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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  Like My Freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Like My Freestar - March 4 - 2:48 pm

  We purchased my Freestar Used from a dealer. Have owned Grand Caravans and Voyagers in the past. I LOVED the Freestar at first-then it wore off down to I really LIKE it! It has been very reliable in the past 18 months, never a repair or problem. It is fairly comfortable except for my teenage son who is medium-tall and cant get his legs comfortable anywhere in the back. That being said, The van is dependable and versatile. We have hauled lumber and pets, loaded it down to go camping. I would probably go back to Grand Caravan if looking for another minivan

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  No more Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Tom - March 4 - 2:24 pm

  I bought it new, within four years of ownership I had several minor to major problems with the SUV. Air condition would "clunk" when you turn it on. Side mirrors always adjust when unlocking. Alternator gave out. the 3rd spark plug blew out. water would always leak into the vehicle on the driver side windshield handle area when it rains. now the radiator is loosing fluid somewhere. lots of front wheel brake dust.

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  99 taurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By BETTYANN - March 4 - 12:46 pm

  Drives and handles well. Fun to drive, comfortable, enough room. Have had problems with the wipers coming on by themselves???

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  ROBERTOS TOY - 2002 Ford Focus
  By roberto sanchez - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I AM VERY PLESE WITH THE VEHICLE. IT HAS A GREAT PERFORMANCE. I GET 30 MPG ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS A GREAT FIRST CAR FOR ANYONE. I BOUGHT IT FOR MY 15 YRS. SON AND HE ENJOY THE HANDLING AND THE STYLE. GREAT LITTLE CAR. THE RROFLINE IS EXCELLENT. I AM 6FT TALL AND I COULD LOOK OUT WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM.

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  Good Car For the Money - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus Owner Houston - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car has met our needs: husband, wife, 2 kids. We drive it all over town and some out of town trips as well. All of us fit comfotably in the car. The price was right. Nice family car. I do not regret the purchase.

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  stat focused - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Phil - March 4 - 2:56 am

  I was never aware of The transmission issue before I bought the Ford Focus. I enjoy driving the car it is great handling and driving on the highway,with the constant repairs being made. I have informed the dealership and they have ordered the required parts. Lets see if they hold to the workmanship of the repairs. If not the games will start.

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  Nice to have a reliable Ford - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Julie - March 4 - 2:31 am

  I bought this car new in Oct 2005 and it has about 33,000 miles on it now. I am happy to say it has never had a mechanical problem since I have owned it. I use full synthetic oil in it which seems to have improved the mileage. In mixed driving, I rarely get below 30 MPG. I am happy with the performance and mileage and reliability of the Focus. I owned a Taurus previously and it was a nightmare. Recommended as a inexpensive used car purchase.

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  Simple Car... Still fun! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By jillybeansalad - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  I have not had any major work done to my car since I bought it early 2004 used. Ive never been stranded anywhere and we have been doing our own usual maintenance ourselves, no professional work other than smog testing, which it passes easily. I have just started feeling the shifting become harder, and as an ex- owner of a 92 hatchback Mustang (both are automatics) its to be expected as my milage is nearing 100,000.

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  I love my car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By KmWorth - March 3 - 4:57 am

  Weve had this car for 7 months now, and are pretty pleased with it, overall. Ours is a 5-Speed. Typically, we can get close to 350 miles per 3/4 tank of gas, because we always fill up before we reach 1/4 tank. My husband and I both commute, so those 350 miles are a combo of highway and city. The only major problem we have had so far was that 6 months into having it, the clutch completely burned out, which was very expensive to repair, not to mention the inconvenience factor. Everyone mentions how smooth the ride is, and its very comfortable. I would reccomend to: Drive gently, get regular oil changes, and visit the gas station before you reach 1/4 tank for best performance!

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  Real owner comments - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By peaceman57 - March 2 - 8:53 pm

  Bought this feh from auction. Mine has 180k Miles on it now, and Ive seen some on auction with 220k miles. These auction are government Auctions where they drive highway miles and do the regular maintenance. I would say the vehicle is well designed. Though this vehicle has been quite reliable, I would recommend to buy a non hybrid Vehicle. If there is a need for a major repair, expect to pay more if you need to bring it to the Dealer.