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:

• 

  07 Taurus replaces Nissan - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Jim Frederick - March 18 - 6:48 pm

  Ive owned 88, 94, 97,02,and now the 07 Taurus. The 02 was the best overall. I like a combination of reasonable size, safety, and overall economy of operation. Im averaging right at 27mpg overall with most of my driving on the interstate. I did better on my 02 with the 24V engine. My current 07 has 3 front seatbelts which allows for six passengers, something many newer sedans do not offer. If I had the purchase to do over I would find the SEL model for some better interior quality and for extra features however this seems to be a good car so far. Only one issue so far: front driver side window went down but would not come up. Only happened one time. I think something may be loose.

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By claus - March 18 - 10:15 am

  I bought this car in 02 with 29000 miles on it. It now has 106000 and I have had to replace the water pump, timing belt, tie rods 3x, serpentine belt a few times and the ac is out on it right now, but other than that it has been a reliable car to get me through college. Excellent gas mileage and sound system.

• 

  Far too many electrical problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Bruce Morgan - March 17 - 11:28 pm

  The truck has had far too many electrical problems. In 145000 miles it has had three alternators, two batteries, seven light bulbs and five sensors replaced. All after the 36,000 mile warranty. Now it is having ABS problems that I have estimates of from $300 to $2,500 to repair. Front brakes are very expensive to replace, as are most other items dealing with suspension, that should not be. Front bearing are over $200 and cannot be repacked, they need to be replaced. Overall, very happy with the ride, handling and comfort, but the electrical issues are really a problem. Never know if I will really get where I am going or not.

• 

  Great Value - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Penny Lane - March 17 - 10:50 pm

  I am a private investigator and I use my vehicle for work. I drive around 30k miles per year so fuel economy and durability are important to me. So far I have 65k miles on the vehicle and it has never been in for repair since the first month I owned it. That issue turned out to be a faulty spark plug. Sometimes I need to drive in alleyways or other rough terrain. I admit I do abuse this poor vehicle but it has taken it all and still is ready to go every morning. I recommend this car for young drivers or anyone needing cheap reliable transport.

• 

  I thought it would be better - 2008 Ford F-150
  By D. Hamblin - March 17 - 12:14 pm

  Bought the truck new. Have not had any actual "problems". The truck drives just fine. Seems like when you go over a bump the bed "moves" no noise and everything feels tight, but you can see movement. On a windy day I have to fight to get to 70 MPH. Feels liks something is pushing against me. Truck feels underpowered. Has a slight rough isle at stoplights. Dealer says its normal, Ford has "leaned out" the motor at idle for imissions regulations. I wish I had bought the V-8. 4300 miles now. Really wish it had more power. My 1997 S-10 had more power.

• 

  Explorer XLT 06 diappointment - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Explorer XLT - March 17 - 12:07 pm

  I loved my Explorer at first. The drive is nice & smooth. I am 5 2" and the drivers seat was an excellent fit for me one of the reasons I bought it. The color was a great match to the inside interior color. Do not like where the front hood release hard to see the lever and the parking brake the same way. Since I bought it I have had it towed back to dealer and in the dealership at least 7 times (bought Oct.06)

• 

  Dependable, but gas guzzler - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Alex - March 16 - 6:31 pm

  This is a very nice family car, very safe too drive, but poor in town gas mileage is the downside to this car.

• 

  Great car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Aaron - March 16 - 11:52 am

  Id buy this car again! I have the A/T, A/C, manual windows, man. locks, no cruise. I avg. 30-32 mpg, best road trip 40 mpg (50-55 mph). I use this car to carry some carpentry gear, Ive packed it tight w/ lots of tools, carries 10 /8-0" studs, roof rack can do 200+ lbs lumber, Lumbar stinks, I use a booster lumbar support, drink holders poorly designed, panic button on key fob occasionally annoying. Low maintenance costs, run synthetic oil, snows up front for winter (decent in snow up to 4"). Ford should have made the rear seats removable for cargo & fuel economy. Im going to install scan guage II for improved mpg, switching back to summer tires, use a K&N air filter.

• 

  Almost A Perfect Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Loyal Ford Buyer - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Owned a Mercury Villager before this vehicle. This is more spacious and has a much better ride. Second row of captain seats are a little narrow for an adult and the rear seat has little leg room for an adult and is uncomfortable for two. Rear restraint for a child hangs down from the ceiling and can be distracting when looking in the rear view mirror. When passengers in the rear are watching a DVD forget about seeing anything in the rear view mirror. When dropping kids off for sports and the van is running exhaust fumes enter van when tailgate is open.

• 

  FIRST TIME FORD OWNER - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ALBATROSS - March 16 - 2:00 am

  GREAT RELIABILITY, FUEL MIALAGE, AND PERFORMANCE! INSURANCE RATES ARE HORIBLE THOUGH. OVERALL IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN I WOULD