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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  Brembo Brake Rotors Needed, Best Buy - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By observer22 - May 1 - 2:21 am

  Mandatory to have Brembo brake rotors installed on any Taurus (no special brake pads needed) to overcome the rather poor stopping performance with standard rotors. Like a Volvo, it is comfortable, great crash test scores, quiet. More reliable and much less expensive to work on than Volvo. Large trunk. Best to get a Taurus when it is 4 years or older due to depreciation. Cheap to insure and 2000 and newer models have addressed the various problems & weird styling of late 90s models. Buy it!

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  first 300 miles - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By gt - April 30 - 7:23 pm

  Just got a 2006 V6 SEL with black leather interior and safety package and upgraded stereo. Overall a successful design. Handling is very good and it has a quiet and comfortable ride without being too isolated. Despite having plenty of power at the front wheels it still has a good steering feel and no noticeable torque steer. Ford succeeded in finding a good balance between handling and comfort. The optional perforated leather seats are very comfortable and look great to boot. However little design details display Fords lowest bidder supplier mentality: cheap plastic analog clock, no cabin air filter! (allows outside dust on black dash and vents), cheap looking instrument panel.

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  Found On Road Dead (FORD) - 2005 Ford Focus
  By paulnlacie - April 30 - 5:52 pm

  Man, after trading in my 94 Escort for this new ZX5 SES, a year later and 15-20 visits to the dealership for repairs I have come to the conclusion I got a lemon. Have had problems with AC, power window switches, transmission, engine, just to name a few. The dealership wants to take no action to fix this problem even we have now a classified lemon. This is Ford for you, At least the dealership will give a loaner to all people who buys their cars. But I want My Car To Drive thats why I bought it. WHERES THE ESCORT!

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  Great buy for the family and off roading - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Steve - April 30 - 5:41 pm

  I have owned this car for about 5 years and i am very satisfied with the car. the family is comfortable on long trips and has enough room for trips to the Home Depot. we have dirt bikes and tow a 4x10 trailer with no problem. As we connect the trailer the back end goes down about three inches, but within seconds the airbag suspension turns on and lifts it up to normal height and it even helps climb the dirt roads. I have only had two problems so far. My head gasket had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles and my heater core had to be replaced at about 70,000 miles. And it was not a happy time because my Ford dealer has terrible service. Other than those two things the car is a great car.

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  My Pink Panther - 1995 Ford Escort
  By YanksPhish - April 30 - 5:07 pm

  My family has owned this car since 97 and have had very few problems with it. Weve had no major problems. The mileage is excellent, even after 11 years. I always get at least 22 mpg, and when I drive on the highway I get 35 mpg. For this class of car I cant think of anything that I dont like about the car. Everything is set up to be user friendly by the driver. Easily viewable gauges, plenty of trunk space. Theres about twice as much trunk space as many other 2 door coupes. Ive never been in an accident, so I dont know how the car handles in these situations (knock on wood).

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  MystiChrome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rex - April 30 - 4:49 pm

  Love this car, great looks, performance, and ride. Mileage Ok if you can stay out of the blower. Never been back to thedealer.

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  great truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By kyle - April 30 - 1:10 pm

  I like the truck overall. Love how it rides higher than most other smaller trucks. Never had a problem with anything on the truck. Buying products off eBay has made maintenance very cheap. I have a 5 speed and it is very fun to drive. Only problem I have noticed is the plastic in the door feels cheap. It is becoming loose and the center seat/compartment is broken. The seat has a few tears in it but it is no problem and looks to be from a knife or other sharp object before I got it. Overall a great truck, but only 23 mpg and I drive mostly highway.

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  No Problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Mach72 - April 30 - 11:46 am

  I love this SUV and was a little scared to by a car made in the USA, after all the horror stories you hear. PROS: I have not had one problem with this SUV. Its the perfect size for the city and has loads of space with the rear seats down to haul all kinds STUFF. It looks great after almost 5 years.No rust or fading paint. I have not taken it off road but have taken it on some pretty rough dirt roads in Maine and New Hampshire were it performed well. I have driven it to Florida twice. Good gas mileage. CONS: Road noise on the highway.

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  2 Weeks into a new car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tinger - April 29 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased a new 500 SEL a couple weeks ago becasue my 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII was totaled by a deer. Having been used to a large car, I was skeptical as to the roominess of the 500. I initially wanted a new 05 Mustang, but when I drive one I realized everything was small and tight. The 500 was huge compared to the Mustang. The only real drawback is the lack of legroom for front passengers (Im 63"). I love the CD player and the view. The frontwheel drive is a bit touchy, and the pickup is quick, but whines alot. The exterior styling is great! Everyone says it looks super. I was the first in the area to get one, and am very happy I decided to go with it. Way to go Ford!

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  02 Taurus SE Sedan - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By cab xerro - April 29 - 8:59 pm

  Have never had a mechanical issue. Great mileage and handling at highway speeds. A very comfortable car.