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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  Never Owned a Ford Before - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Pandora3d - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I am not one of those that get into the whole heated debate about Ford vs. Chevy, etc. Some have given me hell about owning a Ford, but I cant complain. (yet) Not that Im expecting things to go wrong, just have my eyes open in case. I love my little Focus ZTS and I think it looks sleek, sharp and sexy. I enjoy the sound system (not so sure my fellow commuters do...) and the EASE of steering. I am a happy first-time FORD owner. Thank you!

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  good - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Pluto1990 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car i have ever had. I wouldnt buy any other car than this one.

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  What a car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Paul B - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Test drove about 8 performance cars and this car just fit me. Performance per dollar can not be beat. Mach 1s seats are some of the most comfortable I have set in. Ride is actually pretty good for the type of car. Rated at 305 hp, though most are getting much more when dynoing them. The car blew mw away.

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  Cute, fun car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dugan - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this as a 2nd vehicle to save gas. Shopped around, bought base model no extras, not even A/C. Ford had best deal and rebate at the time. Fun, sparky little car and gets me back and forth to work, thats why I bought it. Enjoy so much have used on occasion for other uses, have a Jeep Cherokee also. Dont know if I would drive Focus in the winter, not completely satisfied with performance in rain.

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  I love this SUV! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Lynsi G - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I am SO disappointed that Ford has discontinued the 2 door Ford Explorer Sport! I live in NH where 4WD is an absolute must just to get up my driveway in the winter. I do not need or want a four-door vehicle and find the full-size Explorer to be "family" looking since I have neither kids or a dog. The Ford Escape just looks too chintzy to be an option. I wish car makers would realize that there are thirty-something consumers who want a sporty SUV that is not the size of a Matchbox or the size of a house...

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  01 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By stl owner - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Love the look of the truck and the interior size. Hauls family well. However, had it in the shop for the first time after owning it for 1 month to replace the thermostat. Ive now replaced three thermostats, 2 waterpumps, brakes, rotars, and various sensors. I no longer have any trust in this vehicle for traveling long distances.

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  Far better than I expected - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By ceooftnfya - March 28 - 9:53 pm

  Rented this car while mine was in the shop for one week. Initial reaction. No low end torque (read: no get up and go)but nice and responsive when anywhere past 20Kmph. Quick sporty feel, handled well. Very pleasently surprised with this Ford product. Compared to a seven year old Civic it rattles far more when the stereo is turned up showing, to a degree, overall build quality. Very enjoyable drive and I will miss it although it would be in tough competition when I buy next.

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  Great- But Drinks Gas! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Ashley - March 28 - 5:40 pm

  I love this car. Its great for a family of 4. Its very roomy, and has a large storage area in the back. Only 2 bad things is that it drinks gas and I wish I could lock my hatchback opener on the keyless entry pad. Sometimes going down the road, touch it and it flys open..

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  Great Daily Driver - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marauder Fan - March 28 - 4:30 pm

  This is a great family car and daily driver. Much more personality than an Asian appliance car. Maintenance was easy and low cost, and interior fit and finish are good. The rear brakes had issues with pad life but Wagner Thermoquiet fixed that. I like the CVT, took some getting used to, and with regular fluid changes, at 100K miles I have no issues.

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  I HATE this car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ranita - March 28 - 8:23 am

  I have had my car for 7 months now and I have had so many problems with this vehicle. Theres no power locks and the brake are already bad. This was my first car so I REALLY had no idea what I was getting in to.