! Its amazing! But I will warn you with the seat all the way back it basically touches the back seat. So if you have ppl in the back you do have to sacrifice a lot of leg room!

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  Head Turner - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Phil - November 8 - 6:16 pm

  We are pleasantly surprised at the ride and fuel efficiency this Ford Five Hundred AWD Limited has. Also the performance gives the driver a feel of being in a high-end vehicle for a whole lot less money. This auto for the price is a must have vehicle in its class. We test drove a lot of vehicles and we are very happy with its overall results. People aways stop and ask what kind of vehicle it is.

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  Incredible Car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By chriss - November 8 - 3:13 pm

  Traded in a Lexus ES350 for the new Taurus. This car is incredible and blows away the ES350. The turbo engine is so smooth and quiet nobody including the driver would even guess it is turbo charged. The handling is great for a full sized car and would put many small cars to shame. The interior is nice. Im 62" and the seats are absolutely perfect for me. The interior materials are great and comparable to many luxury cars. The hands free Sync system is absolutely awesome ans works great with my iPod and phone. The safety and technology features are invaluable. Once you experience the collision warning, blind spot warning, and adaptive cruise control, you will never want to go back.

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  My baaaaaby! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jordan - November 8 - 1:58 pm

  I love this car, so much. It is fun and sleek, very stylish. It drives like a dream, and I feel safe in it. Im at 20000 miles and Its doing good. A great little car.

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  I LOVE(D) My Black Ex-Pee - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By HazMatic - November 7 - 7:33 pm

  I had a 2000 expedition for 3 years and wouldve still had it if a tree didnt murder it! In three years I just changed the fuel pump once. I experienced the cylinder misfire issue as well but it didnt effect the over- all performance. I loved the room, its durable, and its fun to drive in the snow. Id definitely recommend this truck!