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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  Not THAT bad - 2014 Ford Focus
  By John E. Carlos - September 22 - 6:38 am

  I drive [non-permissible content removed] of my 2014 Focus se sedan, for a while I was doing 600 miles a week commuting, and it is very comfortable and handles well, (stock) The transmission is a bit of a joke but for the most part you get around it, now I havent had some of the problems other people are having, just the basic shuddering and then some random shifts while driving but nothing horrible. . . yet. It gets great gas mileage and is fun to drive, nimble in traffic and easy to see your surroundings. Waiting for the newest upgrade on the transmission but not real worried yet. 60,000 miles and still happy about my purchase.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Dosh70 - September 21 - 8:14 pm

  We also own a 1999 Windstar. We decided this time we would probably move to the Honda or Toyota minivans to get some of the conveniences and creature comforts they offered. Upon shopping around, we found that, for the final money paid, it was a "no-brainer" and were in a 2005 Freestar. When we considered cost, safety ratings, comfort and looks, the Ford was the best value by far.

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  "Worth the money" - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Madison,WI. - September 21 - 7:25 am

  I bought my 2003 Ford Taurus SE with 28,000 miles. It now has 33,250 miles and I have already had to replace the steering rack and front rotors. Luckily Ford paid for it. Since I only paid $10,000.00 for it I think it is worth the money. It has a solid ride feel. It also has good pick up and passing abilities for the standard 155 horse V6. I really like the 6 disc cd changer audio system. For a car with rental car status I think this was a solid buy choice. Remember that rental car companies wouldnt buy cars that they would have to fix or repair often. I would recommend buying this car since it will be going out of production in 2006.

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  F150 XLT 4x4 S/C LB - 1995 Ford F-150
  By sr - September 21 - 3:27 am

  Im the 3rd owner w/ 130,000 miles on a 5.0 V8 and still going strong. Very dependable. Always starts, even in sub-zero Alaskan weather.

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  keeps on chugging - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By dumbo - September 21 - 1:08 am

  198m000 miles with no major repairs what more do I need to say. I want a new car but how can you give up on the "humbler" (thats what we call it because its a humbling experience to drive the "humbler").

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  the best - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Shadow King - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Its the best if your looking for old fasion performance and style .

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  Not-the-Ford I Expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By AcuraMDXinFuture - September 20 - 2:00 am

  PROS: Nice overall design with lots of room for trips. Looks nice in driveway. Is great for off-roading! NEGS: Message Center on dash is invisible when sun is shining from left and/or you are wearing sun glasses!!! Horn is hard to sound when most needed!!! Hit the wrong area on the wheel and you hear nothing! Transmission is clunky and, in my case, needed to be rebuilt at 55,000 miles!!! I could go on but Im sure you sense my disappointment with my Explorer. In brief, an Extended Warranty Policy is essential to cover electronic & transmission failures!

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  Could be better - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Outlook - September 19 - 12:23 am

  This is my third Expedition and with this one I would have to say that Ford is trying to cut some corners on their bottom line. The interior feels like they put in more "hard plastic" materials. I have had a lot of cosmetic issues with the exterior. The climate control seats used to be built into the seats now it is a blower that goes under the seats that you can hear when on. The entertainment screen could be in the back of the seats because it blocks your view while driving. Too much cheap plastic inside this model.

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  Pretty happy so far - 2002 Ford Escape
  By F. Mario - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car 7 months. It looks great and people always check it out. Escape is fun to drive and peppy. Lots of room for passengers. The 4WD is great in the snow, useful for Buffalo. Have not found gas mileage to be as advertised though.

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  emmision problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WORRIED - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I drove for six months with the "new engine smell", I thought, to find out the catalytic converter was bad. Had to wait a week to get a new one. Back to dealership for that only to have service engine soon light come on. Now it has a bad oxygen sensor. Wait again for that to be replaced. Picked it up and now the idle is bad and it is back in the service dept. I dont know if this is a sign of a "lemon" or a bad service department. But my original excitement is starting to wane.