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:

• 

  Better then a wagon - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By soccer mom - October 13 - 7:26 pm

  A very smooth ride. The pick up and go with the CVT like no other. Im glad I took this car out for a test drive, I was looking at SUVs; much more room inside. My son loves to sit all the way in the back and watch movies.

• 

  I Love my Ford! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sandra - October 13 - 4:53 pm

  I bought my 2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer early this year. I had one problem with it and that was that the solenoid needed replacement which was covered by my warranty. I also had a problem with the rear windows where the electric motor broke and needed replaced. Other than that, I am very happy with my Ford. I would definitely buy another one in the future. My husband also has a Ford (F150) and it runs great. Very minimal complaints!

• 

  08 Taurus X review - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By flufflebug - October 13 - 2:10 am

  We purchased this vehicle after our 2005 Ford Freestyle lease was up. The Taurus X is the Freestyle with a lot of improvements. After 4 months of driving it, I am very pleased with our purchase. I thought I would miss the smoothness of the Freestyles CVT but I dont miss it at all. The Taurus Xs transmission is very smooth, the ride is very quiet and the engine is very peppy.

• 

  FX4 CREWCAB - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ROBK - October 13 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST FUN TO DRIVE

• 

  Cobras Rock - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By codeninja - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Awesome ride. Sure wish the tires would last longer though!

• 

  20 inches on my midnight package - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Chris Atterberry - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought the midnight packege esape. Which is the black on black w/leather. FORD has crazy rates and rebates so affording this bad boy was easy. 0% for 60 months. Anyways I love the room size and fuel economy!! When i have 100k on it with the great market on the ecsape im looking to sell it for 8k! So look me u!

• 

  Escape Review - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jxk123 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Best Car I ever leased. I could not be happier. I read other peoples reviews and test drove the escape. It rides even better then I thought it would.

• 

  Better than a Honda or a Toyota! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Andy - October 12 - 7:43 pm

  Okay, if you are looking for a great affordable car this is the one. My wife and I traded in her Element (after numerous problems) for the Taurus and I cannot pry her hands away from the keys. We go everywhere with the Taurus and have never had one issue with it. Right now we have 59K on it and it runs like it rolled off the showroom floor. To compare my in-laws have a 2000 Honda Accord with the same mileage that has had to have the water pump replaced twice and was leaking oil at the seals. And who would want a Camry with the sludge and seizing engine problems that were an issue for 1996-2002?!?! If you are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle look no further!

• 

  One super wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By John Schroeder - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this certified program car 10 months after manufacture with 8,750 miles for $7,300 less than the Ford dealer paid for it. After 4,600 miles & 3 trips it has run perfectly with not even one little defect & no rattles. It averages about 20 mpg overall even with the super AC & a lot of idling. Very practical for me with all that cargo space, roof rack & 5 cup holders! I see nothing on the road I would trade it for, even though the basic design dates back to the 1996 model year. They sure got it perfected for 2004, & its a shame its being discontinued. May be a classic like the 1971 Torino wagon I bought in 1981 & sold for 33% more to buy this one. However,the Torino had a larger 4x8 cargo space.

• 

  First Car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By John - October 11 - 1:24 pm

  Man, when my grandfather bought me this car I really didnt like Thunderbirds, but when I got behind the wheel and saw all the stuff it had on it, I thought it was great. The combination of luxury and performance is great. Its so smooth i almost fall asleep when I drive it, but it could haul the mail if it needs to. Pretty great for a first car!