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:

• 

  I love my new Focus! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Delta - February 14 - 4:50 am

  I could not be happier with my new Focus! Its comfortable, safe, fun to drive, and has pretty good mileage for a non-hybrid. I got the Vermilion Red, and it really stands out. With the incentives offered by Ford, you just cant go wrong with everything you get for the price. The incentives allowed me to upgrade to the SES model. The Sync system is great for the inevitable day when we have a hands-free cell phone law.

• 

  Wow, What a Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Decalman - February 14 - 3:56 am

  2007 Harley-Davidson with Steve Saleen dual screw, intercooled SuperCharger. This is my fourth F-Series truck, 1975 F-100, 01 F-150 Lariat Supercab, 05 F- 150 King Ranch 4x4 SuperCrew. What else can I say. 07 HD is a Beautiful truck, more power than you can imagine. The Harley-Davidson has the same engine as my 05, but gobs more of power with the SuperCharger option. Ford did it right. This is a great addition to the F-150 line.

• 

  Great truck, very solid - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By ryan r - February 13 - 5:49 pm

  I am a route salesman and I drive at least 28,000 miles a year.. I bought my Explorer in 2006 with 28k on it and just rolled over to 89k. The only problem I had was the back window stopped working but was fixed under warranty. I have driven through the Rockies in the snow, North Dakota, through mud, -30 temperatures and this Explorer has always got me home. Nealy 90k and perfect. My last Explorer in 98 gave me 260k. Just keep it serviced.

• 

  2005 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By YK23 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car used. I have only driven it for 5 minutes and was ready to buy the car. Has plenty of room and comfort + the launch is amazing for such a big car. Recently did a road trip (1200 km) and averaged about 10 L/ 100 km (about 30 mpg). My car has a lot of mileage (232 000 km) and still runs very strong. I recommend this car to anyone. Im 22 and I love the way it handles on the highway + people never get on your way at nights :)

• 

  A Mid-Size Classic - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By asylum111 - February 12 - 3:22 pm

  Ive had this car since Fall 95 when it had 12,500 miles on it. Shed been a program car and was still basically new. It now has 203,000 miles on it, and I wouldnt take anything for it. For an older V-6, the performance is excellent, both from a stop, and on the top end. Handling is not outstanding, but decent enough that Ive had a lot of fun with it. Comfort is first- class, and Id put it up against most any more expensive luxury car made in the mid-90s. Fuel economy is still good, and I get about 25 mpg in mixed driving. I have gotten low 32 or so on long trips, and all-city mpg is nothing to sneeze at at 19. Shes had many minor problems, but nothing major.

• 

  Built Ford Tough - 2008 Ford F-150
  By FordNut1016 - February 12 - 8:31 am

  Due to the excellent lease programs, I decided on the F-150 due to the value of the programs. I came out of a 2003 Taurus that I drove 100K+ miles without an ounce of trouble. Although it took a day or two to get used to the size, this truck has exceeded my expectations in every conceivable way. Its comofortable, its smooth and handles beautifilly. The gas mileage of course could be better, but the trade off is excellent road manners, room for 5 and extreme comfort. The 4 X 4 is amazing in snow. Not a squeak, rattle or flaw. I love it.

• 

  Wonderful Family Vehicle - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By bluex - February 12 - 4:10 am

  With the family expanding, we needed to add some space. After driving mini-vans and other large SUVs/CUVs, the Taurus X was a great alternative. It feels like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is. Visibility is great as you sit higher than a sedan or wagon, but the center of balance is still low enough so stability and handling are good. The Taurus X is quiet which is great for babies naps and coversations. Sync and the built in DVD are awesome.

• 

  New Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By lelunicalei - February 12 - 1:03 am

  I just traded my 2002 Focus SE for the new 2005 Focus SE zx3 and I love the Focus no matter what you call it.

• 

  WOW!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By twallerste - February 11 - 11:46 am

  This is probally the funnest vehicle I have ever owned, No matter who drives it in my family, even the biggest skeptic, they get back out of the vehicle with an ear to ear smile!! Although I never thought I would say this about any car, it was worth every penny! The only performance problem I have is that everyone on the road either slows down to look at you in the rear view mirror or they stay right beside you to look and you cant change lanes.

• 

  Fantastic Reliability - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By erhandyman - February 11 - 10:30 am

  I purchased the vehicle new in September 2001 (right after 9/11 and got it for zero interest) and have nothing but praises for this vehicle. It now has over 250,000 miles and I have only done the typical oil changes (every 7,500 miles-95% hwy), air filters, tires & brakes. Tuneups at 100K & 200K. Serp belt & CV boots at 210K (just in case), and lastly coil springs (because my son drove it too fast over some rough train tracks and broke 2 of them). I routinely get 25 - 28 MPG even with all the miles. I would own another if they all were like mine in a heart beat!