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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  Herman - 2006 Ford Focus
  By hatin11r - May 15 - 11:11 am

  With the price of gas going through the roof, I found this car with 5400 mi. and still under warranty. It really did belong to a"little old man who just drove it on errands". After reading all the reviews I decided to buy this car. So far I am more than satisfied. With a 50/50 even split of hwy.and local, I am getting 29 mpg.with a hwy speed of approx.65 mph. I have noticed the a/c interuption during rapid acceleration as previously stated. I even did this during the test drive to see if this was a big issue. Even though I live in the TX heat, I dont feel this will be a problem. Time will tell.

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  Love it - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Annie - May 15 - 7:42 am

  I love this car. Its not only affordable but it rides nice and its very dependable. Handles great.

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  Performance - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Bo Baker - May 14 - 10:44 pm

  One great van, one great motor, 178000 miles and going strong. Will clean it up, put some new mats in it and keep it for another 12 years.

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  Small truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Choose 5 - May 14 - 8:26 pm

  Peppy 4 cylinder, suspension stiff which is OK by me, great gas mileage (avg 28, 30+ highway), drive a lot of dirt roads and no rattles after 10k. Old design, but smallness helps with gas mileage. Seats are great but Im 58". Ride height good. Ill keep it until I die (am 56). Im a Ford family.

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  Happy with Ford Focus 2007 - 2007 Ford Focus
  By tip - May 14 - 8:17 pm

  Nothing on this car is automatic - not the shift, nor the windows or the door locks...but thats good for someone looking for economy. It will get you where you are going and is very good on gas. Be sure the gas cap is on tightly or else fumes can come into the car. NIce small compact car thats fun to drive. Thye extra safety package is nice too.

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  Good Car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By AJackson - May 14 - 4:30 pm

  I bought my Explorer on a lease return at 30,000 mi. Car has been great so far at 93,000 with no problems even with out reg. oil changes. Ford recalled the cracked liftgate. I would buy again.

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  When the alternator worked. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Firemann - May 14 - 3:46 pm

  We had a spell of a couple months were we could not keep an alternator in the van. However, once we got the problem solved (4 alternators later) the van has been great. Gas mileage is not so good, but its a comfortable ride. We have the SEL. One of the power doors broke and they are very heavy without the motor moving it. They are spacious and great for long drives.

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  Love my Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By love my truck - May 14 - 3:33 pm

  I love driving my new 2005 Explorer. Already owning a 2002 Explorer, I was sold on the new advance-trac system on new 2005 Explorer. The driving is more positive and the ride much smoother. I also upgraded to a third row seat and factory installed DVD player. Ford Explorers just keep getting better!

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  Solid performer - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Doc - May 14 - 12:56 pm

  Have driven many vehicles, get new cars frequently through Ford lease program. This is definitely one of the best I have driven. Good suspension, road holding, engine is responsive, steering is exceptional for a sub-$20k car. Engine is a little noisy, and the turning radius could still be tightened, but you will never think of that. Much better looks than other family sedans, inside and out. Trunk opening is wider than average, so the ample space is actually usable. First car/truck I have driven where the front seat could go too far back - recommended for the long-legged people among us (I am 6ft.).

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  Best Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By brieblonde - May 14 - 8:59 am

  I have had my car for about a year now and I love it. I have not had a single problem with it. I even drove it through the winter and I manage well. Driving slow and having a good pair of snow tires really makes a difference. Overall the car is amazing and I love it.