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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  Worth the money - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mil - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Simply a rush and fun to drive - given todays gas prices, should have another vehicle for everyday transportation unless youre filthy rich or have an oil field in your back yard :-) Most fun Ive had dressed in a long time.....

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  Bang for the buck - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mrdestefano - March 15 - 8:48 pm

  Driven it for 6 years with no major problems. For $14.5k new, it was a great deal. I have the manual transmission and it is a fun car to drive. You wouldnt believe some of the things I have fit into it with all the seats down. I am pretty good about checking the mileage and get 24/28 for city/hw.

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  Good Car for the Price - 1999 Ford Escort
  By DavidbytheMouseHouse - March 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a very simple car. It isnt powerful. It isnt very comfortable. I can feel almost every bump in the road. The A/C works like a dream on freeways but not very well at a stop. I put 58,000 miles on the car and have had to put it in the shop twice. In both instances, it was for a bad alternator. If everything I have said seems negative, keep in mind that this car ran me $11,000 out the door. For the money, this is the BEST car I have had. If your purpose for purchasing a car is a cheap, fairly dependable, vehicle that will get you where you need to go, then the Escort is it.

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  Troubling Transmission!!!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Becky - March 15 - 4:19 am

  I have had trouble with my transmission since day one. Shuttering and shaking. Dealership told me it just needed to get some miles on it and it would smooth out. No such luck. Took it back. Had to have a new clutch put in. The shuttering and shaking continued. The dealership really doesnt want to help me. They have excuses about each episode I have had with the transmission. The car even started to roll backwards at a stop sign. This should NEVER happen. New clutch again. Now, we are on our third clutch and the problem isnt fixed. WHY???? Ford people - hello??? are you reading these reviews? You have a major problem with your transmissions in this car. Help!

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  No Frills! Great car for the money - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By aplus32 - March 14 - 4:23 pm

  Good, reliable transportation. Roomy seats, rides smooth, and with only 10,000 miles at the time of purchase, will probably last me a good while. Killer AC! Factory stereo system is crap, but thats okay. Im not a teenager anymore thats trying to make the entire world listen to my music! It serves its purpose. Fog lights would be nice. Rear defroster works, but very slowly. Came with floor mats, and cup holders in the front and back of the vehicle! And Ford Taurus is second to none in its safety rating! Overall, I am quite pleased with my purchase.

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  Great first car, too many problems - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By It could be better - March 14 - 9:06 am

  This is my first car. I only had it for 2 months and already I need to replace the struts, starter, and brakes. The previous owner said he had problems from day 1 when he bought it brand new. I only paid $350 for it so I am getting my moneys worth but the body does not look bad and the motor is quiet and its fuel efficient

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  Reliable - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Mila - March 14 - 4:47 am

  Bought the car w/ 26 000 miles in 2000. It now has 210 000). I have been a stickler in term of regular maintenance (oil lube etc.). I have alos changed a few things. I treat the car like a great car and it has been a great car. I commute a lot mostly freeway. I am very sentimental about the car - my first in the US (I am from Europe) and got me through grad school. People now tell me I need to buy something that matches my lifestyle more but I do not want to. There is nothing wrong with the car. When I go for oil change/tire work, they look for other things to do on the car and say - there is nothing wrong with the car. The mechanics tell me

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  Bring back into production - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By MasterTech - March 13 - 11:11 am

  Bought this under D-plan as a Ford technician for around $12K brand new. This car is now a wow factor, but a solid family car. Wish I could have bought a fleet to last our family for the next millenium. So far I have only put tires and a starter on this vehicle after 83K miles. 1 recall for reflash PCM for flex fuel usage. The 3.0 Vulcan is bulletproof and these cars are easy to work on when they do require service. We will be keeping this vehicle until it cant go anymore in a million years.

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  I Love my FlareSide - 1992 Ford F-150
  By Louie - March 12 - 2:22 am

  I reccived this as my first truck when I turned 16. My dad purchased a brand new Ford FlareSide 4x4 with a mighty 5.8L V8 motor. I love it, the only problems that need to be fixed in the next some odd miles is the Transmission (234823). Speed is there when you need it and the stock dual exhaust is loud. Bumps, mud, water, and sand cant hold this truck back. The cab is a bit small for a 6ft tall guy. I replaced the stock sound system with a Sony XPLOD complete system. Seat belts stop locking after a while and need to be replaced. AC Compressor shreds belts after a hundred miles so thats on a list for me to find. Over all this truck is fast and powerful beast

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  440000 miles and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By ranger lover - March 10 - 9:52 pm

  This has been an awesome truck. I now have over 440,000 miles on it and still drive it everyday with no problem. I have installed two clutches, 2 water pumps, air conditioning, and 2 alternators. Not bad for many years and miles of use. Nothing major and never any engine work.