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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  Taurus X, good car - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By AndyB - October 11 - 12:30 am

  We really like this car. Family of four, two major mileage vacations, comfortable and still liking it after a year. Lots of room and has lots of power. Compared to many including Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia and found this to be the best value for the money. No regrets. Andy B

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  2013 CMAX Great Car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By happycmaxowner - October 10 - 6:42 pm

  Very happy with my CMAX purchase. Buying the 2013 at the beginning of 2014 allowed a $5000 markdown on a new car, erasing the mark-up diff of a hybrid. I have gotten 42 mpg city/42 mpg hwy consistently over 7000 miles. (Sure I get higher when really trying!) Pleased with the interior space width. Comfortable filled with 4 people. No issues in 9 months of ownership! And paying for half the gas I used to. woot woot!

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  Me? Drive a Ford? - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By MoparMan - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Being a Dodge guy,when it was time to shop for a new grocery getter Dodge was aour 1st stop but our last stop was the Ford dealer. The new Explorer is head and shoulders above the older style and yes its better than the Durango. Attractive styling, quiet, smooth ride and responsive! I may have to change handles!

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  Eh... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By NeedTeddy - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I have about 39,000 miles on my Ford Explorer. Got it for around $22k brand new. I dont drive it often for the gas mileage reasons but when I first got it I was ecstatic. However, I wish I have the new 2002 version now. I havent hit the mileage that most of the people are experiencing problems but I know its inevitable. Supposely the "better" Explorers become Mercury Mountaineers while the crummy ones remain Ford Explorers.

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  making me a believer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ford is cool - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Fix Or Repair Daily has been the rep. for FORD in my mind. Reliability is yet to be judged since Ive only driven this car 600 miles. Apart from that, great car and no problems so far. Like the spartan functionality of the XLS better than the other trims. All the necessary options for cheap compared to other midsize SUVs. Quiet at hwy speeds, good acceleration, good maneuverability especially in tight parking spaces. Like the high ride height. Aggressive styling is a plus. After driving Japanese cars all my life, this car is restoring my faith in American automobiles and is turning me into a Ford fan.

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  I love it - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By DominionTech - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Perfect family car. Reliable have had no problems. I would recommend this car to anyone. I use it for business also very comfortable and large enough to create an office on the passenger seat.

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  Great Ride AND Dependable - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By JSUGRADUATE - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Edge. It is head and shoulders above other small trucks.

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  Amazing Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Eric F - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Its really cool, and useless at the same time, bt I love it!

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  Go Anywhere - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ecila5200 - October 9 - 10:46 pm

  This was my first winter driving experience with the 2005 Ford Escape and I couldnt ask for a safer drive. We get a lot of snow here in Newfoundland and winter driving can take its toll on some vehicles. But the Ford Escape came through with flying colors.

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  nice ride - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By g mackey - October 9 - 7:13 am

  This car handles and rides the best that have driven in my 49 years of driving. Averaging approximately 29 miles to a gallon which is the best that Ive ever had.