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:

• 

  Great crossover OK price - 2008 Ford Escape
  By lenny - March 10 - 8:36 pm

  So far its one of the better crossovers Ive driven. Rides a little hard but if you want soft buy a car. MPG is excellent so far about 28 average (I drive about half and half city and highway with and without ac.) Lots of little storage pockets. Dont care for the light switch being down by my knee. Lots of room Im 6,4" and a big guy and Im comfortable. Radio buttons take some getting used to as do AC controls not bad just different. Wish I had gotten the 09 more power

• 

  Way better than expected gas mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Carl - March 10 - 6:23 pm

  WRT fuel efficiency: On my 3rd tank averaged 39mpg ( by miles/gallons to refill) on mostly town/rural roads. Best trip was about 40 miles distance, 2/3 of it on Interstate 95, getting 45mpg. Understand, I drive very conservatively, trying to keep tach below 2k. On the interstate its 55- 62 mph. I watch the average mpg very carefully, resetting on each trip to maintain sensitivity to moment to moment driving behaviors. Accelerate very gradually. As warm weather comes in, mpg has improved on the shorter trips. If I am in the least bit of a hurry, gas efficiency drops 20% - without fail. BTW, I have the automatic transmission.

• 

  Its a keeper - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By DMILLS76 - March 10 - 9:06 am

  So far (knock on wood) this truck has been fantastic. Gas mileage is horrendous at 14/18, but everything else is superb. Interior is extremely spacious, towing is excellent. I love this SUV.

• 

  Factors on the Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Alex - March 10 - 6:10 am

  All around a cool car. More knee room would make the back seat more comfortable. The leather seats are very comfortable. The standard radio is good quality, especially the volume control when speeding up or slowing down. Fun to drive. Trunk space is exceptional. One touch button to open the moonroof is convenient.

• 

  My Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Kadarius Hart - March 7 - 7:28 pm

  I love driving my Taurus on the freeway, I pass everyone. And the brakes are great. It is even good in quiet neighborhoods it wont wake up anybody.

• 

  Nice Vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ron - March 7 - 9:56 am

  Great truck overall. Great comfort on long drives. Highway best gas mileage 21mpg. Fuel economy bad overall. Average 14 mpg. Shifter problems normal on recall with Ford. Had rear end go out at 18000 mi. Fixed on warranty after week wait for part.

• 

  Its a keeper! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By GMANS97 - March 7 - 1:44 am

  Loved this car brand new, but some kids smashed into it while it was parked, and broke the front axle. So now I hear a noise every time I make turns. Gas mpg avg about 21mpg with mixed city/express way. Car has been reliable with only problems being the Fan speed switch has stop working & had malfuntion door ajar one hot summer. Road/wind noise, windows fog up quickly, small/large potholes really send a shiver through car. I have over 47k in 5 yrs and Im sure this car will last another 10-15yrs easy. It just wont be worth anything in the next 2yrs. This car has been reliable in the worst winters, and is one of the best American cars ever made?

• 

  Great job - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By niceandwild - March 5 - 8:59 pm

  I bought my Expedition used with 32k. Just hit 100k. It has never failed me yet and given the fact that I am not the best at maintaining cars I love it. I have gone from Florida to New York several times and its great on long distance trips. Ford tough.

• 

  I have been lucky - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Lucky - March 5 - 3:18 pm

  Bought Windstar new in Nov 07. Initially - few problems. Air idle control valve - replaced, the fuel delivery - remapped, and a loose motor mount - fixed under waranty. I considered gettting rid of it but didnt. Today - 205,792 miles - highest mileage and most reliable vehicle ever owned (25 cars and 20 motorcycles). Have symptoms of head gasket failure (coolant is disappearing) for 50,000 miles. Waiting for head gasket(s) to fail - will consider replacing myself with new gaskets, head bolts, etc. I change the oil every 5K (Pennzoil) and the trans fluid every 25K. Replaced alternator once, power steering pump twice, brakes and battery thrice. Just normal maintenance. We were lucky.

• 

  Great car but squeaks and groans - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By David - March 5 - 2:47 pm

  For the money this has to be the best performance car available today. This is my second Mustang and when it comes to performance it really screams while delivering great fuel mileage from regular gas. It handles very good and actually is very comfortable on long trips. It does have a fault however. The gearshift lever vibrates and resonates when accelerating which takes away from the otherwise pleasant experience. It also has periodic squeaks and rattles from the front that just can not be found. Drives me crazy and the dealer can not find or even agree that the sounds exist. Ford needs to fix this, my 88 Mustang had none of this noise and it was on a worse platform?