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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  BigDs Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By bigd1276 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape. Compared to my Mustang and my wifes Explorer it rides like a cadillac. Its well built and handled well in the snow. Love the power moonroof and 6 disc CD player. Only drawback is gas mileage. Averages 18 mpg and has a small gas tank(16 gallon)

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  my taurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Thomas Portal - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven from CA to FL and back with no problems. Since I purchased this car I can count on one hand how many times it didnt start on the first turn of the key.

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  Super Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Coolies - November 30 - 2:03 am

  I love this car. Fun to drive and not so bad on gas.

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  good hauler - 1993 Ford Escort
  By michiganman - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I used this car to haul 8ft lumber in sdie with hatch close. Also. I installed a hitch to haul small trailers with home improvement items. The car was abused, I guess, but kept going strong. I replaced the exhaust and struts twice, and clutch once but little else. To keep the AC from running constantly, I tinted the 7 windows. Big winter boots tended to rub the brake pedal when using the gas pedal. A small seat cushion helped smooth out the rough Michigan highway roads and is required for long trips. The car was worth every penny I spent on it. Great gas mileage.

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  J. A. "Geno" Stork - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Jean Stork - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I FIND THIS TAURUS TO BE AN EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILE. ITS FUN TO DRIVE, HANDLES REAL NICE AND VERY LITTLE ROAD NOISE. ONE THING I REALLY HATE IS CLEANING THE INSIDE WINDSHIELD. A VERY SMALL MIDGET WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT IMPROVEMENT. ONE PROBLEM I HAD RECENTLY WAS THE IGNITION KEY WAS INSERTED AND WOULD NOT TURN, EITHER WAY. I PUT IT IN AND PULLED IT OUT ABOUT SIX TIMES BEFORE I COULD START THE CAR. NO FURTHER PROBLEM WITH IT...THANK GOD.

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  nice truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By goodmanner3 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  this is a very well built 4cyl engine, holding up to 150,000 miles so far and im gonna drive it til it dies!

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  2nd Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By hkiley - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Got great deal but made mistakes!!!! Ford offer a teaser rate got two k off that. But I thought I was getting a fully loaded SEL and after purchased out found out that the passenger seat was not powered and ford had eliminated the center heating and air conditioning unit for rear passengers. This is my Second Taurus and just use for work. The deal was great the buying experience bad. My mistake I didnt check the options list. Also didnt ask for the full spear tire. The car value disapears as soon as you drive it off the lot.

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  Great Compromise - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By D. L. - November 28 - 8:33 am

  Bought in 2007; with 25,000 miles; XLT Premium. Like new. Saved a bunch. Looked at new Jeep four door, too much metal showing, and Dakota four door, noisier and more truck-like. Well pleased with this compromise design. Good looking, solid, quiet. Fits in my garage. Have added K&N air filter, removed resonator, changed to flow- through muffler. 16 mpg in suburban driving.

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  Basic Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Shawn1985 - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Decent Vehicle, but have problem with vibrating in the wheels/steering wheel.

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  Probe Files 97 - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Francis Eleazar - November 28 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Probe has been very dependable for the past 5 years that Ive been driving it. It is the first car that I ever bought for myself. The car has a unique look to it and still looks fairly attractive considering that the last probe manufactured was 6 years ago. The transmission is not that great and has a hard time going on steep hillside roads. The acceleration is average but the handling is above average. The rear compartment is quite spacious. The car is perfect if there are no little kids in the family for the back seat is really not that spacious. Overall it is a good car.