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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  current vehicle value 6/1/02 - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Jim Young - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Everything is / and always has been perfect with this vehicle.

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  Anything But Reliable - 1994 Ford Probe
  By sjj - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car was great for the first few months. Everything worked fine. Once it got to about 100,000 miles everything just started falling apart. It needed new bearings, cv joints, mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensors, water pump, and belts. The complete brake system had to be replaced. The calipers, the lines, the pads and everything. It still needs a new clutch, and the transmission is really, really jerky in reverse. I know all of these repairs are common for higher milage cars, but $3,000+ in repairs in only 6 months is just outrageous. That is probably more then it is actually worth.

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  My review - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By ljscmm - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is one of the worst Ive ever had. I had to get a complete tune up at 45,000 miles. I will never own another Ford. I also had to replace the mechanism that keeps the seat from falling back.

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  The Taurus a great choice - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Farmer Joe - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I think the Taurus is a good car. It will always start and we never have to take it to the shop, ecept the motor for the window broke. Our last one, an 89 Taurus Wagon, that thing went about 113,000 miles before the transmission started to slip and it was just getting old. Then we bought the one we have now. I think there is a lot of interior room in the car. I am content with it, and I would buy another one if there was a good price on a used one, just like all of our cars. We also have a 95 Mercury Sable wich has not given us any trouble. So these American cars are great, I would request this to anyone who wants a good midsize car.

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  Should Have Been Recalled - 1997 Ford Escort
  By gtrbernie - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Escort in 2000 with 13,000 miles on it. After 19,000 miles of light duty, I was told that I needed new rear coil springs. I spoke to several people that owned the same vehicle, and several mechanics (including the service manager at my local Ford dealership), and was told that this is a common problem that Ford is aware of, but not footing the bill for. Otherwise, a reliable, but not very interesting, econobox. Total lack of ergonomic ingenuity.

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  Bittersweet - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By NotSure - June 8 - 2:00 am

  While the stang is fun to drive the reliability of it is another thing. I have had to replace a head gasket and a sensor went out and at times it wouldnt start?! Transmission trouble as well. It has a great engine and the ride is good for a sports coupe.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Teri - June 7 - 9:46 pm

  This car is fantastic! I usually hate driving anywhere and now I am looking for excuses to drive. Everything about this car from the rumble of the engine to the way it hugs the road is enjoyable. What a way to recapture and hang on to your youth.

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  Tremendous Value and Comfort - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By RalphEllis - June 7 - 7:53 pm

  This car is comfortable, handles well, and is a tremendous winter car in Canada. It is bascially a Volvo S80 in disguise. Where else can you get huge interior space, a technologically advanced drive train, AWD and a CVT for this price. The only knock on the car is rapid depreciation. Since I own my cars for a long time, this is not an issue for me. I love it and would buy it again.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By itjustme - June 7 - 7:03 am

  I am so happy with it. The Edge is just so much fun to drive. Im not real sure about the gas mileage because Im still on my first tank of gas but I was previously driving a Windstar so I can only believe it will be about the same or better! I love the power that the Edge has. The body style is absolutely gorgeous! My Edge is the Creme Brulee color - it looks very classy.

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  Great Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bryan - June 7 - 3:30 am

  Purchased my 500 in January. Features are great. Very stable and responsive handling. Very comfortable to ride in. Really roomy car. Pleanty of pep. The trunk is huge as is the back seat. Dual climate controls and 6 CD/MP3 player are nice. Great visibility. Well laid out cabin. Overall I am really pleased with the car. I highly recommend this car. Transmission is smooth, ride is quiet.