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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  Luxury at an affordable price - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Al in St. Joe - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I wanted a Lincoln, but couldnt afford one. The Taurus SEL loaded up with many of the Lincoln features was my answer. The 24-valve DOHC engine has excellent acceleration and there is an outstanding mix of comfort and functionality. After almost three years and 41,000 miles it has proven itself very reliable and problem free. The six disc CD changer is conveniently located in the center console, a big plus.

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  great vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CHRIS LE - July 24 - 2:00 am

  great ride, a lot better than my Jeep Grand Cherokee,gas mileage is okay, (17mpg highway). I love the 6 disc in dash CD changer, also the 3rd row seat which is very comfy and easier accessed than the Chevy Tahoe. I had 12k mi on the truck with no problems whatsoever, althought Fords reliability is always a big issue, especially with the transmission. My brother bought an Excursion Limited, and he had to take it in to replace a new transmission. Thats a bad reputation for Ford.

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  Focus ZX5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mahrow - July 24 - 2:00 am

  1yr and 12k miles-- I drove competitive makes and decided Focus over Matrix, Civic & others. Adequate for families and tall people, just enough space to make this car practical. It came with LOVELY Firestone (why is Ford is still doing business with them) tires. I had the dealer upgrade to a high performance Yokohama and it DRASTICALLY improved the handling. I hit a curb (playing dodge cat) and TOTALED the aluminum rims (both ends @ 30mph) and my side airbag went off. If I had had a passenger they would have been plastered to the door when the bag went off...WOULD HAVE HURT!!! I wonder about the safety of the bags

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  Surprisingly poor quality car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By focus - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2000 Focus Wagon SE in January 2001. Since then weve only done about 14k in it but it has been to the dealership about a dozen times. Things break and fall off, and weve had nasty vibration from the wheels, most noticeably during braking, ever since they rotated the tires, despite re-rerotating and re-balancing somewhere else at my own cost. Now I just got another recall notice. Very disappointed, wont be buying a ford again. Only reason I havent got rid of it is the resale value is way less than what I owe.

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  Crown Vic Review - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jim Hall - July 23 - 11:16 am

  I have had this car for an year. Not a thing wrong with it, nor did anything go wrong. The ride is out of this world. The power is great. Not an hot rod but can hold its own. I just love this car.

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  Thank you Ford - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Bri66 - July 23 - 8:56 am

  I ordered mine in June and just received it last week. When I first saw this two years ago in New York I knew I had to have one. It is everything I hoped it would be and more. Can not fully explain feeling I had when I saw it for the very first time on the back of the car carrier that brought her to dealership. The acceleration that this car has is probably comparable to being on the space shuttle. It pushes you back into your seat and you remain there until you let up. I have yet to fully open her up. It drives so smooth, takes corners with precision, accelerates quickly and effortlessly. Driving it on smooth roads at 80mph feels like 40mph. Always wanted to own a Shelby, dream come true.

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By EHF - July 23 - 5:36 am

  Quiet except under heavy acceleration, ecconomical and comfortable. I have put almost 2000 miles on the car and like it very much. I especially like the fuel economy, and the comfort. In addition it is easy to park, and handles well. We bought the vehicle for economy, choosing it over the Toyota Highlander for both price and fuel economy. The Highlander is $5500 more on base price, and has poorer fuel economy. In all everything feels tight, is overall quiet, and compact. I have not experienced any tip-up issues in cornering, but I dont drive it like a car so I probably will not. My longest trip was 8.5 hours, 420 miles. The car was very comfortable for the entire trip and averaged 38 MPG.

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  Not bad but not great either - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By gdiazj - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I like the Expi but in 12K miles I dont love it. In the 18 months weve owned it (lease turn-in), the switch that controls the turn signals and BRAKE LIGHTS has broken, the "brake" warning light and the "check engine" light have both come on. Plus one of the rear windows severely bends weather stripping when you roll it up. The shop couldnt tell me why the brake light came on and Ill have to go to the dealer ($$$) for the and the check engine light as it gave the local auto parts sensor reader conflicting messages. I have the 17" wheels and 4x4 options which may make the vehicle too tall for city folks with a baby like us.

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  SAVED MY LIFE!! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Renn - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Drove mine for 4 years & 140,000 miles, no probs at all. 2 weeks ago, on the freeway, a lady tried to pass me by driving on the berm. She clipped my back tire and as a result I flipped 4/5 times. I had to be cut out of car -- but walked away with cuts and scratches -- the firemen couldnt believe how hard it was to get through the frame! All agreed it was thanks to the seatbelt and the heavy duty frame. THANKS FORD! I would buy another in a heartbeat -- if I could find one. I am amazed at the huge number you see on the road, and the small number you see for sale . . .

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  Keeps going and going and going... - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By tbone_al - July 23 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is a dependable every-day vehicle for the past 5+ yrs (I bought it used). Aside from normal wear-and-tear (oil changes, belt replacement, front brakes, tires) the only moneys its cost me is when the stick mysteriously didnt want to work anymore. Someone at work said the magic words "hydraulic clutch." So I spent $1.19 on a can of fluid and filled the clutch reservoir. Good as new. I may buy a rice burner for the daily commute to save on gas, but this little truck isnt leaving my possesion until the wheels fall off.