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 car, fun to drive! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By maestro300 - July 5 - 11:20 pm

  Performance is not as fast as the Camaro/Firebird V8s; but with a little tweaking you can hit that 300hp line and be right up there with them. As far as comfort; well the 5-speed stick is quite a reach to get to; the most comfortable place for it would be where the first cup-holder is. Same with radio controls; they are very hard to reach. The driver/passenger seat also do not recline very far.

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  Getting a Word in Edge-wise - 2008 Ford Edge
  By GMan - July 5 - 10:33 pm

  Took delivery of my 08 Edge AWD Limited on 10 Nov 2007, (approx. three weeks after placing an order for it with the dealership), and have really been enjoying the ride since. Loaded with just about every option, including many of the Ford accessories. Good looks (in Redfire Metallic & 20" chromed wheels), good features (SYNC, NAV, SIRIUS), and a good time driving it around. Just spun past 750 miles on the odometer so just getting started, but its everything I expected so far (& more). A real "head turner" here in my town!

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  Wont buy a Ford again - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dissatisfied Owner - July 4 - 3:01 pm

  Bought my car new and was fine until after I passed the "Lemon Law" limit. I only have 61000 miles on my car. Ive had nothing but problems with my car! In the shop constantly. Transmission went out, had radio replaced 6 times, now have an after market radio paid for by Ford, alternator and cellunoid went out, blower motor went out, mold in my A/C x 2 and getting poorer gas mileage. It makes the weirdest noises that my local dealer cant always find the cure for. Never did get the gas mileage it claimed to get. I purchased the extended warranty and was so glad I did! Id be in the "Poor House" now if I hadnt.

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  disapointed in anderson - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gerald morris - July 4 - 1:33 pm

  the only problems i have with this vehicle is (very noisey engine) and (poor fuel mileage) "six cyl". For this reason i wont keep it for long.I should have got a V8. Also, the toneau cover leakes.

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  Good Car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By desoto44 - July 4 - 11:00 am

  I purchased in early 2000 with 19,000 miles on it. Now has 202,000 and uses no oil between changes. Other than regular servicing, no major repairs. Great mileage at 25 MPG city/highway. The heater only runs lukewarm since about 150,000 miles and the AC just quit at about 195,000. Both are major repair items which I am not fixing at this stage of the cars life. Overall has been an excellent car and would buy another low mileage 99 if I could find one.

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  Disappointed With MPG - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By desoto44 - July 4 - 10:41 am

  I purchased this SEL model in October 2005 with 22,000 miles on it. I am very happy with the quality and styling of this car, but am extremely disappointed with the MPG and ride. I have an identical 99 Taurus that gets 25 MPG city/highway. The 05 struggles to get 20 MPG. The dealer told me the lower mileage was due to the fact this is a "Flex-Fuel" model, burns hotter, and nothing could be done to improve it. So buyer beware of Flex-Fuel models. Also the handling is great but you feel every bump. If I purchase another Taurus it will definitely not be a flex-fuel version.

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  tight car to buy - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Acer187 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  i love the price and the color of the car its tight... thats all i gotta say :)

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  Youll Be Sorry... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Future Honda Owner - July 4 - 10:00 am

  3 years and 5 (or is it 6) recalls later I can only say I wish I had gone with my first instinct and bought a Toyota or a Honda. I guess I just didnt believe that a "World Class Car" could really be so poorly executed by Ford Motor Company. My 36 month warranty ended in February of 2003 and Im looking at new front brakes (under 12K miles), repair of an engine oil leak and window molding that is falling off. My neighbor laughs and says it is traditional Detroit engineering - good enough to last through the warranty but no more.

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  solid choice - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tmk - July 4 - 10:00 am

  If you are thinking of buying a compact car, take a look at the Ford Focus. I looked at Hondas and Toyotas but settled on a beige 4 door Focus SE, and I have been really happy with this car. The ride is smooth and comfortable, as is the interior/seating. The exterior styling has grown on me, and now I am stoked on it. The trunk is freakin huge, big enough for trips or a trip to the grocery store. I got a 6 disc in dash player and this is worth the extra cash. Very safe car with the family in mind. You just cant lose on this car--especially with Ford offering mad cash back on the Focus, go get one!

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  I do not trust this vehicle - 1997 Ford F-150
  By ice cream man - July 3 - 1:25 pm

  I like the drive but I cannot keep it on the road because Ive had numerous problems. I have replaced the engine twice in less than a year and the transmision during this time and now I am experiencing a vacuum leak. I will never invest in anything that has the name Ford on it, even if it is a toy.