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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  My 2004 Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 2004 Ford Explorer - April 20 - 5:27 am

  Ive had my Explorer for 3 years. It has 29,000 miles. Its been a good vehicle and I purchased it because of the great success I had with my 99 Explorer. Ive been to the dealer for 3 problems. First was the rear differential. Second was rust on the the front edge of the hood. Hood replaced and repainted. Third was the front wheel bearings. All repairs fell under warranty except for bearings. Starting to have some concerns with transmission. Some lag with shifting and occassional noise being produced. Found many tranny complaints on the web. Good vehicle.

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  Great value for the money - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By maryland mom - April 19 - 10:01 am

  My husband and I bought this car new in Dec. 2001, just before our first child was born. Its been a very functional, reliable car. Not sexy, but then again, no one will ever want to steal it. My husbands parents sold us a Chrysler T&C minivan, which we ended up using as our family car for two years. I preferred that for ease of getting kids in and out. But after the van was destroyed in a car accident we went back to the wagon, and its quite nice. Also I noticed its easier to fit groceries in the wagon than the van. No major repairs.

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  I Love My F-150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Old Blue - April 18 - 9:26 pm

  Great truck. Comfort and ride is amazing for its size. Get a tonneau cover if you have any hopes of getting better than 18 MPG. One of the major drawbacks is there is no internal storage space for things like fire extinguishers, jumper cables tools, etc. I know you can buy a rear under- seat storage bin to help with that. I hope the newer trucks come with more internal storage.

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  A GREAT Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sara A. - April 18 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased this car based on reviews. It had 16,000 miles and was a rental when I got it. I must say, this car is an excellent value for the amount of car you get. I have not had one single problem with anything on or in the car, with the exception of the cigarette lighter leaping out at me when pushed in; strange, but not a huge deal. It is fun to drive, very zippy, and has a huge trunk. The CD player/stereo system are very nice. All in all, buy this car.

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  Poor Acceleration - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Patrick Guggerty - April 18 - 6:56 pm

  Only problem is the acceleration should be better; Buick, Mazda, GM & Toyota offer an upgraded engine! But the reason I bought it was the all wheel drive. I just hope the power train holds up.

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  A Breakthrough for Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fourthvoice - April 18 - 3:06 am

  I became a Ford customer with my 1986 Taurus company car. That car was a breakthrough for Ford. The new Five Hundred is another breakthrough vehicle. It combines the best of American values with engineering from around the world. Weve had 3 Duratec V6 Tauruses; what a fun and reliable engine. The new ZF 6 speed transmission is smooth and responsive. Good work, Ford!

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  Never buy a Ford! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Disgusted - April 17 - 3:54 pm

  Nice vehicle in terms of looks, comfort, safety and driveability. But it has been costly to maintain. Needed new tie rods, intake manifold developed a leak, new rotors, AC/heater control failed, blown head gasket. Over $8000 in repairs with 66000 miles. I have owned three Fords and all had major mechanical problems. Thats three strikes in my book. I will never buy another Ford. I looked at an Odyssey but wanted to buy American. Its a national disgrace that they cant build a better vehicle.

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  Bit the Dust - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Texas Blondell - April 16 - 3:01 pm

  I never had a problem with this car breaking down. I had it checked every six months. The ABS kicked in when it was supposed to. This car was very reliable. enjoyed having this car. The disappointment was that even though being well maintained the major parts, i.e. engine and transmission just went with age. I have a good looking exterior car but it is worthless because the repairs are too costly.

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  2nd Taurus, Never Happier - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By gmercedesbenz - April 16 - 10:36 am

  Bought my baby in March of 07 with 74k on her. Its been 2 months, Ive taken her to Long Island and Virgina, with no problems at all. Only had to replace a sway bar link when I first got her, under dealer warranty. My SEL is loaded with ever option. Highly suggested for a college commuter, it will get you there, and look good when you get there!

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  the siver beat - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By montoya - April 16 - 10:00 am

  comfortable seating and roomy