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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  Base made me get a GT - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Ebone - August 7 - 1:35 pm

  I bought a 98 Mustang v6 in Feb 09. I knew NOTHING about the specifics of Mustangs, I just wanted one. First night out, I went at it with a Aurora. He ate me alive. I thought I had a fast car!?! Then, it was brought to my attention, that I shouldve gotten a 5.0. I knew that, but I didnt think it made a difference. I have upgraded (its a 97) to a GT and its a world of difference. Handling, Sound, Speed, and Confidence is on another level. I LOVE my GT. I LOVE it. I bought it with 82k on the dash and in ONE month I have put on 3k. This is the car to have, especially in a big city like Chicago.

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  A Great Little Sports Card - 1995 Ford Probe
  By probedriver1995 - August 7 - 1:20 pm

  Ive only owned my Probe for about a month now, but Ive really enjoyed driving it. Combined with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Probe can get moving pretty quickly. It looks great, even for a 14 year old year. Seats are very comfortable, and the whole interior is well layed out. It gets pretty good gas mileage considering its a 6 cylinder. The trunk space is pretty generous as well, with a 60/40 split rear-seat. All-in-all, the Probe GT is a great little sports coupe!

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  Great buy-Good Ideas - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Big Ed - August 7 - 1:00 pm

  I like to haul several passengers but was tired of pouring $50 bills into the gas tank of my Eddie Bauer Expedition. Checked this and most other crossovers out. Decided to try the Freestyle and have no regrets. It is comfortable, sporty, and has easy access to back seats. It is truly fun to drive. There is little or no road noise. Gas mileage is short of the 27 estimated on the sticker but big improvement from the Expedition. The seating flexibility is unbelievably simple to use. Plenty of room for bulky items. I would highly recommend it!

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  Still enjoying this 2000 Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Gumby - August 7 - 8:18 am

  We bought this 2000 Expedition new and now have 177K miles on it. All repairs have been wear related - alternator, upper & lower control arms (because ball joints are sealed and not replaceable separately), and the anti-lock control unit. I dont consider any of that major repair. (I had the original anti-lock control unit rebuilt, which was an inexpensive repair.) Of course weve done brakes, shocks, and plugs. This SUV rides and drives great and I will definitely miss it when I finally have to part with it. Only complaint is that it is under-braked, but I knew that when I bought it. You can run out of brake when towing in hot/high conditions - so beware when going downhill.

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  I would buy again - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Diane - August 7 - 6:46 am

  I purchased my 2000 Taurus SEL brand new and I still own it but am thinking of retiring it to a teen next year. I love the duratec engine and have had only minor repairs as I have always taken care of it. My air conditioner just now went, but that is expected with the age. I have enjoyed my Taurus very much over the 9 years.

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  thought I would never like ford - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Ctpeaches - August 6 - 10:33 pm

  I bought the car with 106000 miles. It now has 196500. I bought it form an elderly lady that had bought it brand new. Seems all I have been doing is puting new or used parts in it this summer. The suspension in these cars stink. It is too stiff. The roof liner is falling down. had to replace the radiator, hoses and goose neck which still leaks under pressure. All new brake part in the rear. (Disc) used hood and rear passenger door. Easier then replacing the window motor. replaced all other window switches. The rod in the stearing colum broke so I do not need a key to start it. New battery. But the realy scary thing is is she keeps going. Ford did ok with this car. I would buy another one.

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  Horrible, Horrible, Horrible... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Lindsay - August 6 - 8:54 pm

  Save yourself money and do not buy this. I have spent $9K in trying to keep my truck running. This is my second explorer. The first I shelled out $4K on a new engine. This one, I spent $9K rewiring it, replacing the transmission, etc. I am devastated but will never, ever buy a ford again.

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  Okay, but not the best small car choice - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jeff B - August 6 - 6:18 pm

  After a week driving a new Focus all over Washington State, I found the gas mileage to be very good (about 31 mpg overall), but the seats very uncomfortable, the handling poor, and the ride bouncy. It is amazing that in 2009 a company the size of Ford can still design such bad (ergonomically poor) seats. No lower back support. No lateral support. The suspension is soft, but when you hit a big bump it quickly bottoms out, and shakes the whole car. Anybody who MUST have an American car may be happy with it, but if you also drive a Mazda3, HOnda Civic, Sentra, etc. youd never buy this car. Very disappointing.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Joe60152 - August 6 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this truck right after high school and it has been very reliable. The only problems ive had are the ball joints which ive done twice along with the right radius arm bushing that like to get hard,fall apart and make a really annoying squeaking noise due to it being so close to the catalytic converter. I suggest if replacing Napa makes a high heat style bushing i put 2 regular bushings in 50000 miles before finally replacing it the last time with the high heat and have not had a problem in 80000 miles since. I have had no major problems with this truck it now has 245000 and it still runs good on or off road

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  Key stuck in ignition - 2005 Ford Focus
  By rebel5386 - August 6 - 11:43 am

  This is an awesome car. I love it. I have 63000 on it, bought it with 35000. I just now had to replace the breaks and a tail light. However, my key wont come out. Its the ignition tumbler, and ford wants 300 at least to fix it. I dont suppose someone knows a way around this? I love this car, its so much fun, I paid too much at the time, but it has been so worth it. I just hate that I cant get my key out. The car starts fine, and turns off fine, its just that the key wont come out. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!