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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  Rollover Risk - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By rlayton4 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt recommend this vehicle-- particularly for young, inexperienced drivers--because of the high risk of rollover. My daughter (age 17), while driving on gravel, hit a loose patch of gravel and rolled the vehicle 1-1/2 times. I personally attribute the accident to: 1 - the design of the vehicle; 2 - road condition; and 3 - inexperienced driver behind the wheel

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  A Fast Fun Daily Driver! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By The Extreme - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Almost 7 years & over 142,000 miles later, I have no regrets. This car has never leaked oil - not even one single drop! It still runs strong and idles smoothly. In all those miles, the only major unexpected repair cost Ive had was a $300 mass air meter. In short, take care of a Mustang and it will take care of you. Mine sure has - I was blown away by the Mustangs reliability. Even my wife, Ford-hater she is, will concede on this one. I wanted a GT (still do), but the fun factor is still here, and in a car that has four seats (no matter the rear two are small). Im getting another car this summer... another Mustang!

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  2000 Ford Crown Victoria LX - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Officer_ndogg - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. The V8 engine performs very well, moving this big car to 60 in a pretty decent amount of time, and it gets decent fuel mileage. The ride is very smooth and soaks up bumps with ease. Handling is good for a car this size. The interior is very spacious, though the back seat is not as big as youd imagine. Controls are a bit dated (it comes with a cassette player) and quality can be an issue. Overall, you get a lot for your money in a car that can outperform most more expensive vehicles.

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  Well Deisigned, Poorly Built - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Focus ZTS Owner - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, looks good, and has great interior room for a compact. Gas mileage is OK but not great (about 25 - 26 mpg on mixed hilly curvy roads and in-town driving). The quality of the workmanship leaves much to be desired. There have been numerous recalls. In addition, Ive had a variety of things repaired under the warranty (door panel trim, headlights, gas gauge, squeaks, accelerator cable mounting, brakes, and loose trim).

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  1998 Taurus Wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Moffitt - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Taurus Wagon I bought new. They have all been excellant vehicles and I fully expect my next purchase will be the same.

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  Ford Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By cobra venom - May 28 - 2:00 am

  cleanstyle, easy reach instruments, great visiability, nice comfortable seating, great cargo space,good stero

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  No problem car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Lana - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car almost 5 years ago, with almost 68K miles, and have not had any problems with this vehicle of any sort, just basic maintenance. It takes me where I need to get to, be it a local drive or a longer trip of a few hundred miles. A good car for the money paid and for a single girl with no knowledge of the mechanical/ car-related issues.

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  A Lot Better Than My 2000 Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By wjddec10 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  When I got my 2002 explorer, i loved it a lot better than my 200 Explorer. I love the 3rd row seat, and believe it or not at 61", I can fit confortablly in the back for a good distance. The eager 239HP V8 is WONDERFUL and is a bit upgrade from the 215HP V8 from 2000, but it could use a little more power, about 20-30 more horses. It has great breaks and accelleration is top notch. The standard AM/FM/Cassette/CD sterio is pretty good for a standard sterio. Rear visibility is good and the large windows make it a good view all around. THANK GOD FORD PUT IN A INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION IN BACK!!! Hint hint GM and Chrysler!

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  2001 Ford Ranger review - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Jason Finley - May 27 - 8:10 pm

  Upkeep, upkeep, upkeep...change the oil...replace filters...love them and they will last forever...my last one was built in 1993...Im 41...keep an eye on the back brakes...heads up..

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  Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By bandyt74 - May 27 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I needed a vehicle that offers great amount of space, but still remains practical. After two weeks of looking, we saw the light! The Taurus X limited. This vehicle offers great space, performance, and looks. Gas mileage isnt bad considering the amount of cargo this can carry. We also like the fact that it is not the big bulky SUV that is hard to park or fit into the average parking spot. All in all, the great thing about the Taurus X is the amount of standard features that are included. Wow! Lets just say for the competition, they are just base models for the price we paid. Great bang for the buck. Thanks Ford!