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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  Its Fords flagship for a reason - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Frank - February 10 - 8:57 am

  Although this its technically my mothers car, I do most of the driving and this car is amazing! I had a 92 Taurus and this car is light years beyond it. The engine is smooth and powerful (you cant hear it running, I have to look at the tach to make sure sometimes). Very good fit and finish as well, interior is comfortable but my only gripe for the whole car is that the drivers side needs more room for your feet side to side. AWD is great, I was driving through snow banks, where my old FWD got hung up every time, with ease. No wheel slippage that I could even detect. Perhaps the best thing is the "command seating". You sit high and can see almost like youre in a pickup, its great!

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  Passed up Lincoln Navigator - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By LW - February 9 - 11:18 pm

  I am happy with my vehicle. It was used and purchased for less than $5K. I wanted a Lincoln Navigator, but settled for the Expedition. I found that I made the best decision! Gas mileage is not that bad. If you buy a 2002 Expedition, just make sure it is mechanically sound. My truck is definitely Ford tough.

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  Excellent Small Wagon - 1998 Ford Escort
  By senior citizen - February 9 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this car new for my late wife. Ive used it as an around-town car since she died. Its been a great small wagon for that purpose. Very dependable, good quality, minimal repairs, great gas mileage, still looks good and drives well. (I keep it garaged and regularly serviced at the Ford dealer.) I expect to keep it until I die or wreck it.

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  Great Vehicle!!! First Ford Ever Owned!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Kiese - February 9 - 9:46 pm

  We recently purchased our Edge and couldnt be happier. We are averaging what i feel to be a good mpg of 20+ mpgs with close to 50/50 mixed driving and a wife who has a lead foot. Family feels extremely safe inside our Edge and has more room than they know what to do with. First Ford vehicle either of us has owned and we just might be owning more in the future. Very Happy Ford, Keep up the great work!

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  Nice ride - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By rebecca taylor - February 9 - 3:20 pm

  I really like this van very comfortable. Rides like new at 200.000 miles.really nice for long distance trips. Love the AWD

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  Warning lights and rust galore - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Benzing Family - February 9 - 2:56 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for 7 years and change the oil every 3,000 miles. We have had no major repairs. It has been very reliable. It has 163,000 miles on it and going strong. However, despite routine underbody flushes with a car wash, it is extremely rusty and it has eaten its way through completely under the driver side sliding door. Never mind the warning lights on the dash, it doesnt mean a thing. We have driven with the engine light, ABS light, and traction control light on for 3 years. When only the check engine light was on, the mechanic said "it shows its running lean". He said it would be reflecting in MPG.

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  1992 Tempo GL/ 3.0L Vulcan & 5-speed mtx - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By AJB - February 9 - 11:50 am

  i bought the car on Craigslist back in November 08, for $210. It has developed a leak in the gas tank [about a gallon a night] depending on how full it is, I have yet to repair it with some cheap quick job like a metal bracket and a load of JB Weld. The closing door electric track seat belts or what ever theyre called, both sound like the gears have rounded out, and dont come down and secure you, they just make a loud grinding noise for like 10 seconds after starting the car, the windows are crank/manual & the drivers side window feels like it has cheap plastic gears, and like the seat belt rounded out gears, the paint is faded baby blue, m.a.s is too small

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  Try it youll like it - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Mark - February 9 - 4:34 am

  Live in the snowbelt of Northern Ohio. Needed a new car, test drove everything in this class with the exception of the Fusion. Decided to buy an Impala but the deal was not to my liking. Went to the local Ford dealer and test drove the AWD SEL and bought it as soon as I returned from the test drive. Mind you I bought it during a snow storm and was very impressed with the AWD system. I drive 70 mi a day and love driving this car. Great seats,audio and climate control. Averaging 26 mpg on highway and 22 in city and I am an aggressive driver.The interior absolutely beats all otheer cars in this class. Love the seat warmers!

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  Great Truck - 1998 Ford F-250
  By Jason Harmon - February 8 - 10:32 pm

  I really loved this truck. The only problem was when I blew a spark plug and the dealership said it needed to be a recall but Ford hasnt done it yet. Great to drive. Very hard to get aftermarket wheels for, you basically have to switch to super duty axles. I raised the torsion bars and put on 315s, it sat up big and everybody thought I had a lift on it. Black exterior, black windows, and big black tires made this truck stand out in a good way. I never had a problem with the 4x4. The motor was needing to be overhauled at around 160,000 miles

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  What a great solid vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Mark - February 8 - 7:54 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Handles and feels very solid. Rides like a Lincoln or a Caddy. I have a family of 4 and there is so much room. As we test drove before purchase I sat in the back seat while the wife drove it...the leg room in the back seats is unbelievable.