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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  lots better than a Focus - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By laser1 - September 7 - 9:34 am

  When I went to the dealer to pick up the car, I passed a Focus in the lot selling for the same price as what I paid for the Mustang. Figured I got a much better car. After 106,000 miles, I couldnt be happier. Only thing I had to replace beside wear items was a idle pulley for $11. Brake pads lasted 60K miles and did not put brake dust on the wheels. I get 21 mpg with the alcohol/gas mixture they sell in Houston. Performance tires made the car handle much better in the rain. Engine accessibility with the v6 is excellent. Parts are cheap at parts store (not dealer).

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By DJR - September 7 - 3:20 am

  Ive had the X for about two weeks now and Ive really enjoyed it. The main issue with its predecessor, the FreeStyle was that it was underpowered. This has been corrected with the new X. Unfortunately the mpg has suffered; Im getting significantly less than the 19 mpg comparison figure or the 16 city mpg listed. The crossover has been surprisingly responsive, the braking smooth,and the ride comfortable. There is a few fit and finish issue with the running board but it is not major. I upgraded with leather and the DVD entertainment system and am very happy with both. The utility is great as the third row seats fold flat with a very quick and easy 3 step process. Good job Ford.

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  Good Work Vehicle - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Fixer - September 6 - 8:01 pm

  I have put over 100,000 miles on the Taurus in 2 years. The engine is strong and will last of another couple of 100,000 miles like the last one. Obviously mostly highway miles. Gas, oil and tires is all it needs. I feel safe in this heavier Ford. It doesnt get blown around on the highway like some small cars. There is only one vehicle behind the Taurus sedan on the list of least likely to be stolen and that is the Taurus wagon.

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  Decent ride - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By joshreisch - September 6 - 11:17 am

  This car has always been good to me. I have had only minor problems related to oxygen sensors. Good transportation and the mileage is not too bad, 19-22.

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  My Last Ford - EVER - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carl D. Clark - September 6 - 10:00 am

  The paint is coming apart on the leading edge of the hood, an obvious defect from the factory. The collision center manager at the dealer "confirmed" that it is a factory defect, and stated that ford is not standing up and warranting it. The dealer said it will cost $500 to repaint the hood and that they could not warranty the repair due to the problems with the aluminum hood. After contacting Ford Customer service I received a call from the dealer saying that they can get Ford to pay $200 of the $500 to repaint the hood. Today Ford Customer service said that this case is not closed. Never again.

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  Mustang GT Convertible - great car! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Herb Trisler - September 6 - 8:58 am

  I have owned my 2002 Mustang GT Convertible now for about 18 months. It consistently outperforms the hottest of import sports cars, even those advertising 30-40 more horsepower. Gas mileage is a pleasant surprise... 18-20 in town, 25-27 on the highway. The car is not really tightly built, but it holds up well even under hard use. The sum total of the pieces add up to a car that is quick, fast, exciting and fun to drive, and turns heads wherever it goes. I could not have done better with my money.

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  Ford Five Hundred Limited AWD - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By marti - September 5 - 1:16 am

  Interior: comfortable. "Pebble" color is much too light. Difficult to keep rugs clean. Glare from light colored dash onto windshield. Convenient dash controls. Floor heat from "auto" climate control blows on drivers right foot. Very hot and uncomfortable. Navigation system, satellite ready radio, aux input are not a factory option. The second 12V plug is inconveniently located in the center console. Exterior: high, 18" wheels, plain, conservative styling. The car is comfortable, has a car-like ride, functions like an SUV in the bad weather with much better gas mileage than an SUV. Its perfect for anyone who wants the features if an SUV in the safety and ride of a car.

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  Great MPG car! - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Bill - September 4 - 12:21 pm

  Purchased this car used at 72k miles. No mechanical problems in last 5 years. Just regular maintenance. Great gas mileage at 36 highway, with no air conditioning, about 28 in town. Air conditioning really lowers the gas mileage. Not the most attractive and no power steering, but beats high car payments and always starts.

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  I love my minivan - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By ARH - September 4 - 10:38 am

  We bought this car as a replacement for a 2002 minivan and are still glad we did. It rides like a dream, seats 7 people very comfortably. I like sitting higher when I drive so this really fits the bill. My only problem Im when Im doing 65-70 mph I get a singing vibration on the drivers side front. We tried moving the roof rack but that didnt help. So, we live with it & I slow down when I get the noise. Maybe that was the idea in the first place? We remove both seats (easy to do) occasionally & use it as a truck which is handy. We can also sleep back there when we take long trips. Just put down an air mattress & youre good to go.

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  alive to tell - 1998 Ford Escort
  By alive - September 3 - 10:57 pm

  This car is what youd expect, a 4/5 person economical car mover with a little more space because its a wagon. My Escort was totaled last week, T-boned at a traffic light. Honda CR-V ran the red light, impacted my car on the front right corned just in front of the tire. Both air bags deployed, all seat belts held, everyone survived, air bags bruised our faces pretty well. This car saved all 3 of us. Due to the car being 9 years old the car was totaled, not because of extensive damage but because the air bags cost $1K each plus labor. Yes Id buy another Escort if I needed good cheap transportation, 36 MPG highway.