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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  Legend among 4WD vehicles - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By jasmith1982 - October 24 - 8:20 pm

  Even though this SUV is about 16 years old, it still blows the doors off some of the best vehicles out today. Excellent design. Great towing capabilities. Its a workhorse. Having the government-issue fire marshal suspension and drive train is amazing. EEC IV system works great, as long as the connections dont get wet and the computer doesnt get corroded. The ECU (computer) is a hassle to replace. The dual shocks on each front wheel gives a smooth ride. On average 12-13 mpg in town. Most mechanical parts interchangeable with ford F-series. Parts are readily available.

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Tim Smith - October 23 - 4:03 pm

  I have had my Mustang GT now for over a year. I bought this car based on a lot of the reviews I found on this very site, which led me to want to write my own. My review is this: What a great car! Havent had a single issue since I purchased it. The V8 runs fantastic at 79,500. Car handles well and the ABS/traction control work great. The build quality is as advertised, excellent. No rust, no broken plastics, no faulty or cheap electronics. Everything works and works well. The Mach360 stereo rocks like the day it was made. The 6 cd changer acted a little funny the first time I used it but since then hasnt had a single problem (the person I bought the car from didnt use it.)

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  Ford E150 - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By arc2642angel - October 23 - 3:26 am

  This is the first full size van we have owned. After 3 mini-vans, it has been a wonderful experience owning something that is so large and comfortable to drive. We have driven from NC to Texas twice and have made several shorter state-to-state trips. With front and rear air, airplane lighting, and bucket seats all around, the travel is comfortable for all.

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  Best car of this type - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By ford_lover2 - October 22 - 9:56 pm

  We needed a car with a third row of seating. After driving all kinds of models, we decided the Ford Taurus X was the most comfortable and easy to use. The car isnt terribly distinctive, but it is fairly user-friendly. We bought ours used and have only had it about 5 months, but so far we are very happy with it. It has almost as much room as our old Windstar van and it is has a very comfortable ride. The best part about it is that it has two rows of usable seats in the back. This particular model was only made for a few years but it is well worth it if you can find one. If not, go for a Flex which is almost the same thing.

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  Ugly, but still bought it! - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By ChevyGirl - October 20 - 5:05 pm

  Ive always owned Chevrolets, Hondas, or Toyotas. However, we bought our Taurus because it was practical. It seats five or six, the kids have plenty of room, and it has a decent motor size. I love the interior and how it looks inside, but I hate how it looks on the outside. Despite its beautiful color, it still reminds me of a flat tire. It gets 30 mpg, but only 22 mpg if you like breaking the speed limit. It will eventually grow on me, but I just hate how ugly it is. When Im in it, I love it-just dont make me look ate it!

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  Average Car - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By swong - October 20 - 10:00 am

  cheapest V8 full sized car I could afford. Two real weak components and they are the plastic resin intake manifold which tends to crack leaving you stranded. Other MAJOR weakness is the 4R70W transmission which has "torque converter shudder". This shudder is hard to explain but when it does occur (trust me it will occur after youve accumulated 20k per tranny fluid change) it is the most irritating thing going. Ive had my tranny replaced under waranty and it still occurs but am living with this problem until I can squeeze another 3 years out of it until I dump the car. Next time Ill go with Honda or Toyota.

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  Good car for the money - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Zoomy - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Alot of car for the money spent. Has good power. Easy to drive and comfortable. Some little rattles that bother me when going over bumpy road. Like the fold down seat and trunk size. I recomend to buy an extended warranty just in case. My car has every thing on it.

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  Great Little Truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By PAS - October 20 - 12:34 am

  The greatest thing about the Ranger is it just flat out works. Yes there are other newer trucks out there, but for the money it is hard to get any better than the Ranger. I have had no problems with it.

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  Micheal Myers of trucks--just wont die. - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Lil Mule - October 19 - 1:54 pm

  I bought this truck brand new in Feb of 95, and havent looked back since. 335,234 miles (original engine and tranny) its safe to say this truck has paid for itself three times over. With only two clutches replaced (working on my third) and regular maintainence, this truck has never given me a problem- -even after smashing a full grown deer, two rear-end collisions and a steel reinforced pole that inconspicuously jump out in front of me. All this, and doesnt drip any oil.

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  Mustang GT Makes Awesome Daily Driver! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By The Extreme - October 19 - 4:06 am

  This is my second Mustang. My first was a 1997 V6; it was a wonderful automobile and was still running strong and reliable when I parted ways with it at 157,000+ miles. Then came my 2005 Mustang GT. In a word, wow. Twice the horsepower (300 vs 150) of my V6. Retro skinning, but in a real modern package. I drive the car every day to and from work and people constantly comment on how much they like the car. Its remarkably practical and easy to drive given its amazing performance, and gets pretty good mileage for such a hot performing car. I love it!