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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  Great Surprise! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - May 18 - 9:16 am

  To be honest, this car wasnt my first choice. I was set to buy an Altima until the Nissan dealer pulled a bait and switch on me. I found this car by mistake...Thank you Nissan! Ive had my Fusion for a couple of weeks now, and cant believe I didnt find it sooner. The exterior is hip, yet not too hip for my age. Interior is comfortable for my 6 200lb frame, and can comfortably seat 4 adults or an adult and 4 teens! Sound system is above average, and the dash gets lots of notice. The sync system is outstanding and easy to use. Mileage so far is roughly 30mpg in mixed conditions. Car handled very well in recent snow storm. V6 engine is very spunky. Quiet ride.

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  Good...but could be better. - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Chaz123 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money. Great straight-line performance but handling is fairly poor. Car sits too high and handling suffers from lack of independent suspension during hard driving. Surprisingly good reliability owned one for over 3.5- years and hexperienced only one problem (convertible top motor died, but replaced under warranty).

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  Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By brooks - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Excursion while trading in my F-150 to tow my 21 boat and 33 camping trailer and also needed the extra room (have 4 children). I could not be more pleased with the Excursion with its towing capacity and room. My ford has the 6.8 Liter V10 and has tons of torque. The seating arangement is great. I had to pick up some items so I removed the 3rd row seat and had lots of room while still having the 2nd row available. The 3rd row seat could not be more easily removed... a quick pull on the latch and it rolls right out the back on its built in rollers. The 2nd row seats then simply fold down if more room is needed.

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  best car ive owned - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By babymj - May 18 - 2:00 am

  get the 5.4L get 2WD if you dont need 4WD, 2WD ride smoother

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  Great used car purchase - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus Driver - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an affordable used car, and I ended up looking at a Silver taurus SE with all the options. The great thing is that Taurus are so popular that you can find one easily and cheaply. They are dependable. I havent had any major problems. The AC is awesome and so is the driving stability. Cant say the same about the brakes. Even with all new brakes, this heavy car brakes slowly. Its a great travel car for 4 or even 5 people. Its design is so bland that it still fits in with todays models, so you wont feel like your driving an older car! I love my Taurus. It has over 150K on it and looks like it could go for 200K.

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  1995.5 Ford Windstar GL minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By beamingup - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this used and have gotten 110,000 miles from it. Comfortable ride, roomy - adding a fourth door on newer models definitely an improvement. Electrical problems, mostly with interior lights, warning bells, passenger window, have been numerous. I am now in need of a head gasket (last one was installed 2 years ago). Transmission still good. A/C and heating have been powerful, reliable.

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  Good Bur a Rough ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Good but a rough rid - May 16 - 4:56 am

  I first saw the Sport Trac in late 1999 in a commercial and I wanted it. So I sent to the several dealerships and they only had a few- but I found a 4x4 Gold w/ black trim. Of course I paid sticker - it was brand spankin new. I have had it since 2000 - 10years now and i have almost 72K miles on it. I just spent $700 for mew plugs, tune-up, etc. OVerall - its been a very good little truck. Gets me where I wanted to go, never got stuck.

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  My lemon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Olga - May 15 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased my Freestyle in October of 2004. Dealer changed transmission at 3000 miles, changed power window solenoid, and this car caught on fire at about 9000 miles due to manufacturers defect in charging system. Overall during the nine month and 17,000 miles of driving, my Freestyle spent in the shop over a month, and I was happy when I traded it in for Toyota! Other than this, it is roomy, with great visibility, and great idea for the car, but with very poor quality.

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  Bad brakes -available kits dont have all the parts - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By annabanana1140 - May 15 - 3:14 pm

  My Taurus X has only 17000 miles and needs new brakes. This is poor design or workmanship as far as I am concerned! We are searching for a manual but theyre telling me it takes a week to get it so I am without a car for a week while I search for an manual that will tell us what the missing pieces are and how to get it apart & back together again. New brakes was supposed to be a surprise when I got back from a holiday trip for Thanksgiving. Im not happy that they make a functionary part like the brakes so hard or obscure to do a regular maintenance job on- though it seems like very poor mileage for a set of front brakes for a front wheel drive vehicle! Other than that Ive enjoyed it.

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  Lost Love - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Todd C NY - May 15 - 11:16 am

  Ive been a Ford guy for last 30 years. I really liked my truck. Purchased it the last year they had with the steel body. I have always hated the fact that the tires that the truck comes with is only good for 35K miles. Been a real pain and I feel they are pulling one over on you personally. Due to job change, I dont drive mine much, but still keep it around. Ended up having to get $1,000 with or tires at 20K miles due to an alignment problem. I asked Ford about it and they just told me "sorry, maintenance is expensive". My issue isnt the maintenance. My issue is that the "Ford tough" motto is absolutely crap when the mechanic tells me he recommends getting an alignment check every 6 months because even hitting a pothole can throw your alignment off. Really? Ive never in 30 years had that issue. So its "built Ford tough" until you hit a pothole in a Ford truck. There isnt anything "tough" about that, sorry.