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:

• 

  Herb Gause - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By HGause - January 2 - 8:16 pm

  This is my third Sport Trac and its a 100% improvement over the other two. It rides a little stiffer but the other improvements make it more fun to drive. I would not consider owning any other vehicle. I really like it.

• 

  Superb all-around car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By 1cewolf - January 2 - 5:20 pm

  I had my eye on the new Malibu, but after looking it over in person I was a little disappointed. It was expensive, even used, and it felt unpolished in certain aspects. The Fusion I ended up buying came out to only $14k after taxes and trade-in (my old banged-up 99 Cavalier) and has the Sport Appearance package w/black & red leather seats, Moon & Tune package, Sync, auto-dimming rear mirror, and rear parking sensors...and only 7,000 miles. Its got a 5/5 JD Power reliability rating, so assuming that everything holds up, Im convinced that the Fusion is one of the best values around. The Sport Appearance Package gives it an aggressive, masculine look that I really like.

• 

  Moms have fun too - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Gin - January 2 - 12:44 pm

  I have always loved Ford automobiles. As a mom, I got an Explorer for the diversity of our family. Then when I hit my thirities and the get were older, something was missing. Our family wanted something that was fun and still practical to drive because gas was almost $4.50 per gallon. I was going to get something before my midlife crisis. We test drove a Mustang convertible and the family fit so we bought the car. I love this car. There is nothing I would change. I have enough room for everthing. When you down size from an Explorer then all that kids stuff you just stop bringing everything. Boy do my kids smile when the top is down. Moms go for it!

• 

  Great Value - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Keebler - January 2 - 12:06 pm

  This car has an incredible amount of interior room (front and back seats) and a huge trunk. Ride is very quiet and handling/acceleration is good. Fuel economy is decent for a car of this size I am averaging 20 city/27 highway. I change my own oil and the placement of the oil filter is very convenient. Ive had too many other cars where the filter is hard to reach or it is placed so that oil drips everywhere once removed.

• 

  Finally, the Platinum is here! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By EngrCh1ck - January 2 - 12:02 pm

  The Platinum trim, new for 2016, combines all the bells and whistles of the Limited with the power and excitement of the Sport. It adds some really high-end interior finishes and some handsome 20" wheels to the offerings of the Limited, and it truly is the definition of luxury. The ride and handling are superb, and the acceleration is smooth and exhilarating. It is REALLY fun to drive. After months of research, I chose this over other similar vehicles because it had exceptional power (365HP versus 290HP for most all competitors, which you can REALLY feel) and it has more total technology offerings than any of its 2016 3rd row vehicle competitors--without escalating into the true luxury vehicle segment (like a Volvo or BMW). Its counterparts in 2016 lacked at least one (but usually many more) features such as adaptive cruise, pre-collision warnings, power-fold seats, lane keeping assist, parking assist, front camera, power-folding mirrors (with auto-fold), rain sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, intelligent access (based on proximity with key on your person), remote engine start, adjustable pedals, and door keypad entry. Yes, this is an expensive vehicle. But, it truly compares more with a higher-end model, like a Cadillac or Lincoln, than it does with its true competitors (GMC, Toyota, etc.) in this segment. If you are looking for THE BEST 3rd row SUV for a great value (meaning, not luxury vehicle), this is it. If you just want the cheapest 3rd row SUV, then this is obviously not your market. But, if this is your market, or even if youre looking in the luxury market, this may just be the vehicle for you--unless other manufacturers make some pretty decent changes in 2017. I am thoroughly impressed and extremely happy with my purchase.

• 

  One of the best values on the road - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By TVGuy - January 2 - 12:40 am

  Purchased this to replace a 1990 Mercury Sable my daughter totaled. My son has a 2006 ex-Hertz Taurus that has been flawless. Bought the 2007 from Hertz, less than 30k miles for less than $10k with a 7 year, 100k mile warranty. My friends who spent nearly $30k on Camrys and Accords are shocked at how well it stacks up to their cars, and cry when they realize I bought Taurus for $10k than their one car. Cheaper to insure too, and should be cheaper to fix too when repairs are necessary. Averaging 22 mpg overall, hit 27 on a road trip. I hear trannies can be an issue, but with the Ford warranty, it wont be my headache until after 100k miles.

• 

  One Super Neat truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jim Mac - January 1 - 9:01 pm

  Have been looking for a Ford Ranger for a present for my wife as she was wanting one. Was very lucky to find a Ranger extended cab step side 4x4 Off Road package for the money and black to boot. She is absolutely thrilled with it and intends to keep it for a long time.

• 

  2012 Ford Taurus Lrd - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By Mikki - January 1 - 1:33 pm

  We have lovedthis car. Still to this day 2017 people stop and ask what make is that car and how beautiful it is! A great road car and fun to drive! Comes with great innovative features including push start.never any mechanical issues!

• 

  Best Car Ive driven - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By nothing new - January 1 - 12:16 pm

  This car is a car that has some pretty good pick up. The horsepower is stronger then what is shown. The V-6 Fusion has a total of 221 hp and 205 torque. But when I put my car on a dyno it topped out at 243 hp and 206 torque. Eveyrthing is strong so these car have a amazaing rating. The handling is really good. You can take sharp turns and still be holding a constant speed.

• 

  Well worth the money - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By PoliceInterceptor - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Ready to hit 100,000 miles already, nothing done other than routine maintenence.