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 price, reliable, not flashy - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By jmick - October 27 - 1:00 am

  If youre buying one of these things in an attempt to be unique, try again. If you want to get where youre going in a hurry or even if you want to beat an old woman in a Buick off the start, think again. BUT, if you just want a nice big car thats cheap and easy to drive, here ya go. After I totalled my MX-6 I wanted a BIG car. I bought the taurus w/ 50k miles on it, now its got 80k. Ive had to replace a radiator (standard on a ford). Other than that, its great. Ive learned to love my Taurus and to give a nod to all the retirees that Im with in the slow lane.

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  The PERFECT first car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Julz - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful first car! It was actually purchased in 03, and Ive just now had my first glitches. Which were still covered under the warranty and promtly fixed!

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  Trouble - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Johnelle - October 25 - 2:00 am

  More trouble than any car I have had. It would lose power sporadically and company made many repairs and never got it right. I think it was a generic problem with this model but they never admitted it. Poor service from the dealer. I could only drive it near our city because of fear it would conk out. Will never buy another Ford product! Despite the engine troubles, it was a very comfortable and fun car to drive when it was working.

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  Excellent Car for the Money - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By sboulet - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Aside for some finicky shifting and having to replace the rear rotors, I have found the Taurus an execellent car which has provided me with 50k+ miles of near carefree driving.

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  Gails Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Sam Louis - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This automobile has been very reliable in that it has not left us down on the road. There have however, been two major problems with the front brakes. One in which the right front disc cracked requiring all new brake replacement. In another instance the front brakes have lasted perhaps one year before replacement was required. Because of the fixed rear suspension system the ride it not comfortabe on rough roads.

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  Mephisto - 1990 Ford F-150
  By hoss - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased a 1990 ford F-150 Picup in may of last year. though My truck is not the greatest it is alot of fun to drive. the fuel economy is very poor however that is a result of poor maintenance and mistreatment. The body is in excellent shape for a 13 year old truck. the only problems I have had with my driveline were self inflicted. And even though the truck sucks gas and eats all of my money i am quite pleased with its overall performance and handling.

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  Reliable work truck - 1992 Ford F-150
  By RodVanBeek - October 24 - 2:00 am

  At 144,000 I still have not had an engine problem - it still runs like new. I had to replace the transmission at 130,000 miles, but I do tow a heavy trailer all the time, so I think thats to be expected. In fact, my trailer is heavier than this truck is rated for, and the truck seems fine with this! Everything electrical is still working fine. I had to replace the serpantine belt at around 70,000 miles. It currently needs a new exhaust manifold, as it has cracked and is making noise, but no big deal. Overall, this truck has been more reliable than I expected it to be.

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  A good vehicle - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Dgt - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. No problems, except for front brake pull that dealer and Ford deny exists but will throw you off the road if you hit the brakes hard.

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  The Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By THOMAS M. KING - October 22 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Escape. I owned a 2001 model and put a bunch of miles on it in a year. Traded for a Mercury Sable, and then traded it for a 2005 Limited Escape. Love the vehicle and recently drove a Jeep Liberty my wife had rented for her job. The Escape in my opinion is the better vehicle. Better ride and comfort.

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  02 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By MYSLK02 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my sixth Mustang and so far it has been great. The ride is much better than my 1990 5.0 but the interior seems much smaller. The Mach 460 sounds great, wish I had it in my other vehicles.