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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  Best bang for the buck - 2008 Ford Focus
  By bhil1981 - November 20 - 10:10 am

  This is a great little car. I never really considered a Ford Focus, but with gas prices going up and up, I decided to test drive one and loved it. I got a black 2 door coupe SES with black cloth and everything besides a roof. The interior design is very nice for a $17,000 car. The white gauges with indigo blue looks nice at night. The car handles very well and the dash is set up nicely. I currently have about 500 miles on the car and am averaging about 26 mpg with mostly city driving, it should get better when the car is broken in more.

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  TTU Fan - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By drc1 - November 20 - 9:52 am

  I have just traded for an 05 Taurus. First one Ive had. Bought it used with 57,000 miles. Looks like all of the reviews are great. Looks like no one had any transmission problems. That always a concern when buying a used car. It rides great and getting 18mpg so far. Not too bad. Partly in town and out. Got a great trade in deal. Seems like the Taurus does have have a good trade in value. Bought it at the end of the month. Maybe that was the reason.

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  Great deal when purchased used - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Gregg in Milwaukee - November 20 - 9:47 am

  I bought my 2006 Taurus SE as a 7- month old, used fleet vehicle with 33,000 miles on it. It was a great deal at just $10,000. Cheaper to own and operate that a new or used Toyota or Honda. Mine has ABS brakes, traction control, power driver seat, side air bags, and split folding rear seats. Uninspiring and boring to drive, but a decent, comfortable family car with a massive trunk. Factory radio/CD player has way too many buttons and is confusing to operate. My only complaint is that even after driving my Taurus for 18 months, Im still unable to judge just exactly where the front and rear of the vehicle are positioned when parking it. Plus, it takes a huge circle to make a U-turn.

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  Reliable truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By mandrw - November 20 - 6:37 am

  This is a good truck. I purchased the 4.6L V8 and it is underpowered. I suggest that you purchase the larger V8. The electronics should be laid out better. I often take my eyes off the road to change the radio. However, this truck is fun to drive and has a tall stature on the road. Handles well and drive more like a car than a truck. I have the split bench front seat and it is a little uncomfortable on long trips.

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  Future Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dan Russo - November 20 - 4:46 am

  The Ford Freestyle is an awesome vehicle. The ride and comfort is great. I love not going broke at the gas pump. These crossover vehicles are the future. Theyre less expensive than SUVs and are better on gas. Ford did an excellent job with this vehicle. Perfect!

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  great car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By good car - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, great long distance car, comfortable, powerful, good handing, can sleep in back with seats down,have not had 1 problem.

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  2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 03 Exp XLT - November 20 - 2:00 am

  With this SUV, Ford is delivering quality, equal safety scores and better reliability than many "status- seekers" like MB and BMW. The much more realistic cost of ownership puts this vehicle on top with me. Great solidity and quiet ride.

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  Will Never buy a Ford again - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Disatisfied Explorer - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Explorer for 5 years; it only has 61K miles. In the past year I have spent $4,000 in repair bills that were not covered by warranty They include replacing the following (1) the front drive shaft; (2) the air ride control module, not to mention the 4 times I took it to the dealer because the warning light kept coming back on; (3) a front shock; (4) the O2 sensor; (5) the solenoid; (6) the rear pinion, axle and carrier bearings; and (7) the rear pinion seal,twice. This is worst vehicle I have ever owned!

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  California Fusion Review - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By TrojanAffairs - November 20 - 1:53 am

  I really do like this car, but the only problem is that there isnt enough power. I wouldve gone for the V6, but they didnt have it in a manual. In any case, the reliability and build quality of the car is great (my family has owned 4 Fords in the past and this is definitely the best). The interior isnt any worse than the Accord or Camry, but all three are pretty ugly. The interior design is simple (which is a good thing) and the leather wrapped stick feels great to drive.

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  Excellant 4x4 in snow - 2004 Ford Escape
  By audreyc - November 20 - 12:11 am

  Our Escape is a great 4x4 in Maine winters. 92,000 miles and no problems. Tires can be noisy when you get over 50 mph. The handling of the Escape is great able to make tight turns when you are in the Wal-mart parking lot.