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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  1999 Taurus SE - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By katie - July 4 - 9:19 pm

  The Taurus is a surprisingly good driving car. The ride is very comfortable and the handling is better than I expected. The A/C is excellent. The controls are logical and easy to use. I bought the car with 115m on it and expect over 200m with frequent oil changes and other scheduled maintenance. The car has been outstanding so far.

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  Extremely happy - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By SMA - July 4 - 6:18 pm

  I assumed I would eventually get an SUV but put it off for some time. My last car was an AUDI and I loved that kind of performance. However, I decided to take a test drive for kicks. Granted performance was not the same as my old car but I was sold on the feeling of safety and being able to see traffic better. After researching this vehicle I made the move and Im even happier than I thought I would. It fits more cargo and passengers than I thought it would comfortably. The ride is also surprisingly smooth considering its roots in the F-150. I have also found it reasonable to get in and out of (although I have heard the 4WD model is tougher). Gas is as expected. No complaints so far!

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  2005 XLT 5.4L 3.73 Limited Slip - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dave J - July 4 - 3:19 pm

  Great comfort and handling for a 4 wheel drive truck. Corners very well. Steering is tight and turning radius is good for a truck this size. MPG has been 12.8 - 13.2 city, 17.2 highway. Power outlet and plenty of room in back for my son and his CD player or video games. Running boards are definitely a necessity. Have had zero problems after 1 year of owner ship.

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  04 Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By avenge69 - July 4 - 2:32 pm

  First off, this is our 3rd Taurus. All 3 have had no problems at all. You cannot beat this car for the money, reliability, features, safety, and comfort. This is a well made and safe car. Even after 2, we had tested out a new Camry and Altima. Once in the Taurus again it was just a better fit with a less "tinny" feel overall. Just being hit in this car down the whole drivers side without a scratch makes you appreciate the safety and the way the car held up. People can say what they want but this is a very good looking American car you can trust. We are on our 3rd for a reason. I guess the next car will be a Fusion or a Five Hundred.

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  An economical, but a big SUV! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kane - July 4 - 2:30 pm

  My old car was a Toyota 4Runner, but hated the gas mileage and pain at the gas stations. So I switched to an Escape. At first, I was worried I might lose lots of the space I had in the 4Runner, but a surprise! My Escape has as big an inside space as my old one. I might be wrong, because my old one was a mid- sized SUV, but at least I feel that way and Im sure about that. My big dog can fit in easily behind the 2nd row seat along with some groceries without a problem. The engine is very smooth and peppy. The acceleration is a little slow, I think, but heck, Im not a race car driver, nor do I want to waste gas for quick acceleration.

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  Great ride - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ccpayton - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my new escape. It rides and looks great. I wish the gas milage was alittle better especially with the price of gas. I looked at all small SUVs and felt the escape was the best out there.

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  wow - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bowke28 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  im surprised at how bulletproof this car has been over the last year. my only gripe is that my gas mileage hovers around 23 MPG in all-city driving. but get out on the highway, and it goes to about 34.

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  perfect - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By slotlady - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the room -the handle-the speed color-interior and outside interior-

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  THE BEST - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WINDY - July 4 - 10:00 am

  EXCITEMENT, THRILL, FUN, TOPIC OF CONVERSATION. THATS WHAT THE LIGHTING DOES STANDING STILL.ITS EVEN MORE FUN TO DRIVE!!!

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  I love my Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ally711 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my exporer