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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  07 Ford Edge + - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Randy - Dothan, AL - May 18 - 8:13 am

  We have had our Edge for about a month now and are very pleased with the purchase. A couple of recommendations to Ford though: 1) the rear hatch needs to be power operated, 2) improve the vents on the drivers side, air seems to hit the steering wheel and doesnt cool the drive well. Initial quality has been outstanding. Built solid and has low road noise. Doesnt sit too high for my 52" wife to get in and out of, but is good hight for visibility. Gas mileage is fair, but we knew it wouldnt be great with the powerful 3.5L V-6.

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  2007 Taurus Fleet - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - May 18 - 7:30 am

  My wife and I purchased out 2007 Taurus a few weeks ago and are very happy with the purchase.Its a great looking car for a great price. Ours has almost every option, SEL, moonroof , leather, ABS, trip computer, 6cd changer, home link, climate control, spolier, auto lights, and key pad entry. We looked at a Fusion , a great car , but bought this one with 17,000 miles on it for about 10k less. It drives great, smooth and quiet. I am sad that Ford discontinued the Taurus as they are a nice size car, not too big, or too small. I would highly recommend the 2007 fleet Taurus to any one looking for a quality car at a great price.

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  The best car I own - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort_is_good - May 18 - 2:41 am

  I have a 2006 Grand Caravan SXT and a 2002 Eldorado ETC, but they simply dont compare to the 1997 Escort wagon. Shortly after I bought it the rear suspension began groaning over bumps. I never worried about it, but eventually it turned out to have broken rear springs -- relatively cheap to replace. Absolutely wonderful engine: I have the 2.0L SPI (split port injection) and it makes the correct amount of power. The chassis is still firm, steers straight, no squeaks, though it wont be long until the rust starts at this age. Ill just keep er going indefinitely as a winter-beater, top-notch reliability and ease of maintenance.

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  2003 Taurus SE - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Mick - May 17 - 9:19 pm

  My Taurus SE has easy turning ability, and the 3.OL.2V 6 CYL engine is very powerful even for interstate driving and climbing up steep hills. It starts quickly and has "get up and go" after 30,000 miles, and looks shiny good.

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  Nice Car at a Nice Price - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Wayne - May 17 - 12:37 pm

  I purchased the 2006 SE Fusion in March 2007 and a huge factor was the price. After looking at the imports, I found that the Fusion was closer to my price range of $15,000 for a late model used vehicle. The Toyota and Honda comparable mid-size sedans were $2,000 above my range. I have driven the car 3,000 miles in the last 6 weeks and I find it to be quiet comfortable on long road trips. In a combination of 80% city and 20% open highway, IÂ’m getting an average of 25 MPG. I am well pleased to have a nice car at a nice price.

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  Mustang, Shes a Great Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By PAUL EHRET - May 17 - 10:10 am

  I recently bought a 2005 Mustang and although Im not a Ford man, I must say that this is the best car I have ever owned. My Mustang is the Premium version equipped with the V-6. This engine has 210 horses and she runs like a champ. It makes me laugh when people say it only has a V-6? She has more power then most people can use and she is fast off the line with plenty of get up and go. The exterior looks like something from the past and that is a good thing. Other drivers will slow down to get a good look and I have been given the thumbs up by many a pedestrian. The interior is more spacious then previous years and she looks just as good on the inside as she does on the outside. Buy one!

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  Best Truck on the Road - 2005 Ford F-150
  By a truck guy - May 17 - 9:29 am

  For the money I believe it is the best truck on the road. I dont have a complaint. The interior has all the options including leather, heated seats, and dvd system with headphones and remote. No problems with build or options. Solid as a rock. I have had it a year and a half and the ride is great, tons of room in front and the back for my passengers. I have slept in the back on long trips. The captains chairs are huge and comfortable. 300 hp is plenty and going the speed limit on highway gets me 20 mpg or better. Back up sensor is great option. All vehicles should have it.

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  Diesel Limited - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By JUDOMAN007 - May 17 - 4:36 am

  Bought new and have been driving since. I have 105,000 miles and still have original tires, brakes. Mileage has been an average of 16.8-16.9 though I do mostly highway driving. Only problem I had was the alternator went around 75,000 miles and parts are expensive for this big truck. It is fun to drive and can carry just abuot anything! Great value, too bad they got rid of this truck line!

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  Our "Pony" Is Going To New Pastures!! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Edward Viscardi - May 16 - 11:32 pm

  Great car. Sold it and it went to South Carolina.

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  Highly Recomended - 2007 Ford F-150
  By iustitiamaedicus - May 16 - 3:05 pm

  Purchasing this vehicle has been one of the smartest decisions that I could have possibly made. It drives great has average MPG but makes up for it with engine power and design.