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:

• 

  Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Bmxerbrett - November 11 - 10:00 am

  With the 24 valve performance is still not a word used but the 200 hp will push you up to 60 in about 8 seconds. Not bad but not good. Cornering is ok in this car but does have a problem with body roll. Again this car was designed for the less wealthy older folks.

• 

  6 banger lover - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Gail Dolan - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent town car. Good looks.

• 

  106,000 and goin strong! - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Skippys Driver - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has been extremely reliable for my 250 mile weekly commute. Yes, its the most gutless car Ive ever owned but having the manual transmision helps. Fun to drive (for its class), holds the road suprising well driving through water on the highway. Have been rear ended twice with marginal damage. I get 31-38 mpg. Wish there were more comparable models available as Im getting up in mileage.

• 

  Car looks great, rides O:K but - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Del - November 10 - 10:00 pm

  18,000 mile & needed a new transmission, and I got a re-Mfg. one put in, thats with the dealer does when they go. Also multiple recalls, including, tires, air bags and also seat belts. Then they changed electrical harness & and in the beginning the oil sending switch. Car has made me plenty unhappy. Yeah they might be better than the Blazer I once rented but that really dont say much if you know what I mean.

• 

  Black Tauras - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By sheri&chuck - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had little to no problem with the Ford Tauras. I drive 70 miles to work a day, and have a wonderful relaxing ride. I love this car.

• 

  Love it! - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Pirate - November 9 - 7:30 am

  I now have over 15,000 miles on our Ford Escape Hybrid (4WD). The average gas mileage is 29.3 MPG which is within the EPA estimate for this SUV. My wife and I love the SUV. I did all the research at the time comparing the Escape with all the other SUV on the market in its class and am more than happy that we purchased the Escape Hybrid. The SUV has been great so far the only exception is I wish the door gaskets would be heavy duty as they can be damaged fairly easily just through normal usage. Both front doors show wear on their door gaskets. The drivers side was replaced several months ago. Other than that its a great SUV. Actually its fun to drive. Great SUV. Thanks Ford. Just love it!

• 

  Taurus Wagon - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Roberta Emery - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Stable unexciting working car used by conservative lady driver for shopping and occasional trip. Low maintenance so far , good care by driver.

• 

  V6 Stang - not bad at all - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By 90 SALEEN - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I own a modified Saleen Mustang as well as this stang, so the V6 is a turtle compared to the Saleen. But as a daily driver it is a fun, reasonably quick, good looking commuter that also gets pretty good mileage (averaging 25-26mpg). I have had no mechanical problems with the car in over 3 years of ownership. The one exception being a defective seat belt roller, which was replaced under warranty. All in all it is a good vehicle, probably will be traded for a 2005 stang next year.

• 

  Fun and Affordable - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By VJ - November 7 - 5:36 am

  Had a Ford 18 years ago in high school. Since then not very excited about the line up. My buddy who works for Ford said "just get in to one" I test drove the Fusion Sport and was so impressed I purchased it. The only negative was the Eagle RSA tires. You give the fusion some gas and the tires squack instead of grab. I immediately replaced them with my favorite tire Michelin Pilots. Climate control buttons could be angled better. Fun car pretty good gas mileage (27 HWY, 18 city so far). Definitely a car to consider.

• 

  love my explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By hunypooh777 - November 7 - 2:00 am

  i got it with 96,000 on it and it looked and drove like new. now has 108,000 have only changed o2 sensor, oil and trans fluid. oh yea the front end squeaked like crazy when i got it and the dealer replaced front shocks and grease fittings. havent had any real problems...has been pretty reliable. was comfy when we went from nj to fl and back.