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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  Vrooom - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Cowboy Ed - May 27 - 5:03 pm

  I love the car. Turns heads at stop lights, the mall and grocery stores. I have 200,000 miles original engine. Replaced cluth and turn signals work sometimes. A/C went out at 110,000 miles. Fun to drive. Terrible in rain and snow. Fish tailing is too common.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By tamo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Coolant light too closely resembles battery light. Gear shifter gets in the way of changing the radio...thats about it!

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  Pleasantly suprised and relieved ! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By A. Bowen - May 26 - 11:03 pm

  I reluctantly parked my F150 5.4 V8, like many others, and chose the Fusion to benefit from fuel mileage. I managed to lower my monthly payment and figure to save approximately $200 a month in gas. I had driven the Fusion a couple other times and was not really that impressed. But, I gave it another chance and ended up buying it with a great Ford financing deal. This car is a very pleasant surprise! There is almost nothing negative to say about it. The 4 cyl is adequate with 5 sp manual, but would be much better with more HP. The best part is the Sport Appearance Package - handles like a dream! Buy this car - you wont be disappointed.

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  302k miles and no problems - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By veblenesque - May 26 - 6:41 pm

  This SUV is amazing. It is amazingly big, tall, fuel inefficient, and difficult to maneuver. But Ive got 302,000 miles on the original 5.4l engine and transmission (which works out to 20,000 gallons, or $80,000, of gas). This is a serious SUV that should only be used by those who need it. Even with a V8, it is surprisingly slow. You need to pay attention when youre driving it, and a long trip can be stressful. But it holds a lot and is surprisingly competent offroad.

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  Good value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By K Rohrer - May 26 - 4:36 pm

  We bought this to be our main family car (now that the kids are all gone). Had 28k on at time of purchase, 84k now. Had a few mechanical challenges, nothing unusual except the trans torque converter about 80k. No fireworks but is not unattractive. And, I can count on it. My mileage is better than most reviewers: 24 around town, up to 37 on a trip (yeah, you read that right!). In fact I just returned from a 400 mile trip and got 37.8. Double checked the math etc.! Just made a 04 Explorer our main car. Was going to replace Taurus with "fuel efficient car" but why bother?

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  I am well pleased with this car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Tex - May 26 - 1:53 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Taurus from the Budget rental fleet with 22,781 miles on it for $12,000 cash. At 123,167 miles I have never had to make a major repair and performed only basic maintenance. It has never let me down so it the by far most economical and dependable transportaion I have ever owned. The body and interior are in good condition and I fully expect to drive my Taurus to at least 200,000 miles. The cabin has more room than any in its class. I am tall with wide shoulders but I still feel comfortable in it. Ill be sorry to see this old girl go when the time comes.

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  Miss It More Than I Realized - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By flilguy - May 23 - 11:17 pm

  I liked the look of the 95. The 4.6 V8 had power like a police car. It would go a 110 miles per hour. It could go faster but I was afraid I would blow it up. I bent the antenna driving too fast. It didnt do very well in snow and ice. It got better gas mileage than the V6 I have now.

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  Ford Ranger Pickup 2001 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Xavier - May 23 - 8:02 pm

  I bought my Ranger new in July 01 and have enjoyed putting 125k on it. some of the repairs I incured were a broken valve stem, transmition work 2X, broken drive shaft parts 2X, front ball goint, 2 batterys. As of now I have replaced the lights in the dash and repainted the grille to its original dark black color. I dont know what to do with my seet, Over time the arm rest broke and the fabric is cracking and terring, dispite the problems the engine runs very smooth and the AC is bitter cold on hot Texas summer days. I am so happy with the styling, I never get tyerd of looking at it. The paint is shiny amd their are no cracks in the rubber or plastic.

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  Wheres the beef? - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By CJ - May 23 - 6:06 pm

  Great all around car, especially for the family. Comfort is more than adequate, trunk is huge and styling is nice. Horribly underpowered and the standard (SEL) sound system stinks. If I had it to do over again, Id look at Nissan Maxima or Volvo S80.

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  Good Basic Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By gdub4719 - May 23 - 11:29 am

  I bought this car to reduce car payments after getting married and having a larger family. I knew it would be a basic car with no image boosting credentials. It is not, but then again I am in my 30s and "grown up" now. The car has served its purpose greatly and I have few complaints. It is my daily commuter and does so perfectly for the price. I had a 1994 Honda Accord in the late 90s that was less reliable than this thing has been! It drives nicer, but it isnt as sporty. It has more features than I had expected power seats, puddle lamps, etc. It has a very good ride and is easy to maintain. Cheap, cheap on insurance too.