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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  SOLID SEDAN - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Crowned Vic - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Fortunately, there is still a nice driving rear wheel drive sedan. The Crown Vic has plenty of power for the highway, and is comfortable on long hauls. The only thing wrong with the car is the dealer that I purchased the car from. If youre ever in Southern California, avoid San Juan Capistrano Ford. There are plenty of other Ford dealers.

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  Better than my last car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By pinkfloyd333 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a few months, but I love it. The design is great, inside features are great, nice handling. It has great interior room, a trunk you can live in. I reccomend this car definately.

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  Great Truck, Poor power train - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rob - June 1 - 6:08 pm

  I have had this truck for 27 months and up until this week I have been very happy with it and its performance. For a 4X4 I constantly saw 15mpg (city) and 20mpg (highway). I have had problems with the truck. Three months ago the 4 wheel drive system would try to engage 4 wheel low while I was driving down the road at 50mph. The local dealer repaired the problem within a day. Just after 37K miles, while driving down the road the truck stopped applying power to the rear wheels. I had the truck towed to the dealership and was informed I would have to replace the transfer case. If you are looking to own a vehicle for an extended period of time I would stay away from this product line.

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  Ford does make quality vehicles - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By emach1 - June 1 - 12:52 pm

  Before getting the Mach1, I despised Fords and believed I would never buy one. The Mach1 was too good looking and fast to pass up. Its 40th anniversary emblems with its hood scoop and awesome rims turned heads. Its performance is great as well, but you pay for it in terms of gas mileage. Since owning the Mach1, I have not had anything go wrong. At worst, the interior dashboard and fixtures are cheap and quality but not something that cannot be replaced. Tires are costly but that is one of the costs anticipated when purchasing a high performance car. This is one vehicle

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  2007 Ford Taurus SE - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Tony - June 1 - 11:54 am

  I bought this car and traded my 98 Neon and I love it! It gets almost the same gas mileage the Neon did and has more hp.

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  18300 and still going! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By joecool829 - May 31 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased this model after driving my wifes 1996 Sable LS. I wanted one just like it. I have put 183K on her so far. Minor glitches but nothing unexpected for the mileage. I am happy I got the SEL model with all of the bells and whistles especially the leather and 4 wheel discs. Note to the average driver: I got 101,000 on first set of brakes and 82,000 on second set!

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  Nice cruiser - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Sully - May 31 - 7:53 pm

  Hard to tell just yet owned it one week then could not drive it for a week because of a bad wheel bearing at 600 miles. 1,200 miles now averaging 36+ mpg without having been on highway yet. Drives nice with 5 speed and sunroof open through PA mountains. The Vista Blue looks awesome with the black interior and just enough chrome.

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  Underrated Minivan - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By TedH - May 29 - 10:16 pm

  After driving my wifes "04 Freestar Limited for 3 years, I went out and bought an 07 Sport for the business. Compared to Japanese models, the Freestar is quite a good drive. Im surprised by the overall reliability, but ticked at the minor breakdowns of simple things. A good product, but backed by inferior Ford service departments.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By pwf2908 - May 29 - 2:24 pm

  I was a little concerned buying domestic over import - had been a Previa driver for years, but what an awesome replacement. This baby has power, comfort and hugs the road in all conditions, including our Canadian winters which are a mixed bag. Biggest test came during superstorm last June. I hadnt realized how bad the road conditions were that night, but the Freestyle slogged through everything that storm threw at us and then some. (My Previa would never have made it - and we passed several others pulled off too.) Only thing that could be improved is my city gas mileage, but I love the power on the highway and when set to cruise, the highway mileage is great for that size engine!

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  Ford Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By taurus_happy - May 29 - 9:39 am

  I have had my Taurus that I bought from my father over a year ago. Thus far the dash has come apart over the instrument panel. The a/c no longer works. I think it is the switch. But overall coming from a Saab, this car is far more amazing. For a car to be made in America it has provided me with great service.