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:

• 

  2003 Ford Taurus SES - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By ford1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Taurus is a very good value for a family sedan. With generous rebates offered from Ford, the Taurus becomes extremely competitive with Camry and Accord, Taurus main competition. This 2003 model has just been purchased but my experience with past Taurus ownership has been very positive; good reliability with very few problems. The build quality is good. Controls and accessories are well designed and easy to operate. A roomy trunk for this size car. Gas mileage with the 24V six ranges from 22 mpg city driving to 29 mpg highway.

• 

  mileage stinks - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By mikeydontlikey - July 30 - 10:00 am

  the truck is great. but the gas mileage that it gets is really bad. i have yet to get over 240 miles on a tank of gas and thats driving mostly freeway going to and from work. no i wont recomend this vehicle to anyone unless they love spending money on fuel.

• 

  I kept this car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By kc2portland - July 30 - 1:56 am

  This is the first automobile that I have kept for more than 3 or 4 years. It is very reliable. I get regular oil changes and scheduled maintainence and I have not had any problems with this vehicle. It does suck the gas a little, but since I dont have any mechanical problems, nor car payments, it doesnt seem reasonable to me to trade it in.

• 

  Manual transmission problems - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Gary Dickinson - July 29 - 10:03 am

  I enjoy driving the Mustang except for a whining noise from the manual transmission in 5th gear and pulling positive torque. No noise when not under acceleration or slowing down. This is my third Mustang and the previous 88 and 95 both with the 5 speed manual did not make any noise like this. The dealership mechanic and the owner of the dealership both drove the car and both acknowledge the noisy gear whine but Ford wants more info from them comparing the noise with another new 5 speed manual transmission in another car. This transmission was flawed right from the first mile and should have been immediately repaired or replaced. Needless to say I am very disappointed with Ford and their quality.

• 

  Perfection within the framework - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Spartan - July 29 - 8:26 am

  My wife and I have had this car for 3 months and it is exactly what we wanted and expected. The 5-speed transmission is easy to operate and the horsepower is always just a pedal away. The car has nice balance and really hugs the road at speed. Tire spin and oversteer are not difficult to avoid, but reliable in their consistency with no nasty surprises if youre trying to slide around a bit. The only complaints I could make are the lack of a few creature comforts. A power passenger seat, heated seats, and climate control would be nice. But I understand that Ford left out a few frills to keep the price down. This car was designed to go fast and look good doing it. Mission accomplished.

• 

  Factory safety checks - 2005 Ford Escape
  By KNS - July 28 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased my Escape on 7/2/05. On 7/8/05, with only 436 miles on the vehicle, the power steering went out while pulling into my driveway (power steering fluid spewed all over engine). SUV was towed to dealership and found out that power steering switch had been installed upside down and not screwed in. New switch installed on 7/9 and engine cleaned "as best as they could". Bothersome that the vehicle passed safety inspection prior to delivery to dealership. IF power steering had gone out while I was driving on the highway, it could have caused a major accident. No apology from Ford dealership at all ... just commentary from them that its a good thing that there is a full warranty!

• 

  FX4 - 1 Year Review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mmszoo - July 28 - 5:30 am

  Best looking truck on the road. Solid build. Had car back into the rear end of my truck the other day. Did lots of damage to car but not a scratch on my truck. Distance sensor is handy since seeing over bed is a bit tough. Enjoying the upgraded sound system. Would be even more enjoyable with steering wheel controls. Little disappointed with the brake squeals. Was told by dealership that all new Ford F150s do this. Started noticing grooves on the rotors early. Ford should really look at this flaw and correct immediately

• 

  Just bought it and Love it! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karen - July 28 - 3:13 am

  I just bought this car and love it! After quite a bit of online investigation and the realization that I could not afford a brand new car with all these options, I bought mine with 15,000 miles. It beat out the new Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Imapala by a lot! Could use a little more get up and go, wind noise and the rear view mirror could be bigger, but all-in-all I love it. Excellent quality for the price.

• 

  Focus SE - 2008 Ford Focus
  By MAdams40 - July 26 - 9:33 pm

  I have had my new Focus Se for 16 days now and I can truly say that I am impressed. I am driving 108 miles per day and I drive about 70% highway and 30% city. I am getting 32.7 MPG average. The car is very smooth and peppy while being comortable as well. I had a Mitsubishi Galant LS V6 and would definitely not go back. I have to say that Ford has really done a great job with this car. I would highly recommend that anyone looking to get a very nice car with lots of bells and whistles should seriously consider this. It beats out its competition without breaking a sweat by giving the buyer more features for less money. Gas mileage is great and the ride beats the Civic and Corolla.

• 

  BUILT FORD TOUGH??????? - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By earl - July 24 - 2:00 am

  It is a stylish fun vehicle. It has good pickup, a good sound system and is reliable. I am a homebuilder, and the body is like a tin can....No solidness about this vehicle. If you get stuck, there is no place to tow from. I put a bed liner in so it doesnt seem so flimsy (chinsy). I like the vehicle, but I am disappointed that being as non- solid as it appears, that the vehicle does not get better mpg. I drive 80% hiways, and have NEVER gotten over 20 mpg.