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:

• 

  So much fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Sarah - May 16 - 4:26 pm

  The first car I owned was the 2002 Focus. it was a great car but I traded it in for my 05. An even better car. It has a smooth quiet ride. Wonderful pick up and no matter where I am driving I always seem to get looked at and comments about my cars charcter and style. I wouldnt trade it in for the world.

• 

  Lariat Supercrew 4x4 Black/Black Leather - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Frank - May 16 - 2:33 pm

  This truck is fun to drive. Everything is there at your fingertips! You get in it and you get that feeling of comfort and feeling good about yourself. You say "Its mine, all mine."

• 

  Our great Ford 500 Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Leon & Joan - May 16 - 8:16 am

  We are very happy with our Ford 500 Sedan w/4 wheel drive. It is fun to drive and always commands a lot of positive attention. Gas mileage is good, the car is quiet and roomy with a lot of great features. We are fast becoming spoiled to all the conveniences we have in our beautiful car. We have been aproached in the Mall parking lot by several intrested indivuals requesting information regarding this car.

• 

  Family American car - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Airman - May 16 - 5:16 am

  i have no problem with this car. And for the good deal I got I m so lucky. I was looking for economy car or power car and I choose the power car (about $800 extra a year for gas).

• 

  Better Than My 2001 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By H. C. Schmitt - May 16 - 4:00 am

  We decided to replace our old truck with the newer version. Wow, this thing is really neat. As a pilot, I know what a vehicle should do, and this one does what it says, including towing our Rinker Cabin Cruiser which weighs almost 10,000 lbs. It is very comfortable and rides better than most cars Ive been in. What can I say, it is awesome!

• 

  Good Value - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cpuuri - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I do most of the driving. Overall it has been a good value (paid less than invoice). Although, we have had a couple of problems with it: seal around the oil pan leaked at under 10k and switch for dome lights, door ajar sensor, and automatic door lock at 5 mph tends to stick. The fit and finish of the interior is cheap, and the leg room for the driver is limited by the wheel well (not a car for tall people!). It also lacks insulation from engine noise.

• 

  Worst car on the road - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By rkuef - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive noticed most of the good reviews are in regards to the SHO. SHO may be a better car I had a 91 GL Wagon I bought in 96 with 65K on it. I never put more than 6K on it per year. I couldnt, it was never out of the shop. Whenever I told a mechanic I had a Taurus, theyd reply, "Im sorry to hear that." There was no end of trouble with suspension, alignment, and sealed bearings. The alignment was so bad the tires went bald on a 500 mile trip and nearly killed me. After the second time the transmission went out Id had enough. If you get this car, drive it straight to hell, because thats where it belongs.

• 

  Maintenance/Repair Nitemare - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Douglas P. Smith - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Major mechanical problems after 70,000 miles. Over $2,044.08 spent on four repair occasions since 2-08-02 (I have receipts). Just had clutch assembly and slave cylinder replaced at 77,012 miles mostly highway miles). U-Joints, Ball Joints, and injectors thermostat and sensors have been replaced. I will never purchase any vehicle maufactured by this company again. I intend to make known to my friends, family and associates the problems I have experienced with this vehicle in order that they not make the same mistake I did. Obviously, Ford trucks arent built tough.

• 

  Ford Gas Numbers are Inflated - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By John D - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice Truck. It is a huge gas monster. We are getting 15/16

• 

  2005 Focus wagon - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Rainer McGee - May 15 - 2:10 pm

  Overall handling and performance with the manual transmission is awesome. Great sound system with the 6 CD radio. For a compact, the handling and performance is more than I expected. The fuel economy is second to none in the non-hybrid class. And that is one of the reasons I purchased the Focus wagon. Its nice and roomy too. When "they" said its fun to drive, "they" were not kidding. By the way, Im 65 yrs old and having fun driving it. (and I can afford to drive anything I want and I chose the Focus).