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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  Another Terrible Ford Experience - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By joneill - February 8 - 5:39 pm

  I bought my Ford new and take great care of it.Several recalls then at 65K miles my rear axel cracked clean in half-rusted from inside and 1K for the fix. 3 months later the transmission died. Radiator also replaced-total 3,800 Now it is at 67K miles and took in today because radio wont turn off killing battery. Needs additional 500K for new fuse box and to patch leak. Will pick it up on Monday and take it as a trade in on a Toyota. Should have learned my lesson as my last Ford had to be towed out of my driveway at 80K. Husbands Ford needed a new engine at 55K miles. Have yet to have a good experience with Ford. Ive finally learned my lesson!!

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  We love the Big Cat - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By newEra - February 8 - 12:26 pm

  We purchased our Eddie Bauer in June of 2005 with only 14k miles on it. We dubbed it the "Big Cat" and we always "take the cat" when we go in it. After purchase, we took off from Ohio to Yellowstone with a family of 5 (3 teens - one of them 63 185) Very comfortable. Now we have 80k+. Only minor things. I bought the 100k warranty. Ready to use it for 2nd time. 18+ mpg on trips - 15+ mpg around home (hilly countryside). Id buy another one in a heartbeat. Watch the Contenential tires - plys go bad. Choose tires wisely. I bought more aggressive ones this time and cost me over 1 mpg.

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  Owner - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Frogman88 - February 8 - 7:23 am

  The car is a little harder to drive on the snow. I had gotten stuck at least 3 times in a month. On dry roads the handles like a dream. I am 6foot 3inches and I have no problems with my leg. On average, I will get 20 or more mpg. Highway mpgs I will get around 25 or more. I was very surprised with the gas mileage I was getting. I have over 200,000miles on the car right now and I am the second owner and have had nearly no problems. The only problem that I have is a minor problem, which will cost about $100 total. I am very mad about Ford is not going to sell the Crown Victoria for civilian use. I would buy this car all over again, only brand new. That will never happen. A must buy

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  Ford Explorer 2002 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MargO - February 8 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer is a great family car. I have the third seat and its quite roomy I would recommend this car the only downfall is it is a gas guzzler (since Ive owned the truck gas prices have doubled). The other problem I have is the seat belts they dont fully retract all the time. I would highly recommend this car its wonderful in the snow and its very easy to drive.

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  wasnt sure about Ford.............. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin9 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2004 ford explorer and I wasnt to sure about fords because of all the bad P.R. on the explorer, but I am thrilled with it. It drives and handles excellent for a SUV I owned a rav 4 and a dodge durango and this is the best one by far.

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  Improvements - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ronald R. Culler - February 8 - 2:00 am

  more horsepower better ergonomics on dash vynal seats not so many dings in alarms better radio system MORE soundproofing (too much road noise) I will be looking for a new car this Spring, I would like to buy an improved Focus wagon.

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  Focus has more upgrades than a computer - 2004 Ford Focus
  By holo - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Think of 500 horsepower..Cause thats what can go in the ford focus.... This car can be exceptionally fun to drive..Think of maxium head and leg room...Think sporty... Think sexy.... Think Sleek...Think Motavation... Think Style.... Think Future when you think of a Ford Focus...I dont know about you but I am supercharged ready to go right now to drive my Focus...

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  Focus Again! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By JethroIII - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Focus is the best vehicle I have ever owned. First one was dealer model out of the showroom day after it arrived in 10/99. 11/03, traded it in with 97,000 problem free miles. Completed all maintainence requirements. Original brakes lasted 87,000 miles and only utilized 3 sets of tires. A reliable vehicle thats fun to drive. 2004 ZTS is more fun to drive, zippier engine and interior upgrades copmared to prior Focus SE. The third Focus also purchased on same day, retiring 1991 Mustang now owning a 2003 Focus SE. Trunk space is large, able to pack family of five with plenty of luggage for long haul trips.

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  Freestar won my heart! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By KennyMA - February 8 - 2:00 am

  For anyone who has been looking at Minivans, you cant beat the Ford Freestar for the money. The torque is unbelievable (4.2L) and the third row seat is great. Im not sure if Ill ever use the tailgating feature, but its sure nice to have it if you need it. The way the seat folds to the floor is the best design. I can store pretty much anything in there. Im very happy and I cant believe Ive found a minivan for my wife that I enjoy driving.

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  What a car! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Sazzy64 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I find the ride smooth, handling is excellent. Very good on avoiding other dummies on the road. Very quick to respond, accelerates well for passing. Overall a very good, very safe auto.