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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  Fun car, but you pay for it - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By jmichalicek - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall I really enjoy this car. It is a low 15 second/high 14 second 1/4 mile 4 door sedan, not the fastest out there, but quick enough to surprise most people. It handles well in the corners, too. Unfortunately, it is very high maintenance, things break often, they are hard to find, and expensive when you do find them. There are also very few mechanics who can work on this car properly, so youd better learn to do it yourself.

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  Built on a Monday - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By RobertJoes - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Taurus off of a lease program. It had regular maintenance and 50,000 mi. when I bought it. At about 65,000 mi. it started having problems. The oil pan gasket was not installed correctly from the factory, resulting in an oil leak. The rear brakes have failed 3 time in the past two years resulting in expensive repairs repeatedly. The entire cooling system and electrical systems have failed resulting in expensive repairs, and to top everything off, there is a HORRIBLE squeak in rear end when I hit a bump. I was really disappointed with this car.

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  Bad Bad Bad Bad transmission - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By do_not_buy_ford - August 13 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus is about 60000 miles and 5 years, the only owner. I replaced a new transmission just after the warranty (only about 40000 miles), and got "Service engine soon" lighe on 3 times now.

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  Never thought Id own a Ford - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Lovin my Flex - August 13 - 12:30 am

  I wasnt convinced on Ford cars/trucks or SUVs so I did my homework and Ford is comparable to Toyota and Honda as far as reliability. I love how the style is unique and different. I get excited knowing there arent that many of them on the road. We took a road trip the day after purchasing the Flex and it was so much fun discovering all the cool things the car has to offer. It is a lot of fun to drive and its great that my husband wants to drive my car now!

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  All show, no go. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By skt4271 - August 12 - 5:03 pm

  I also still own a 02 Escape XLT, so i feel my review is based on that. I have only owned the car since July new off the lot, so my experince so far is good. Compared to the 02 model, the exterior and interior are from two different worlds, but the engine is still the same. Its real slow of the line, feels like I need to press gas pedal down further to get going. Can hear the engine a little too much, much not that bad with the free 6 month Sirius subscription they give you, I can deal with it. Ford really made this one more manly to drive than the previous models.

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  Ive had my C Max for a week now. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pookaloopa - August 12 - 4:34 pm

  I have driven my new C Max for about 300 miles the past week and it is a bit premature to give more than first impressions of the vehicle. Thus far I am pleased with the vehicle. I have been able to get 47.7 mpg (according to the trip odometer) with careful driving on my most recent 50 mile jaunt. It was a mix of freeway and city driving. Im confident Ill be able to get 40 plus MPG with little effort. The car has plenty of room inside for 4 + size adults. Plenty of pep. The ride is quiet and smooth. Storage compartments are plentiful. Sync is fantastic. Gauges & instrumentation display are even more fantastic. I cant really rate reliability accurately as Ive only owned it a week.

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  Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it - 2004 Ford Escape
  By g.s. - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for approx. 3 months now. It handles very well for an SUV and feels very safe, except in rain or on hills. The front wheel drive is very jerky in these conditions and squeals your tires. Its a fun car to travel around in with all your friends or family, but with the windshield wiper handle directly in front of your gear shift they are easy to confuse.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Scapee - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the first SUV that I have owned and I absolutely love it. I have had the vehicle for 7 months and have driven over 12,000 miles. No problems experienced to date. I did a lot of comparison shopping and can safely say that the Escape gives the most standard features for the money. Its one of the best looking compact SUVs too!

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  I Love This Vehicle ! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Laura Ryan - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Terrific towing and family vehicle. The diesel runs flawlessly and I have 66,000 and have never had a problem. After 3 2500 Suburbans this car is heaven ! No comparison on the quality of design and innovativeness of features

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  what a strong car! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By keep on truckin - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i bought my escort from a family friend. i have had it for 6 years. i have nearly 193,000 miles on it. when i got it there was 125,000 and it is still ticking. the only things i have to do to it are just regular tune up stuff and also changed out the timing belt, water pump and transmission in 6 years time...pretty good!