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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  good car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mpstick - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for the intention of my commuter car but i find myself driving it more often than my other vehicle because its roomy,fun to drive and comfortable.Stereo sounds really well,features are easy to use.trunk is large enough and it just looks good!

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  Great Car (so far) - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gallum - January 2 - 10:00 am

  The interior design of this car was very well thought out. Everything is within easy reach and logically placed. The seating position is a little odd initially (raised app. 3-4 inches higher than other sedans) but is very comfortable on any length trip. The rear seat legroom is outstanding and the width and shape allows 3 adults abreast fairly comfortably. The exterior design is fresh and clean, but not awe- inspiring. Engine power is adequate and the 6-speed automatic is quite smooth. Handling is crisp and precise, but the lateral support of the front seats is lacking. Gas mileage has been averaging 25-32, depending on conditions. Overall, a solid choice for many baby-boomers.

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  Reliable, amazing in snow - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Altimac - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck right before the new model designs came out. Bad move - the resale value dropped through the floor. Other than that, this truck has been extremely reliable, especially useful in the Minnesota winters. Very fun to drive in snow, and the V8 really gets her on the highway quick. Only troubles in last 3 years were the spark plug wires had to be replaced, front washer squirters got weak, and the rear wiper stopped working temporarily.

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  somewhat decent value - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By guy922 - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 1992 Taurus GL in may 2003, and I havent really had any problems with it mechanically,which is a suprise, because it is nearing 150k but for those of us with bench seating in the front, I strongly reccommend a floor tray for beverages, because the drinks can overflow into your radio if you arent careful. And while I love the strong visual styling, it has a poor fit and finish, and while general cowl is low, the plastic rattles constantly, but i only paid $1000, so if it fails i wont feel like its a great loss.

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  Green Machine - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By ME710350 - January 2 - 2:00 am

  This car should have been more Mech friendly, and maybe my mech. will like to work on it.

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  Love my Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By EWS - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its been fun, reliable, and cheap. Every once and a while I go looking at new (much more expensive) cars and I end up asking myself, "why?". Only problem Ive had is a vibrating clutch pedal thats been there since it was new. Every time I take it in, the mechanic either wants to replace the whole clutch (which they did once, under warranty), or he says, "they all do that". Its annoying, but I live with it. Put a set of Blizzaks on the thing and its even great in the snow!

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  Second Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By phylypso - January 1 - 2:00 am

  The Edge is a very precise handling truck, due in large measure to its suspension I suppose. Dont move the steering wheel unless you want the truck to change direction. In trade for that precision handling, you sacrifice ride comfort. It is a rough ride, and the seat quality leaves a lot to be desired, but then again, this is a sport truck. At 20000 the idler pulley went, and the windshield is typical Ranger in that anything harder than treesap will chip, crack or break the glass. The fog lights are not simply a coolness thing. They work well. Easy in and out, except the jumpseats, and easy to clean interior.

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  Kingranch - 2002 Ford F-150
  By JackTripper - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall Great truck. Ride and power are excellent. Have had a few computer problems so the jury is still out on how well it is built. Overall I love the vehicle and I am going to purchase an extended warranty because I want to keep this one for a long time.

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  Pocket Friendly Road Car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By pastajay - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had a good experience with this vehicle. Besides routine maintenance, the only problems I have had with this car was the replacement of the fuel pump and a recall for the dashboard cover (warping in high heat). The fuel pump was under warranty and the dashboard replaced for free. I do have a peculiar problem with my car only when it is below freezing and the engine is cold- the airbox makes a funny resonant vibrating noise. My car has currently has 62000 miles on it and will probably give me that much more I guess...

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  Gas mileage - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Chris - December 30 - 11:13 pm

  I have put 6000 miles on my 06 XLT V-8 4WD. I will start with the statement "It is the quietest vehicle I have ever driven." Inside the cab, it is virtually silent. I cant even hear the rumble of the V-8, or the hum of the highway. Sometimes you have to check the tach to see if its running at a stoplight. The interior is great, except the shifter on the console versus the column, and the wiper/headlight all-in-one stalk. The only performance complaint I have is gas mileage. I am getting 9-11 mpg in city and 12-13 mpg on the freeway. I think there may be something wrong, but the engine sounds great. Overall I highly recommend, if only the gas mileage was better.