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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  V6 98 - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Sock - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems what so ever with my car, the 0 60 on this site says 9.9sec....well i can do mine in 7.9sec stock so guess a grandpa was driving this car when they tested it. It does well for a 6, i have the 5 speed and it does....cough....more than i thought it would, lightin em up infront of some camaros and firebirds makes em think I got an 8. But well the 6 mustang can beat the 6 camaro and firebirds anyway. But I love the options for aftermarketing for the mustang line.

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  Excellent and economic car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Tommyy - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Its our 2nd Taurus and we think its the best American car and could be competetive with the Japanese cars. Engine is very smooth, powerful and quiet. Brake reliable. Steering improved a lot. Exterior design is cute.

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  Great Little Crossover! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Clive Goodwin - December 15 - 9:21 pm

  Been shopping for a small SUV for quite some time. Had a 2005 Ford Escape XLT and sold with 128,000 miles. Was excellent vehicle and had only regular maintenance, and no major repairs. After looking at what the current market has available (Honda Pilot, Toyota, GMC, Dodge and GM) and tested, kept coming back to the Escape. My main concern was no available V6, only the inline 1.6 or 2.0 with turbo. I worried about having to always run high rpms and wasnt sure about engine longevity. After driving the Titanium with optional 2.0 L, Package 301 and navigation system a few times, I was completely sold on the 4 cylinder. Has great power, turbo is smooth and rpms are surprisingly low. Comfortable ride and the new Sync3 is reasonably easy to learn. Fit and finish is also excellent. I did not opt for the 19" wheels, just the standard 18". Have read a few reviews that the 19" wheels made for a bit of a rougher ride. I did not test drive any that had the 19". With 240hp rating, its much faster than my 2005 V6 was. I also have the class II towing package, rated at 3,500 lbs. At this time, I dont have anything near that range, so assuming it wont be a problem. Have also seen that various auto reviews have been very good. Hoping the reliability factor will meet with what I had on the 2005.

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  Former Lexus owner - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Lee - December 15 - 8:00 pm

  This is my first Ford. Im a 36 year old woman who has always owned imports and sports cars; I sold a Lexus LS 430 and a Porsche 911 when I bought this car. Purchased it with 9k miles for $15k from my local dealer. I wouldnt pay sticker price (at $30k new) but for $15k I feel I have a safe, reliable, large sedan with real wheel drive and a V8. Is it as refined as my Lexus? No, but it didnt cost $60k. The styling is dated, but I dont mind people having to take a second look to see if Im a police car. The best thing about this car is that every time I get in it I am reminded that I have a lot more money in the bank than if I drove a "luxury" car. Excellent value!

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  we love this car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bud - December 15 - 9:23 am

  Our first trip was 350 miles and gas mileage was 25.5 city and highway. Ride is great, and we both love the memory seats and setting up high. This car has all the bells and whistles of a more expensive car. We came out of a 2003 Crown Vic, and we would never go back. I love the handling and ride. My first V6, and it has all the power we need.

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  Watch out Ferrari! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Jeffro - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the car has been great since day one. Put more than 35k in one year and it just wont die!

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  enjoyable - 1998 Ford F-150
  By kt3 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has been very dependable. no problems as of yet with over 84000 miles.

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  4 months... and $1,000+ later - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By Chris Goodrich - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 4 months ago. Since then, I had to put a starter in, brakes (2 times), head gasket, the transmission is slipping BAD (have NOT replaced it), 4 new tires, an alignment/balance, cadalitic converter (ignore my spelling please), power steering AND the power steering AND oil leaks, STILL, plus I just found out that the motor is only running on 1 cylinder (instead of 4). I wont be replaceing the motor. The car stalls out if I am not hitting the gas ALL THE TIME, it smokes from the moment I start the car till I turn it off (but is not overheating), AND everything possible is leaking. What a waste of money!

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  More trouble than its worth - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Camm - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Have owned this car for 3 years and use it to commute 80 miles round trip. The first year was fine. Since then, the car has had nothing but problems. When cold, the car stalls when starting from a stop - Dealer denies anything wrong. Rear brake auto adjusters - dont. Car has left me stranded twice due to bypass hose bursting - last time it took out my radiatior and water pump too. Would love to leave this car in driveway running in the hope that someone would steal it.

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  Ford Crown Vic is best - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By eli45 - December 14 - 4:56 am

  I love the Ford Crown Victoria. It is roomy and rides smoothly. My car gets 25.5 mpg on highway. It has great power and is easy to drive. It is red and has a great paint finish. This sedan gives you more for your money than any other car on the road. It is safe and has plenty of room to put suitcases etc. The best car Ive driven in 35 years.