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:

• 

  Best car I have owned yet! - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By Alex - December 7 - 2:23 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years now and couldnt be happier! I bought the car with around 40,000 miles on it and currently have 152,000 on it. It has been extremely reliable, probably the most reliable car I have owned yet and I have a Tahoe and a Acura TL. Over the course of the 110,000 miles I have put on it I have only had one repair and that was new control arms in the front at 120,000 miles which I considered routine maintenance. I was able to find a limited that has all the options in it and to my surprise everything still works! Have never had a problem with the auto high beams, blind spot monitor, push start, heated seats, cooled seats, back up camera or the sunshade. The ride is very comfortable and the seats just make you feel like you are floating. Way better than in my Tahoe which is probably one of the most uncomfortable vehicles that I have owned and they are even a little more comfortable than my Acura. I really enjoy the interior and think it is laid out very well, however the rear visibility is a little limited because of the pillars but the BLIS system takes care of your blind spot so I havent had to much of a problem with it. One of the things I wasnt sure about when I test drove this car was the Sony audio system. I really enjoy music and a good audio system is high on my list of options in a vehicle. I have been very pleasantly surprised with it (coming from an owner of a 7.1 Klipsch home theater system). It is miles ahead of the bose system in my tahoe (which doesnt take much) and just a slight step below the ELS in my Acura (which is one of the best systems I have ever heard in a car). I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a full size sedan! Even at 150,000 miles I still wouldnt hesitate to take it on a long road trip! Ford has definitely got it right with this car! I am thinking its time to trade in the Tahoe which has given me more recalls and mechanics shop visits than any of the cars Ive owned and replace it with another Ford product. Definitely a Ford owner for life after this gem!

• 

  The best car ever built - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By ricky9234 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The best car ever

• 

  1st time suv owner - 2002 Ford Escape
  By lc - December 7 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. I think they could have made the drivers seat a little more comfortable. It doesnt matter if I put the seat up higher, lower, forward, back, straight up, angled back Im still not to comfortable !! The rear windshield wiper doesnt touch the glass. Ive taken it in once for an oil change & told them that the rear wiper wasnt working properly. They said they fixed it & I got it back working worse than when I brought it in. Oh well, I never had a rear wiper before, so no big deal. runs smooth, handles great & looks cool !! I doubt that I will ever go back to a car again !!!

• 

  Best Full-Size SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bwyman - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I saw the new Expedition at the auto show and placed my order the next day. I was taken by the fold-flat third row seats and the sliding center seat in the second row. I love the interior styling (reminds me of an Audi). With all the chassis technology, Im expected a great driving experience.

• 

  Fords are the BEST! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Ford Lover - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Everything you could ask for in a truck.

• 

  Built tough - 2005 Ford F-150
  By cds924 - December 6 - 10:00 pm

  Only problem I had was a few weeks ago at 44000 miles my electronic throttle control went bad. Recall replaced bad fuel injectors, funny ever since they did that the truck flies, very noticeable power change. Other than that its great very smooth on road. On trip from Ohio to Texas received 25+ using cruise control on highway.

• 

  Could not ask for much more! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By SVT-Rich - December 6 - 11:10 am

  We bought her last January to replace our AWD 1997 Mountaineer (now my winter driver, wife drives the Expy). The Expy is outstanding so so far. She has been super reliable so far, as all of the Fords I have ever owned have been. The 5.4 is really a smooth engine with more than enough power, and the trans is also smooth. We love all the bells & whistles. The power fold rear seats are one of the best options. The air ride suspension is very smooth on highway trips, and a little rough on the not so nice roads. Fuel economy is what it is (average 12mpg winter, and 14mpg summer, and bested 16 mpgs on a highway trip at about 70-75 mph) for a vehicle this size, and I new that going into it.

• 

  Awesome Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Maurice - December 6 - 10:30 am

  I traded in my 06 Chevy Silverado that was tricked out for my Ford. I wanted the bigger engine because mine was a 4.6. My neighbor talked me into to it. The interior of the Ford is overall sexier than Chevy. The FX2 edition comes with the body kit. Although I would have liked the Titan, Ford gave me more bang for my buck. For the price I paid for my FX2, I would have only gotten a base model Titan. I lost a little bit of towing, but I will never tow that much so in reality I bought a truck that even my wife isnt afraid to drive. Now, I just have to ask her can I drive my truck sometime.

• 

  Best truck ever - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jeffrey Scott - December 6 - 2:13 am

  I never thought someone would build a truck that rides as well as most cars while not giving up the "toughness" a truck needs. My new F-150 Lariat is not only a great looking vehicle; it gives you the best of both worlds with truck tough reliability and comfort that is as good or better than most cars!

• 

  Safe Family Vehicle and Easy Driver - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Garrett - December 5 - 1:06 am

  Bought my Explorer last month, and absolutely enjoy it. My wife loves it as well. We like the exterior and interior looks, we like the comfort, and tighter-than-most trucks turning radius, and we like the outstanding five star crash ratings. We bought it for room to carry baby things, for the four wheel drive, and for safety. Recommended to any family, small or big!