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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  Great truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Dave in Raleigh - April 9 - 10:01 am

  Its the price/performance ratio that got me. I wanted towing capacity and 4WD, and got such a great deal, I couldnt pass it up. Got tired of snooty foreign dealers who wouldnt deal. Thanks to them, I got an excellent truck - it rides great for a commute, or when I tow the boat. I dont need sportscar acceleration- its a truck!

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  Fun and, so far, reliable - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By TCSoff - April 8 - 11:04 pm

  Bought with 7k miles, now at 26k, no major problems, just the same tail lamp keeps burning out. All-city driving yields terrible gas mileage, but cruising on hwy at 70mph, I get 28mpg easy. Installed AirAid conical air filter which made huge difference in throttle response, power and exhaust note. In 2nd gear at 3000 rpm, watch out! Very fast. Full-size luggage can fit in trunk, something most convertibles cant boast. Stereo is amazingly powerful, even on hwy w/roof down. Brakes could be better. Bumpy roads reveal rattles and looseness mainly in windows & roof. But for combo of V8 power, stick-shift control, topless motoring, mega- style and storage space, theres no competition at all.

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  Tires - 2003 Ford Focus
  By crap - April 8 - 10:40 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage but has cost me a fortune in tires. I bought the ZTW focus 2.0l 5sp wagon new and it no has 88,000 mi on it. I get no more than 15,000 mi out of a set of 15" tires whether cheap or expensive (back have gotten as little a 10K). Called Ford up they said "never heard of that before" but yet supplies my dealer w/ alignment kits to try and cure. Struts blew at 10k . On 3rd set of rear seat belts. Rear latch changed under recall- new latch worse-latch sometimes opens when hit bump-things fall out. Can no longer read LCD #s on blaupunct radio. Dashboard different color than rest of plastics. ps pump leak at 30k.

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  Great car the bucks - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Great Car for the mo - April 8 - 3:02 pm

  I bought this car as a vehicle to drive to work with pretty good MPG. I have had this car for a year now and no regrets. Avg. 23 mpg. Had been driving a Dodge 4x4 and the MPG was 12 -14 so I was looking for something more economical but didnt want to be stuck in a subcompact. The Taurus is a fine car in all respects, though a little dated and not a lot of acceleration it still is much smoother and more fun to drive than a 4 cylinder. This car is comfortable and well made. It is large enough for a family and easy to drive. Many of the newer models although very stylish are short on headroom and have poor visability. The Taurus has plenty of space. At about 10 grand the value becomes obvious.

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  Good all the way around - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By irongod - April 8 - 2:22 pm

  Bought this used with about 90k on it now its around 102k. Its red with tan interior. I have done a complete service on it as well as installed a k&n air filter. Will be installing a large stereo set-up. Explorers are great for that!

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  2002 Focus SE Sedan - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Stix - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 Focus SE sedan with automatic. Its very comfortable, easy to drive, fairly good on gas and the power is sufficient (but could increased for better overtaking ability). It has been reliable with no repairs needed yet. Rear seat access and room is good and a child car seat fits there easily. The trunk is large with lots of space, a low liftover and flat floor. Build quality seems very good. Fairly low noise at highway speeds.

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  Its a salvage title and it did awesome - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By matt - April 8 - 1:03 am

  I liked it. you have to game it to find the best MPG. Which is good for people who are ADD? or who need some added stimuli while driving. The gaming is not a distraction and actually got me to watch the road more. Great daily commuter and 4 passengers fit in great. Sync and stereo is very important to me. sync had some issues and can get annoying but will work well. Speakers bass etc are great. Better than my 2006 toyota sienna XLE. blue tooth is nice. camera is nice. ambient lighting is nice but unnecessary. because you get in and drive. Seats are important. I drive a 2013 explorer at work and the seats are better in the fusion. Owned a 2010 non hybrid Camry before fusion. Camry was an XLE and the wood trim popped and so the inside was nicer. Ride was soft compared to the fusion. Fusion is more sporty. not sure what I like more. Stereo was similar. My Fusion gets 33 in winter (Minnesota) and 35-36 in summer. I can get 38 MPG to work and 40 MPG back if I game it (20 miles each way). averaging approximately 60 MPH on the highway.

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  Good Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Lori B. - April 7 - 11:00 pm

  Minor problems, fixed under warranty, rear axle seals needed replacing, shocks needed to be replaced after only 1 year, aside from those issues, its a really great vehicle. Tried to trade it in for a new one. Market Value is incredibly low, couldnt trade it in. I guess Ill have to keep it. Sorry FORD, no new sale here.

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  Nannies van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By nannieb43 - April 7 - 4:12 pm

  Ive enjoyed driving and hauling with this vehicle for 4 yrs. Because of distance from town and present gas prices, Im looking for a hybrid to replace it. I will miss the roominess and ability to haul almost anything I need.

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  3rd Ranger in a row! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Wayne D. - April 6 - 10:47 pm

  3rd Ranger in 15 years. This the newest a 99 XLT Extended Cab, SB. Bought used w/ 92K at a local truck dealer. I love this truck, but the 3.0 does lack power and for such a small engine, and for that, the fuel economy stinks. It is built for a small truck however. I put new heavy duty leaf springs from JC Whitney, which lifted the rear and fixed the load droop, fixed up numerous minor wear/tear and tune up stuff (brakes, water pump, tires, plugs, shocks, etc.) At 145K, developed a lifter tick which 2/3 quart Marvel Mystery oil solved. Overall, I love it regartdless and will keep it until it dies, cause its not worth enough to part with anyway!