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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  New F-150 is best yet! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Gary222 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my F-150 FX4 Supercrew for about 4 months now. The ONLY thing that I found I dont love about it is the gas mileage. I find that a significant departure from what they claim. Other than that, the truck is a pleasure to drive and I love it inside and out. I topped it off with a rhinoliner and an Access soft cover and it was one great truck of utility. Its comfortable for the family and it can also haul a load of cargo--and it looks and feels great the entire time. Im in love with the truck--go drive one, I think youll be in love with it, too!

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tanksher43 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Comfort and luxury of a Lincoln at the price of a Ford. Lots of power, grat iterior lay out, very quiet interior,comfortable leather seats. Best buy for the money

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  Change of Habits - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chomsky - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I think there are still bugs that need to be worked out. My Escape has about 76,000 miles and had to have a new master brake cylinder. I have never had as many problems with a Ford as I have had with this Escape. The resale value also drops very rapidly. Yes, sorry to say my next car will be something besides a Ford. Like my grown children say buy a foreign made car they last. Old habits are hard to break but my Escape has broke this one.

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  V-6 = Noise, Vibration, no fun at all - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Gone Ron - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the car for the low price, standard features and fuel economy. On the plus side, fuel economy is good and is near the rated numbers. The engine is anything but smooth, and does not like to be revved above 2,500 RPM without a lot of coaxing. Clutch throw is nearly a foot, transmission is clunky; it is NOT fun to shift especially around town. The computer keeps the engine between 2,000-3,000 between shifts which sounds and feels totally awkward. The car developed several creeks and clunks right away. Not impressed at all; I wished we would have bought another Honda instead!

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  2004 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By htfritz - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Handles very well, very comfortable and roomy. This is our 3rd Expedition and wed buy another.

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  100 Anniversary Edition - Fantastic - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By drkgclark - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this as a company car with the intent of selling it after the first year, but I have enjoyed it so much I plan on keeping it.

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  SVT FOCUS - 2004 Ford Focus
  By firestopper - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I drove the civic Si the same day I drove this SVT. I fell in love with this car the moment I sat in the seat. It beats the Si, hands down. Fun car to drive.

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  Ford Focus 2001 Street Editon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Terrytickles - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoy my Focus so far and have 43,000 miles. I did have to replace the front breaks only. It runs like a champion. Its only been in the shop two times. The tires still looks great after having the vehicle for over 2 years now. I purchase my vehicle in July of 2001.

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  98 Taurus SE - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By EV1nut - June 26 - 11:16 pm

  Just got my SE with 152,000 miles on it. It seems to be a good car considering that the previous owner probably doesnÂ’t know what a spark plug is. I find it far easier and more fun to drive than the family Suburban. Visibility is excellent all around, and the car has plenty of power for me, even with the Vulcan engine. For the most part, I like the styling and the cabin layout.

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  36000 miles in 1 year - 2006 Ford Focus
  By focusdriver - June 26 - 7:56 pm

  Car was driven hard and fast across Pennsylvania twice a week. Only 2 complaints. Any little snow or a little mud in wheels made vibrations in the steering wheel. A pain to keep clean. And the front tires throw stones /sand /dirt against area in front of rear wheels to the point of needing paint touch up. Not cool. Other than that, this car loves to cruise at 80+ with great mileage