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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  The horse keeps trottin - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Ed - April 29 - 12:24 pm

  I purchased my car private party about 3 years ago. In the 3 years of owning it, I have come to find a few things. These are very tight convertibles, well made with a lot of power. They are also one of the quietest on the road with the top up. Plenty of power, and decent gas mileage around town, but can get very good when on the open road driving long distances. Coming from a 5.0, I was hesitant on a 4.6 car, but made sure I got a 99-up with the 265HP. Plenty of power to set you straight. My only issue is the coolant sensor light that seems to be a typical issue with the 99-00 cars. Get a 5 speed. The resale on the automatic cars is poorer.

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  Sooo Reliable! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By christie - April 29 - 3:05 am

  This Escort is my first and only car I have ever owned, and it has been amazingly reliable. In 6 years, I have only had to get new tires and replace the battery there have been no major mechanical problems. I paid it off 3 years ago, but will probably drive it for one more year before replacing it.

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  Comfortable, but costing in repairs/gas - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By rideforlife - April 28 - 6:09 am

  I love the design and comfort of driving this SUV. Ive used the 4wd fairly often. With recent gas price hikes, though, its become impractical and Im looking for something with much better fuel economy. Ive also had to make various repairs over the last year.

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  My mechanic loves my Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By carfocus - April 27 - 11:43 pm

  I have had this car for over 3 years and it has been nothing but one mechanical problem after another. Issues: brakes, brakes, brakes alternator the ignition went bad electrical system issues, stalling. Its only saving grace is its handling and pep. It is fun to drive, when it runs. Car is not reliable, cant wait to get rid of this lemon.

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  Forget Chevy...buy this truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By cool_man - April 27 - 10:18 pm

  Very roomy and comfortable. The ride is so smooth that it feels like a luxury car, which surprised me when I first test drove it. Having a V -8 4.6L engine I really thought there would be an increase in cab noise, but there was none. The gas mileage is not too terrible, it is about the same as my old 2000 Chevy S-10. Overall I am very satisfied with my truck and would suggest it to anyone.

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  No Regrets - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By TruckGal - April 26 - 9:34 pm

  After comparing trucks for almost a year, this Portofino Blue & Silver Bronco caught our eye. We bought it the next day. It had 49,000 miles on it and had never seen a dirt road until we got a hold of it. Its still stock except for the addition of an AirHog filter and SuperWinch manual hubs a brush guard is coming soon. It came with the optional 265/75-15 tires. And it still rides and looks great! My husband loves the tight turn radius Im fond of the agility in snow and rain. No hesitation at all when we need some oomph, either the beast just picks up and goes. There is nothing quite like a Bronco.

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  Nice car for the money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Bill - April 26 - 2:40 pm

  Traded in the minivan for a sedan, mainly to improve gas mileage. We were averaging about 20 mpg with van, and about 21.5 on the Taurus after about a week not a whole lot better, but at least its not worse. The interior of the Taurus is nice with two-tone leather and a moon roof, definitely nice extras - makes losing the extra space in the van a little easier to take. Really like the vehicle so far - smooth ride, good acceleration, and good brakes. It has the Flex Fuel engine, but theres only one station in my area with e85 fuel, and they charge the same as regular unleaded, so that wasnt necessarily a selling point for me. Would recommend purchase of this vehicle.

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  Lousy Interior - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Scott - April 25 - 5:46 am

  The cars unbelievably powerful. And it looks great. But in typical Mustang design, the interior is cheap, plastic and does not hold the promise of durability. Theres an obnoxious seam across the top of the auto shifter. The rear passenger leather seat is missing stitching in three seams. The lever to move the seat back scratches and digs into the side panel. So the car will do 0-60 in less than 5 seconds. Thats great, but the interior design and quality ... horrible.

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  Focus is practical and fun - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Woody1 - April 22 - 9:03 pm

  I drive mostly highway miles, so I wanted something that was responsive and comfortable with good gas mileage. I got it with the Focus. No problem driving to and from work. My Focus is equipped with the safety package (ABS & side airbags), as well as traction control. I also have a six CD stereo, which has a great sound. Its tough to find a car with all that for around $15,000 after the cash-back offers. I recommend this car.

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  neat car, but watch out - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By nathan - April 22 - 4:23 pm

  The ONLY reason you should buy an SHO is for the same reason I did. Because you think its a cool car. That, and the performance are this cars redeeming features. Youre gonna get lousy mileage (18-19 highway maybe). My SHO broke about once a month, usually the brakes. The brakes are absolutely ridiculous, and you probably wont have the trouble I did, but Im changing pads and calipers every other weekend it feels like. Mileage is poor, and all the Ford parts pretty much fall apart, but the Yamaha engine is solid as a rock and youll never have take a wrench to it. Transmission has been replaced and still doesnt work that well (I have the auto). I have 146,000 miles on it.