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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  Used Taurus GL - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Ralph - January 25 - 11:32 pm

  I bought last month a used 94 Ford Taurus GL with 84k excelent condition for his age. Did a tune up, new tires, flushed coolant, new air/gas filters, gas treatment. The magic lasted 30 days. Transmision died 2 wks ago. Was bone dry, no idea how lost all the oil, i park my car in the driveway, no oil leaks, tune up was performed. I read postings on Taurus forums, almost all Taurus/Sable cars suffer from transmision problems. IDK how Ford could get away with Tauruses dying before 80k. And still survive. This is my first american car, always owned imports (had to let my new car go since i lost my job) though this Ford was gonna be a great used car. Bad choice. Engine is durable. Tranny crap.

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  1999 Mustang GT - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Phillip - January 25 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased my 1999 Mustang GT in August 2009 from a private seller.It has 72,400 miles on it. The beautiful red with gray leather interior gets a lot of compliments and the car has always been garaged and looks new!It has a manual 5 speed transmission. I love the exhaust sound but do wish that it had more power in the low/mid range power band. I have owned a Mustang SVO and a 1967 Mustang Fastback over the years. The cup holder location in the 1999 GT is a disaster but the stereo sounds very good and the car handles ok even though the tie rods wear pre-maturely and begin to squeak when turning. Ford should have went to a adjustable clutch cable instead of the automatic adjustment system.

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  I love my focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Pat Bernier - January 25 - 6:49 pm

  I must say I am extremely impressed with my Focus. I owned a 2003 and loved it but my 2009 is 3 times the car. No need to buy a civic and besides the Corolla is getting bad reviews for poor build quality not to mention the 4.2 million vehicle recal Toyota has this year for sticky gas pedal, safe eh?

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  Love my expedition - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By arlingtonbadger - January 25 - 5:00 pm

  This was my firt ever domestic vehicle and I liked it so much, I bought another blue oval baby expedition to match. Having had German and Japanese vehicles, my standards were set pretty high. I was pleasantly surprised with overall fit and fish, comfort and technology available. Weve had a few minor issues - TPMS keeps going off and stuck bushing in the shifter, but overall its the best road trip vehicle and it swallows lots of cargo. Fuel- wise, its what I expect but the 2009+ have cylinder deactivation.

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  Taurus Smooth Ride - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Corky - January 25 - 4:41 pm

  I bought the Taurus 2005 Se from a private sale at 76000 milage and so far I am loving it. Nice and roomy and large trunk, good AC, fair mileage for a V6. Hope this feeling lasts. Happy so far.

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  This car wont die - 1998 Ford Escort
  By kennedys - January 24 - 10:47 pm

  I put about 500 miles a week on this car on my daily commute to work. I have been waiting for it to die since I graduated college and got my long distance job. I have never broken down in it yet. So far since I took it over I have only had to replace tires and the tape deck/Radio which I was going to do anyway. One year I didnt even change the oil from inspection to inspection and it still ran like a champ. I wish I had a reason to get a new car but it is so reliable even at 130K. Who ever said foreign cars are more reliable than domestic really needs to check the date it isnt the 80s anymore.

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  On my 2nd Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Nanny911 - January 24 - 7:03 pm

  I love my new expedition. I owned a 2001 for 3 years before totaling it 2 weeks ago. I hit black ice did 2 360s across 6 lanes of traffic and hit the Barrier wall head-on. I did NOT have my seatbelt on and walked out of it! I always felt very safe in it and that just confirmed it. I wasnt even looking for expeditions but saw this one and fell in love! I am a Nanny and the Kids love it.

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  Ford Mustang eats Volvo S40 - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Dale - January 24 - 1:33 pm

  I have been driving a Volvo S40 for 9 years and had so many problems yet wanted to get my money out of it. Finally decided to face facts and ditch the four-banger. I was glad to see Ford still made a good American product for a reasonable price. Considered several models but just fell in love with the 2010 Mustang Premium V-6 automatic. You cant beat its looks both inside and outside. Good attention to detail and the standard equipment with the Premium model is great. I cant believe how much fun it is to drive and the SYNC and Shaker systems are very cool. The sequential tail lights remind me of the old Thunderbirds. My Mustang was $200 under invoice plus $2k cash back & 4%. WOW!

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  One mean Bullitt! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Bullitt #206 - January 24 - 11:22 am

  One quick ride, traded a 97 Z28 Camaro for the Bullitt. Camaro more stable at 115+ speeds, Mustang much more comfortable, all other aspects very comparable. Get 17/24 mpg not bad for a v8 racer. Handles great, accelerates great and brakes on the Bulltt/Mach 1/Cobras are fantastic! After owning this I will never buy a stock GT its all special edition Mustangs for me in the future!

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  dont listen to any discuraging adults - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By darren - January 24 - 11:06 am

  I am a 20 year old man. I bought a mustang last year just after my 19 birthday. I always wanted a mustang all my life.And when the day came that my parents let me make my own decisions i was the extremely happy. No matter what people say about mustangs and believe me i have heard them all The car is absolutely top notch. Insurance is not too bad and I the fuel economy is actually pretty good especially if you have a standard Use the same amount of gas as a v6 engine just as a hyundai tiburon V6 which i actually traded in for the stang. To sum it up: Car is great, fun to drive, good on gas, good car for a 18-25 year old due to insurance. Have fun you only get fora couple ofyears due to marige