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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  Must have a lemon, interior awful - 2001 Ford F-150
  By thetzel - January 13 - 3:44 pm

  Bought this truck new, was not sure about getting leather interior, but had to, if I wanted the moon roof. Love the moon roof, hate the leather. Drivers seat started to crack the second year. Now its got a tiny split up by the driver headrest.The pass.side window quit working,this happened when I took it in because of pass. speaker going in and out.Back sliding window has started to leak. This truck does not get any abuse, husband and I are the only drivers. So no excuse, except interior products were lemons. Dont think we want another Ford F150 truck. We had a 1989 Ranger XLT, bought new,gave to son w/100,000 miles, had very good luck with it. Its still on the road. Not Happy W/this one

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  Ford Explorer XLS - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Jason - January 12 - 9:43 pm

  I have owned my Explorer for a year now and I actually like it. Its a 1999 XLS. I like the style of the XLS because it gives you the sporty look of the sport version in a four door. Although it is under powered on the highway with its OHV 4.0 V-6, it does well off road and with towing situations. Overall it is a good dependable truck but would fare better with the OHC engine or the v-8.

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  Practical all-rounder - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Kevin - January 12 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased this car after relocating across the country, and having to leave my old ride for the vultures. Needed a car that would fit the bill to haul all manner of awkward cargo and serve car- pool duty for my 80 mile (each way) commute. At 8 months and 18,000 miles in, my Focus has peformed reliably and without complaint. Not the nicest car in the segment, but for just over $14K, I got a 5 door hatchback with all the conveniences expected from a modern car, including the optional ABS and front side airbags, along with cruise control and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The drivers seat has so far proved comfortable for my 61" frame on drives up to 400 miles with no aches or pains.

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  yeehaw - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By luvdenise - January 11 - 11:14 pm

  This car is super reliable, super-quick, and I feel super-safe. However, it doesnt have the best fuel economy and its not getting the "Most Beautiful Car Award" But, its been a trooper and seen 2 children through high school without ever breaking down. That makes this a million dollar car!

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  owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Drake - January 11 - 4:40 pm

  I have had nine Suburbans over the years starting in 1970 and this is a nice change. Pulling power has been great, body tight, comfortable.

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  05 Mustang V6 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Rob - January 11 - 1:48 pm

  Looks great. No goodies like some of the new cars, but its a sports car. Radio is great (500). Only problem is that the engine is cutting out at high speeds. Ford said that its a gas mixture problem. Most likely where Im getting gas. Doesnt seem right to me since I have 2 cars and 1 truck all using the same gas and this is the only car having a problem. In fact my whole family is getting gas there with no problems. Ford tested the gas and did not find a problem with it but thats still what they have came up with. One other problem was that the trunk was setting off the door is ajar light. Ford adjusted it.

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  Just purchased - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Just purchased - January 11 - 6:56 am

  Have had the vehicle for two weeks. I regularly transport 5 passengers, so a 6-seater was a must. Impressed with the leg room in all seats, and my kids love all of the compartments to put their stuff. It has 12 cup holders! The third row is easily accessible with a kid-friendly pop-up middle seat. This was an improvement over other makes we looked at. From a drivers standpoint, I am having trouble getting used to a middle console. I miss the floor space in my minivan. I also do not care for the steering wheel. It doesnt adjust very much. I do love the adjustable gas pedal and brake pedal. This keeps me from having to sit so close to the steering wheel, making the airbag safer.

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  Catch the wind! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By flowernymph - January 11 - 4:08 am

  I have had great luck with my Explorer but that only really bad thing is, it is a WIND CATCHER! I drive in many areas of high wind and it is always a deal to handle. Otherwise, it is great.

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  Moderate Enthusiasm for Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jean - January 10 - 12:10 pm

  I now have 5000 miles on my Escape hybrid. Gas mileage is great (about 33 combined) but vehicle seems plasticy. Seats are very uncomfortable, interior cheap plastic throughout. Lots of rattles. Amenities available are few. Air conditioning system needs improved engineering. It handles well though and is agile. Fairly smooth ride for a small SUV. For the cost it should be a nicer, smoother vehicle that seems stable and well built - so I have some disappointment.

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  I Guess Im Lucky - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By JP - January 10 - 12:33 am

  I feel lucky after reading all the negative reviews. With 140K miles, we are rolling along pretty problem free. I anticipated worse even when I bought it. We have pulled trailers well over 10,000 miles of its life and the transmission is still intact. I liked most everything about the van and just hoped it would be reliable. It has been. Poor sounding sound system. Some minor electrical issues. The trailer wiring system was a pain.