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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  Good Value So Far - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By J.K. BURGE - April 27 - 5:33 am

  I bought my 2000 Taurus LX new. So far I am very pleased with it. I currently have 44,000 miles on it. I also have a 2001 Toyota Corolla, which is a good car on the city streets, but on the highway the Taurus is far superior.

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  Satisfied Owner - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By JRW - April 26 - 8:35 pm

  The overall experience with my Eddie Bauer Expedition has been very good. I purchased the vehicle new nearly six years ago and it has delivered dependable and comfortable service. Having always been a GM man, I wouldnt hesitate to buy another Expedition.

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  Im hard on vehicles, but... - 1998 Ford Escort
  By andreaguinn - April 26 - 8:34 pm

  I adore my Ford Escort! I drive constantly because of school, work, and club outings. Not once has it died or not started up on the first try, and I got it at 110,031 miles. I would highly recommend this car to anyone at all. Its wonderful. Perfect for a busy teen like me.

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  Fantastic Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - April 26 - 1:03 pm

  This car is fantastic. I purchased this car on 04/26/2008 and I absolutely love it. The Sync system is absolutely a must. I asked if the Sync model could be installed after the fact and they stated no that it was a factory install so for the extra $400 I got a Focus that had it. The fuel mileage is incredible, I am getting about 30 miles to the gallon city, and 35 miles to the gallon highway. The Focus handles great at highway speeds and in town around corners. I traded in a gas hogging 2007 Ford Escape XLT and I am so glad I did.

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  Limited is like no other Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By G Hamrick - April 25 - 3:46 pm

  This is a great SUV. Wed been looking to replace our 2000 Expedition for months when I finally saw a Limited on the road. One simple, but important, selling point for my wife and I are the 10-way power adjustable low-back bucket seats in the front. Unlike all other Expeditions, the Limited has front seats with adjustable headrests (very similar to the Navigator seats) rather than the one-piece seatbacks. Woodgrain on the steering wheel and handle above the glove box along with monochrome leather seats makes for a classy- looking interior. Monochrome exterior with painted mirrors looks great (other Expeditions have black mirrors). Quiet, smooth ride, lots of nice options and excellent safety features.

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  2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Cary Nimnicht - April 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have had the pleasure to drive this vehicle both in the city and the highway and found it a true joy to drive. From the interior space and easy loading and unloading of passenger in all three sections to the handling and spacious seating within the interior. Whether I am taking the neighborhood kids to a ball game or loading up three couples, the leg room and comfort of the seats are always a comment I receive. I have had no mechanical problems.

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  Why would you buy a Camry? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - April 25 - 8:36 am

  The 2.5L is a great I4. I never feel the need for more power and I still get about 30 mpg on my commute. Love the interior, exterior design, and the sync system. Very quiet. Ive read some reviews claiming there are too many buttons, but personally I like having all the controls at my fingertips. (Its really not hard to figure out what they do.) I test drove a Camry to compare and I cant see any reason to take that over a Fusion.

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  43000 miles report - 2000 Ford Focus
  By loolala - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my car in June 2000 when it had only 11 miles. IÂ’ve had good mileage since day one, and it has remained around 31 to 32 mpg. Besides about 5 recalls it got and a couple of fixes under warranty, it has been virtually maintenance free. Total operation cost in 2.5 years is $10620 with 43000 miles. Cost per mile is just less than 25 cents! If you want to know how I get those number, check out Town Hall under Ford Focus ZX3 #2367.

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  Quality Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Seeker - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car for every day travel and road trips. I would like to see an sho model in the future though.

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  Taurus Underated - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Carl Knechtel - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Mine is the SES model with the 200 hp V- 6. I now have 36,000 miles on the vehicle and have had no problems. Cant understand why Consumers Report does not seem to like this car much. It is a lot of car for the money and very dependable.