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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  2008 TaurusX - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By JRNFL - March 22 - 1:46 pm

  Before I got serious about my car shopping, Id never heard of the TaurusX and I swore I would never own a Ford. The TX changed my mind and I got a great deal in 2009 on a left over 2008. Too bad for Ford that they didnt bother to advertise and tout this vehicle as it is a great vehicle. I really love the power and although I really tried, I couldnt find any major faults with the car. Its been over a year and about 17,000 miles and only routine maintenance. It was a good buy and one I would repeat if it were needed. I recommend it to others.

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  Mustang v6 Coupe Review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Polly Lambermont - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This car looks great! It is sporty and has great pickup for a 6 cylinder. Although I wish I could have afforded the GT convertible, the looks of the 6 cylinder have not disappointed me in the least.

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  97 Ford Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Sonny - March 21 - 4:28 am

  150,000 miles plus! Engine going great, body stays in superb shape. Fun to drive and still looks great. Folks confuse it with a newer truck all the time. Great light duty truck.

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  Miss my 08 Focus!!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By justford14 - March 21 - 1:01 am

  I have 2012 SE Hatch with 6sp auto with sports package. I traded in my 5spd manual 2008 Focus sedan with 115k milage for this. I have to tell you the style, performance and steering of the new focus is so much better, but from there honestly its all less quality, less mpg and disapppointment. I was getting 36-42 MPG in my 08, I cant beat 34 doing same drive. I have several very loud interior rattles that are pending dealer part orders and the transmission never knows what gear to be in. Worst at times u hit the gas from a stop and you just sit there for seconds before transmission engages. Oh and bluetooth audio quality not as good as 08 focus.

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  A good little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Holms - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my escape for a little over a year (1 yr 4 months) and it still alot of fun to drive. It has alot of pep and is a smooth ride. There is alot of wind noise, but not unbearable. There is plenty of room in the back for passengers. Some downsides are: 1.) it seems to really wear on tires. 2.) My sunroof switch seems to have a short in it, 3.) the cargo cover broke within the 1st 6 months.

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  Very Good Hauler - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By cgking - March 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my wifes van, and she wont give it up! Primarily because of its versatility, hauling grandkids, groceries, garden stuff, etc. One of our boys uses it to take his mountain bike to all sorts of places. Our dealer is very responsive and timely with service work. We also have a Lexus which has the best service weve ever experienced and while I wouldnt put our Ford Dealer quite on par, they are not far behind. The van has just over 27000 miles and we have had no problems at all since one minor fit & finish complaint at delivery which was corrected with no hassle.

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  So Far So Good - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Vince Howe - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Windstar in preparation for the birth of our second child. So far she has been a solid performer and never let us down. Not thrilled with the wind noise and gas mileage but does have some punch when you hit the gas. I had once vowed never to buy a mini- van/bus but find the utility of the Windstart to be top-notch. Next minivan will be the Honda Odyssey unless Ford steps up to the plate with third row fold-flat seat, better gas mileage, reduced windnoise and less mushy handling.

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  Its not too bad - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Bulldog - March 20 - 10:00 am

  If it wasnt for the tranny going out at 42000 miles (extended warranty) and the brakes forever shaking this would be an excellent car.

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  Not a Prius Killer! 31MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By rkramer40 - March 20 - 2:27 am

  Open letter to Ford: I thought my 2013 C-MAX would be a Prius Killer? NOT! As a returning Ford buyer I feel deceived. I want to support US companies and US jobs. What was Ford thinking when they published 47/ 47/47 estimates? Based on the advertised EPA estimates, I would have been ok with low 40s but 28-33 mpg is not even in the ballpark. This is not an issue about EPA testing standards, but rather an issue about setting false customer expectations in order to promote sales. Fords "47MPG" marketing campaign tarnished what should have been the roll out of a truly remarkable vehicle, the CMAX. Real world MPG estimates should have been promoted in the mid-30s.

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  Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By aperry - March 19 - 5:04 pm

  This van, while very safe feeling, handles more like a small truck.