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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  traded for another - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By stickbow - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My previous Crown Vic was 1992 with 175K, engine and transmission still good. But it needed tires and exhaust so I traded for 1997 Crown with 65K. These vehicles run strong for a long time, thousands of police forces cant be wrong. Great for long trips, comfortable, roomy, good V8 power, and gets 26 mpg. My experience is every 50K change the spark plugs, plug wires, and thermostat, they are easy to get to, unlike most V6 engines.

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  Ford Focus is fun, but unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Thomas Dolgin - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The Focus ZX3 Power Premium is a great car. It is fun to drive. The engine could use some more power, especially with an automatic and during the summer when the air conditioning is on. Some minor defects are covered by the manufacturer and dealership, but are still a pain to deal with. There are too many defects and problems that are just annoying.

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  Not going to buy another - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jspin77 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife loved the car for about a year and a half. Until all the problems. We ruined the rotors at about 15k miles. I guess that is my fault for not checking the brakes, but I have never had a car that ran through breaks before 30k. Since that we have had well over $2000 in the car in three years. It has left my wife stranded twice(which sealed the deal). Currently, it is still not running. Its not starting sometimes. We will see how much this one costs. I have a total of 60k mi. Mostly highway. Since replacing brakepads, they have lasted well over 40k mi. Many of the problems that I have had, are also happening on my fathers Winstar.

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  Give me a brake! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By rjkosack - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with Focus since new until 24K service where I find that my front brakes and rotors are history! I have noticed brake dust on the front wheel covers of all focuses (Foci?) this is a major problem and makes me realize that this is the last of the breed that I will purchase

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  Cheap price = Cheap car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Speed Racer.. Not ! - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Its definately not a sports car, it reminds me of my parents Ford Tempo, if you want a bigger old technology motor, but a good price - this car ios for you. The Mustang is not refined, not very good in the corners comparatively speaking, underwelming looks and cheap material for the interiors. I will not keep this one very long. You do get a cheap car for a cheap price.

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  Love my Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang JoJo - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Mustang Ive owned since 1982.... dont want to drive anything else. I am a 50 yr old female... I have a great time just driving it... and mine is Bright RED so it attracts a lot of attention....

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  XLT 4WD - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Alan - November 14 - 11:03 pm

  Everything youd expect in an American full sized SUV. Solidly built, exceptional comfort, surprisingly nimble (especially in parking lots)all at a decent price. Our first choice would have been a Mercedes GL 450 at $64,000. Almost $30,000 more than the XLT, and the XLT was far more comfortable. The only problem with the XLT is the poor MPG. 13.5 MPG for an average is not unexpected, just getting to be expensive. 19 MPG on the highway is OK, but not good enough. With that said, overall our family loves this truck. Comfort, safety and quality sums it up.

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  A Good Bargain - Its a Trooper - 2000 Ford Contour
  By HW - November 14 - 10:25 pm

  No huge problems with it. Looks like it will hit 200K in great shape! Worst was the cat converter needed replaced at 80K. New breaks at 90K. The car now has 120K and is fine (still 31mpg). Good deal if you figure under 2K for 8 years. I missed the dash recall and mine warped, but I glued it back down with industrial cement. Also Ive been in two accidents with it (lost the front bumper, then the rear). The other cars in both accidents were totaled. Mine had very minimal "face" damage. The car seems pretty bombproof to me.

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  Update on my Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don Arthur - November 14 - 4:27 pm

  With a bit over 4300 miles on the clock the fuel mileage seems to be a little higher. This is an automatic and in-town mileage has improved from 18 using the A/C and 20-21 not using A/C to around 23. Highway mileage has been 32 in the past, no recent long trips to see how that is doing. Using the A/C in town seems to really bring fuel mileage down. Overall, the Focus has been a reliable car, good acceleration, comfortable and fun to drive. Im a senior citizen and dont put on many miles a year.

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  Amazed - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Justin - November 14 - 12:13 pm

  If you want a REAL truck, this is the one to get. Power, comfort, amenities ... too many unbelievable features to list. The overhead rail system is pretty sweet too. It responds great, and is willing to do just about anything you want, and go wherever.