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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  Fit for a scrap yard - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - September 4 - 11:18 pm

  After owning mostly Honda and Chevy vechicles, I thought I would try a Ford Explorer since I liked the look of them. Bad choice on my part. What a hunk of junk. The transmission went at 17k, rear differential needed repair at 25K. Too many things to list here. Its sold now, and I bought a Honda Pilot. All my Hondas (a 95 Civic, 2000 Accord, 2004 Civic) have been worth every penny. This Explorer I was almost willing to pay someone to take. Dont settle for this kind of quality people. There are better vehicles out there, and Ford doesnt make them!

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  Disappointed in this purchase - 2007 Ford Focus
  By NM Mom - September 4 - 7:59 am

  The exhaust on this car is loud. I wake my neighbors in the morning when I start it up. The seats are not comfortable. When sitting behind other cars at a stop light, exhaust comes into the cabin even if the intake/air conditioning is off. Dont buy this car. I guess that "quality is no longer job one" at Ford.

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  Fun car, keep your wallet close. - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Hock - September 3 - 12:23 pm

  This is my 2nd SC and it is a blast to drive, when it runs. I bought it with bad head gaskets, the dealer ran 87 octane when it requires 91 or better. I have driven both the auto and 5 speed and the 5 speed is by far more fun than the auto though it is notchy and does get expensive to fix if it breaks. But then again, the whole car is like that. The handling is outstanding for a car its size and it does it with out sacraficing the ride. The interior is a little dated for today but it still is nice and doesnt have all the squeaks and rattles that would be expected from a car this old. Over all, if you dont have a strong mechanical back ground or a deep wallet this car is not for you.

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  Puts up with a lot of abuse - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By quickford - August 31 - 2:02 am

  Ive had this car for five years, and it is reliable in some ways, but unreliable in other aspects. The engine is bulletproof. I drove the car when it was leaking oil and nearly dry after fixing the leak it still runs like a champ. Ive driven it with a coolant leak and I almost had the temp gauge maxed once, and it never quit. But the leaks themselves were a concern. Also, the transmission is slipping pretty badly now, and at 118,000 miles it may not make it much longer. Some suspension pieces have needed replacement and the brakes warp easily. One of the rear wheels got stuck, and I had to hammer on the drum to loosen it up, probably due to the parking brake. Electrical system is iffy.

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  Still Going - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By dave - August 27 - 10:15 am

  I bought this with 16000 miles on it, the only thing we have done besides the normal stuff is a water pump at about 55,000 miles. Ive put more money in tires on it then anything else, it just starts and goes. The cruise went out about 5 years ago, I have never bothered to do anything about it. The front windows do not roll up and down, it was to much work to fix so I have not. It is now using anti-freeze, but Im not sure where, I suspect the head gasket. I hope to give it to my son when he gets his license, we bought it just before he was born.

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  Not Bad - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Doug in Chicago - August 27 - 2:26 am

  All in all has been good vehicle. Early rash of irritating recall items. Ride is stiff and truck like. Engine is plenty powerful (V-6) with good acceleration and passing. Good choice but not if your looking for smooth ride.

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  Very fun to drive - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Aric - August 26 - 9:56 pm

  OK Ford could not of hit the name of this car more perfect, Fiesta. It really is party like fun to drive. Great gas mileage. Im getting 41 mpg city no upgrades. Love the steering and handling. Its not perfect. But if you leave to have fun on some country roads it gets the job done. I put 350 miles on it then fill it up only put a little under 25 dollars in it to fill it up. This car has a lot of room. Im 6 foot 4 and am not cramped. Basically Im saying I will have this car for as long as my family.

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  2002 Taurus SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By GreginCT - August 25 - 5:24 pm

  Purchased in 2006 with 47K. In 2 years, Ive driven it 40,000 miles. Cam shaft synchronizer, water leaking into blower motor and warping rotors have been the problem. Otherwise, starts and runs fine. I get 23-24 mpg city and 25-27 all around. Ive gotten 30 mpg on the highway in winter time. Cheap to buy, run, insure and fuel. As someone earlier pointed out, its not exactly the target for car thieves. Good, reliable, low cost transportation. My third Taurus. Buy this car and spend your money on other things.

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  Plan on anti-anxiety drugs! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By sad and broke - August 20 - 10:13 pm

  I bought the car new, looking for an alternative to a minivan. It is the most comfortable car Ive ever driven. I had several recalls, but most distressing was engine failure at 114K. I replaced the engine and got a 75K guaranty, only to have it fail again at 140K. In addition to the repair costs, I had to rent a car since there was no loaner provided. I replaced the engine, then traded it in on an Impala, and have heard from my mechanic that the engine has failed in the year since I traded in. I cant understand how a car with about 170K can be on its 4th engine. My first Ford, an Escort,was a great car. I mistakenly thought getting the Taurus would be a step up.

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  Not The Best - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - August 12 - 10:53 am

  My dad originally bought this car for me for my first car. I will say that for a first time driver, it is decent. Very easy to drive. For the few years I owned it, I never had any mechanical problems with it. The 4cyl. engine, in my opinion, is way too small. Awful pickup on the highway. It is very low to the ground and had a tendency to bottom out. Also, not really good in the snow. Decent MPG though. I ended up trading it in for a 07 Jeep Liberty, which I love and would recommend to someone over the Focus.