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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  2007 Ford Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By fusion07 - September 12 - 7:16 am

  I love my new car! I was trying to decide between a Fusion and a Milan when I purchased, but I am very very happy with my choice. Im getting 29- 30 on the highway with a V6! The build quality is great, ride is great! Awesome job Ford! FoMoCo is back! Watch out Toyota, Fusion is a sign that Ford will not be denied!

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  My Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By tjimler - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car several months ago and have enjoyed it immensely. It has had no serious problems, just regular maintenance. It is a joy to drive and I get a lot of comments on how nice it looks. The 5-speed takes a little getting used to, but makes the ride much more enjoyable than an auto. Overall I would give this car 5 stars for a cheap, fun, good looking ride.

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  Oh the Horror - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Jamie B - September 12 - 2:00 am

  So many repairs.Completely replaced AC. New brakes x3. Water pump, map sensor, two new axels for front, new tie rod end,new heater core, radiator fixed, speakers were actually dry rotted when I replaced them. Could have paid the car off at least twice for the repair bills. But mine has a total of 230,000 miles on it. Engine was replaced by previous owner at 100,000 miles, so never any problems there for me. Just everything else.

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  Simply a Great Car! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By dtstreky - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 98 Taurs back in February of this year, at first I wasnt too keen on the styling but with time I warmed up to it. Other then that I find that the acceleration and handeling are superior for a car of this class. Braking could be better, and body roll is a bit excessive at times. Otherwise all I have done is changed the oil and put soem new brake shoes on the back. Hope to keep for another year or so before upgrading to something in the SUV category.

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  Dont keep long - 1990 Ford Escort
  By novice - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Its my first car, too. Bought it cheap. Then it sucked huge amount of money in repair, almost triple my purchase price. Bad engine, burn oil. Rattling auto transmission. Narrow interior space. Loose door knobs. Troublesome ignition system (its history showed that it was recalled by manufacturer for this problem, but I didnt know it when I bought it). Slow acceleration.

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  I love my Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Patrick Powell - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but great experiences with this truck. I have taken numerious trips in this SUV with my three children and the have been very comfortable. We have always had plenty of room when on the road and the ride and handleing was GREAT! Im actually getting ready to purchase another!!!

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  Solid Performer - 2000 Ford F-150
  By ssd - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck, it has the 5.4l w/3:55 traction lock 4X4. It never gets a break from towing a 21ft boat in the summer to hunting trips in the fall and winter. Other than a few small problems handled quickly by the dealership, it has been a pleasure to own.

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  Great little car - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Juggles - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I am a low milaeage driver in New York City. This is a great dependable car, that fits easily into parking spots. This car has never given me any trouble, have only had regular maintainence repairs.

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  T-Bird Sport LX - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By jrc346 - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a year now. Bought it with 89,000K on it and still love driving it at 110,000K. AWSOME car! Has been very reliable and so far have had two problems with it. One a sticky fuel injector and two my intake manifold blew up on the expressway spraying coolant everywhere, (the latter being a very interesting event...) However I did notice that the new intake manifold came with an aluminum part to replace the plastic one that ruptured to keep the problem for re-occuring. I love the 24 MPG I get with the V8 without even trying.

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  Our Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jims6t6 - September 12 - 12:20 am

  Very comfortable to ride and drive. Rides like a car not a SUV. Very good gas mileage for its size. The only vehicle that we have purchased that actually got the advertised gas mileage.