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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  Typical Ford family sedan - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By spidermann59 - January 19 - 12:26 pm

  This car reminds me of the family cars I grew up with. The all around everyday, and the two week summer vacation crusier. Room for everybody and everything. The power is there when you need. Handles well. Brakes well. Excellent value. Easy maintainence.

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  Happy with the car, but with exceptions - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Sweetwaterguy - January 18 - 10:37 pm

  I replaced my 98 Avalon with the 08 Taurus. It is as quiet as the Avalon, has more interior room, and comfortable- -even for a 65" guy. Fuel economy is very important to me, and I am very disappointed. A recent drive, Wyoming to Iowa and back netted only 25.5 mpg hand calculated. I would consistently get 30 on the old Avalon doing the same route. It missed the EPA estimate by 2.5 mpg, and I drove conservatively as I typically do. Also, I find the heater, a/c, and fan controls on the lower dashboard are small and difficult to locate and adjust when driving. I would give a strong recommendation for the Taurus, but my disappointing gas mileage might make it a deal killer.

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  Excellent car as a used purchase - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mike - January 18 - 12:50 am

  Just bought the car used with 15,000km on the clock. Bought it for the safety, space, comfort and reasonable economy. Learned later its not so safe on side impacts without the side airbags, which contradicts the brochure. Took a short road trip and found it very comfortable, with good economy of 8.2L/100km. It looks sharp and the interior is nicely laid out. Its very comfortable with lots of room. Relaxing and easy to drive around the city when driven at a reasonable pace due to the 6 speed. Good turning circle and steering weight is spot on. The heating controls are a tad low though and fiddly to use when driving. Compartment lid bubbling on dash as per TSB. Handles like a smaller car.

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  Got my Moneys Worth - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mispinla - January 17 - 9:29 pm

  I bought my Ford in 2002 and have literally driven it high and low and everywhere in between. It has 155,000 miles on it and Ive never been stranded on the side of the road, had to rent a car due to service/or repairs, nor had to repaint or wax my car. Im sure it could use a good detail and wax job now, but Ive gone as long as two months w/o washing it! Sure it drinks gas, its a truck! Its also very comforatble and roomy. The only real complaint I have is Ive had to replace the driver side and passenger rear door handles and the center console broke one day when my 200lb+ friend leaned a little too much on it as she climbed in, and sometimes wierd stuff happens w/ the electricity

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  great truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By bud - January 16 - 3:30 pm

  Nice truck but I needed a new engine at 3,000 miles and Ford wanted me to pay for a rental. Constant clunking from the tranny. Oh and good luck changing the spark plugs as they snap off in the head.

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  Surprised to like it! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By villaridgegal - January 16 - 2:16 pm

  I have had this car about a month and starting to really like it. I was surprised that the drivers seat raises up high enough for me. I have had SUVs the last couple of times and at first was concerned that a car would be too low. I love the sides and back, but the front of Fords vehicles arent that sharp. Inside is great -- lots of extras. Only negative is power. I did not get AWD, so I have the regular transmission. I previously had the CVT in a Freestyle and got used to the smooth shift. The Five struggles with the a/c on and I have to remember not to pull out in front of anyone. I mean 206 hp for a 3700 lb vehicle is ridiculous.

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  Trading in - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Trading in - January 16 - 9:55 am

  We bought a 2005 XLD AWD Escape used in March 05 with 17,000 miles on it. As others have written, we have had problems filling up the gas tank. Gas nozzle keeps shutting off which drives my husband nuts. Started having problems with the brakes at about 50K. Mechanic replaced tires, rotated tires and put on new brake pads which solved the problem for only a little while. It probably needs new rotors, but at only 2 yrs old with 57K miles on it and 3 years left on the loan, we decided to trade it in for an older car with less miles that we could pay off sooner at $100 less/month. Overall though, this was a good car, preformed very well in the snow with the smart AWD but hard on gas.

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  Great changer for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jay Hassenfratz - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car. I was very impressed with ford. I just came back from Europe which is showing a trend of more impressive cars made and designed by ford. I anticipate that this car will hold its value base on its change from the "Basic Ford" look and feel. Elagant interior that is roomy. Lots of gadgets.

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  Way more fun than a Toyota Corolla - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Hocus Focus - January 15 - 10:39 pm

  I bought this car brand new, and have owned it for almost eight years. Its been a blast to drive and way, way more reliable than my previous car (Toyota Corolla). Only major complaint was an ignition lock problem in year seven, which by then was out of warranty and cost $250 to replace. Being a 1st year model it had a few recalls but they were fixed quick, free, and easy. Fuel economy (23 city, 33 highway) was a little lower than expected. Handling was a MAJOR positive surprise. Braking fine, replaced once at 51K. Front and Rear headroom impressive - a friend who is 63" fits in the back seat with no complaints... and he even works for GM. 5-speed manual shifts fine, clutch is a breeze.

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  Great Decision! - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By gman - January 14 - 11:03 pm

  I really enjoy the decision to buy a Hybrid Ford Escape. The overall quality is excellent. The piece of mind knowing that I can have great gas mileage, protecting the environment and also not send money over to the Middle East is worth every penny. I also enjoy the same benefits of a regular SUV concerning cargo space and overall flexibility. The only downside is the interior design, very simple (I cant believe there is not a holder for a cell phone!) Overall, very happy with the purchase.