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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  Youll get what you paid for - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Vince - January 9 - 8:18 am

  My wife bought this car new, before we met. I would never have bought a Ford. We had to replace the tires, brakes and rotors and needed a four wheel alignment at 25,000, We replaced the fuel pump at 50,000 and the trunk leaked but warranty covered seal replacement. When I replaced the spark plugs, the wires were bad. Ford used cheap parts. I changed the oil (Syntec) every 3000 mi. The transmission is exotic for a Ford so I made sure to get it serviced every 30K mi. We now have 107,000 and this car is still running very strong. same power as when it had 15000. no major problems, just general wear after replacing cheap factory parts. Do the scheduled maintenance and car should last years.

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  My Super Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By taurus_1 - January 9 - 2:04 am

  I bought this car when it was 4 years old with 100,000 miles on it. After 3 years & 70,000 additional miles on it, its still going strong

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  Great car and more room than you think.. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By SnoProG - January 8 - 10:13 pm

  I drive a good bit for work and this car fit the bill, litterally. I get 31- 32 mpg all highway and average about 26 mixed, and as low as 20 in city, winter driving where I sometimes park for a coffee and leave the motor running with the heat on. The motor is no slouch and Ive owned SVT Lightnings. I have absolutely no complaints, save two. I bought this car from a senior in Florida to use in Michigan. The problems are the driver door window seal at the bottom fusing to the glass so that I cant roll the window down and have to use a credit card to separate the rubber from the glass. It happens quite a bit. The other is the washer fluid lines freezing up in below zero weather. Ill survive.

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  Love my car, hate to get rid of it - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Whoisyermomma - January 8 - 10:11 pm

  This car was a hot little number when I bought it from a friend. She had it all of 5 months and needed a van. No rust on her then, we live in New England, someone in NH garaged it in the winter. What a wonder! No real problems, great little car. Got in a minor fender bender and the front bumper was $400 to replace (with paint). Didnt have the money to replace grille - didnt need it for inspection!

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  Taurus SES - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Feedguy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Had the car two months. No issues yet. A little hard on gas. Otherwise Im happy with it. Still some original style.

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  very let down - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By vads - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my gt for one year and have 20,000 miles. Problems: crossmember and transmission mount loose. Clicking noise when turning right turns from front left wheel. Engine knock noted and last but not least, engine starts and cuts off shortly. To be diagnosed at the dealer for the third time.

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  F-O-R-D - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brian - January 8 - 12:32 am

  Bought new in July 04, dealer replaced front brakes due to a defect at 10k, no problems until 38k when transmission blew seal. Cost 1700 at independent trans mechanic since it was at holiday. Brought faulty seals to dealer, they replied "you should of brought vehicle in to us and got an estimate" Would of gotten gouged for sure my opinion. Plan on driving it to the junkyard. How can sticker on this plastic monster be 27k, got it after rebates for 17k and worth 4k 5 years later? Brakes squeak, and I put so much time into shims and anti-rattle compound. Dont let dealer put another Ford trans in your vehicle, let someone rebuild it with new seals. Why invite the same trouble twice?

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  Just as good, but cheaper than imports - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By 1sttimeford - January 7 - 10:41 pm

  Due to lots of bad experiences, my family is anti-domestics as far as cars go. I test drove a Fusion and couldnt get past how much less expensive it was for more options. It has been a great car so far. Its amazingly quiet and smooth, easily the best car Ive owned so far.

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  Best Ive owned - 2001 Ford F-150
  By M - January 7 - 10:34 pm

  This is the best truck Ive ever owned. Sometimes I wish it wasnt so reliable so I could justify buying something newer. With 115,000 miles it still has the original spark plugs, coils, alternator, shocks, etc, and gets just shy of 18 mpg on the highway. Ive never been crazy about the styling (exterior or interior) but it drives well and is very comfortable.

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  Good Car - Wish they still made wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By D - January 7 - 4:00 pm

  We really enjoy this car. Bought it used 18 months ago, the transmission did need rebuilt after we owned it for 1 year with only 66,000 miles on it, but we got a great initial price on the vehicle. Runs great on the road and handles much better than the MiniVan it replaced. Good gas mileage 23 on highway with family of 5 and car topper.