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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  OK but I dont love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By LIK2BIK - July 24 - 6:10 am

  I had a 97 Explorer that I loved but wanted to move down in size. Only the Escape had the truck like feel of my Explorer. But Ive been disappointed by poor design and functionality that I unfortunately didnt notice and/or had to sacrifice with going with the Escape. Where does Ford get the interior design engineers? I also have a CRV which has great storage concepts and interior space usage - Ford is horrible in this department. I like the drive of the Escape, and the exterior look - but thats about it. I likely will not be keeping this for 7 years as I did my Explorer.

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  Computer is deceiving - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By W. Graham - July 24 - 2:40 am

  I test drove one of these before buying mine and loved it. Mine has been excellent except for the brake problem and the fact it is underpowered. I found the gas mileage to be better than expected, but I actually compute it the old-fashioned way with pencil and paper. If you subtract the ending miles from the beginning and divide by the actual gallons used per the gas pump, you will see that your mileage is significantly better than the computer shows. I dont know why. I live in the country and get 23-25 running around and 25-27 on trips, using regular gas. I dont like the look of the 2008, but will try one when the time comes. Long time relationship with this great dealer.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 2k5droptop - July 24 - 2:26 am

  Have had other convertibles in the past - this one is by far THE most fun to drive! Exterior is stylish with that retro feel. Interior is more comfortable than I expected (unless you are in the rear seat). Car is surprisingly quiet even when driving with the top and all windows down - you can actually hold a normal conversation. Engine is strong and transmission is smooth ( 5 speed automatic). While cruising the engine is pretty quiet - when you step on the gas youll hear that throaty rumble that lets you know whats under the hood. This car really is a blast to drive.

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  Excellent Car - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Moeses - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Probe for over two years now. I have not had to do anything to it major yet. I had to have the transmission rebuilt but that was due to the design flaw in it, Ford should have recalled it but didnt. So I dont consider that my fault. I am in the process of upgrading it to be able to race it this fall.

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  Rattling Piece of Junk - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By nstr24 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I ordered/bought the 02 Premium GT in Jan of 2002. The car rattled from every seam in the vehicle, the cd changer had multiple problems, and Fords Service Dept is basically useless. I sold the car with 10,000 miles on it and took a huge loss. Dont buy one!!

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  sleeper - 2000 Ford Contour
  By zzoom1 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The SE Sport is a true sleeper car. Its my second Contour and so far has been as reliable as my first one. Great accelleration and the exhaust sounds good as well. Its comfortable and handles extremely well. The best thing-its invisible to police.

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Harry Tasker - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 96 ford ranger 4x4 for over 2 years now. I bought it with 42,000 miles and have put 23,000 miles on it. I havent had any engine troubles what so ever. The quality of the interior leaves a little to be desired. I have found a few tears in the upholstery. I would suggest getting the 4.0-liter V6. The power is with any extra cost. As far as use and abuse I have hauled hundreds of lbs in the bed (about 16 sheets of drywall) and didnÂ’t have any trouble. I have also had the truck off the ground while driving off road. The gas mileageÂ….. stinks. I get 300 miles off of an 18 gallon tank.

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  My Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By John Walton - July 24 - 2:00 am

  An exceptional value, it has rough edges that give it character and it drives like a charm. Throw it around and it remains tame and easy to control. In traffice it is nimble, on the open road it is smooth as silk. I use to rent these, and then realized what a great car this is now. The best feature is its predictability.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By WGA - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I drive a 2002 Ford Taurus. My wife and I enjoy this car. The engine is very responsive from both a start and passing ability. We have two kids, and our family finds this a very comfortable car for all occasions. I am impressed with how quiet the car rides. (much better that other Ford vehicles I have driven) I am told that the 2003 has not been changed much from the 2002

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Baldone - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 years now and love it. Great ride, roomy, smooth, great fuel consumption for a large car on the highway. The only problem is the front brakes. I had to replace them at 20000 miles due to warping. I changed them to Power stop cross cut drilled rotors with 911 brake pads and have been happy ever since. I actually stop better now than before. I also added goodyear eagle ga h rated tires and found the ride bumpier but the handling improve greatly. If you want the smooth ride of a touring car, dont add performance tires. All in all though, I love the car and am going to keep it for many years to come.