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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  My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By AL - December 24 - 1:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Storage capacity is unbelievable. Motor power could use some improvement as well as gas mileage. I am very impressed. Had one small problem with transmission that was quickly fixed.

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  Road Warrior - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Bill Wilkerson - December 23 - 9:55 pm

  This is powerful, reliable, everyday driver, 351 V-8. Plenty of room and comfort, go anywhere. Commands respect on the highway or off road.

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  Great Dependable Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By shooter - December 22 - 6:05 pm

  I bought the Taurus in 2001 with 14,000 miles. It is now December 2008 and I still have the car with 112000 and counting. I love the car it gets 26 mpg highway and about 19 in town. One time I had a slight shimmy while shifting so I changed the tranny fluid, fixed it. Replaced the egr valve, turned rotors, changed plugs at 100,000, change oil every 5000 miles (use motorcraft) and it keeps on going. The only problem is that the washer fluid hose is busted, the sway bar support rattles and brakes vibrate. Just had our third child and will likely have to sell it. Sure will miss this one. Cant believe Ive had this good luck with a Ford, I used to be a Chevy man. Go buy one they are great.

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  This is a real Ford truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MrQuib - December 22 - 5:03 pm

  Solid reliability. All the known bugs with the vehicle have been eradicated (tranny 2-3 flare, PCV vacuum hose...etc) I have a programmer for mine that reprogrammed the tranny. A little searching on the net will help you fix any problem, for ANY vehicle. There are a few whiners on here who have taken one problem and turned it into a complaint forum. One or two problems do not make a bad vehicle! If you have vibrations, try checking your wheel balance! A leaking tranny is NOT a common problem, I suggest you take care of your vehicle a little better. Ive had this truck for a number of years and I haul a 25 camper with it. Never had any major issues with it. Engine runs smoothly @ 100K

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  Nice Car Great Quality - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By iam4ralph - December 22 - 2:15 pm

  This is a great car. We have found no quality concerns and my wife loves to drive this car. We are glad Ford decided to come back with the Taurus.

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  Four years and counting - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By tw - December 22 - 1:37 pm

  Great car value. This SUV holds so much. It handles better in the snow than my Range Rover which cost more than twice as much. This has been my best car purchase. Mileage is bad, but what real SUV has good mileage? This truck looks good on the road or parked next to anything. Also, the design still looks good today more than five years after the 2004 XLT first rolled off the production line.

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  2nd F-150 4x4 and very pleased - 2008 Ford F-150
  By texas35 - December 22 - 10:10 am

  I have a 1998 F-150 4x4 off-road XLT that has over 200,000 miles on it. Considering the only non-preventive maint. Ive ever done was an alternator change, I bought a new 08 FX4. It has every option except for sunroof (much fancier than my older one). I am very impressed with this new truck. I hear some complaints on power, but I feel like the truck has great power and excellent throttle response. The interior is very nice and extremely comfy. My favorite thing is that it is super quiet, even with the 20" wheels, I am amazed at the lack of road noise. These are the only two F-150s Ive ever had, but based on my old one and how its performed over 11 yrs and this new one, Ill continue to buy

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  Ford Gets It Right with the Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Tom_the_reviewer - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Focus SE used about a month ago and and I love it. Handling and braking are superb. Acceleration is very good with the 4 spd automatic. Suprisingly comfortable and quiet on the inside for a 4 cylinder. I bought this car for my son and I keep trying to take it from him!

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  Best car Ive owned yet - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hatched - December 21 - 8:20 pm

  After owning a Nissan Sentra (a lemon) this car is a joy to own and drive. Responsive, reliable, and all around, a great car. Tons of storage, lots of get-up-and-go, and a good price all led me to buy the ZX3. I never though I would own a domestic nameplate (Id always owned Mitsubishi, Honda, or Nissan) but his Ford has changed my way I think about Ford Motor Company.

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  Worth every penny - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Good to Go - December 21 - 8:17 pm

  Bought with 7k miles, it now has almost 130k and without any mechanical issues along the way. Car was a great buy for the money and has been very reliable to date. Fuel economy has been pretty good as well. Overall a well built vehicle that was thousands less than the competition.