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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  A nice car - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 2smooth - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Last of the surviving "real" cars America makes. The reason their used as cop cars and taxis is because their reliable, comfortable, handle good, and reasonably powerful. They have a nice quiet smooth ride like driving a sofa. Oh yeah, huge trunk too (who needs a bike rack?). Great for long trips. I think the 98 body style is a little better on the eye, but thats just my opinion.

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  My 3rd - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Joe5689 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We got the Estate green w/ Lght parchment. Looks like a 50K Vehicle. Love it, Love it love it..

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  Massive Disappointment - 2000 Ford Focus
  By APL - June 4 - 9:23 am

  Test driving the ZX3 with manual transmission sold me on this cars fun to drive qualities. However, having owned many cars (including 3 Fords) I can honestly say this car was the biggest lemon I ever had the displeasure of owning. Over the course of 84k mile ownership I replaced the AC system, valve cover gasket, ignition mechanism, EGR valve. The car was fun to drive and got great gas mileage but left me stranded more times than every other car I have owned combined. Amazingly, mechanics and tow truck drivers could usually guess what my problem was because they had seen so many Focus with the same issues. It feels like the sun has shone brighter every day since I got rid of it!

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  F-150 Satisfied Owner - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Joe Reynolds - June 3 - 7:49 pm

  10 years and 130,000 trouble free miles have been my experience with this vehicle. Excellent in all respects. I got one of the first new 150 body styles.

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  If you are looking for a real truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ford Truckin - June 3 - 7:23 pm

  Yes, you get less than 20 MPG. Yes, the suspension is hard, but if you want a real truck and all that implies, this is the truck for you. If you want a Lexus, go buy a Lexus. I love this truck. It feels strong and smooth on the highway, in town driving and hauling. If you need power all you have to do is press harder on the pedal. I love this truck and have had no problems at all.

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  Clutch - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Darlene Herald - June 3 - 6:42 pm

  From the moment I purchased this car (which is an automatic) there was a shuddering when you stopped at a red light or stop sign and accelerated after the stop. When I finally called in August 2015 after I told them what the car was doing it took me two months to get in to have them diagnose the problem because as I was told this was a problem with this model. Once I got it looked at in October 2015 I was told it was the clutch as they had suspected. They returned the car to me and I was told 4 to 6 weeks to get the part in. In middle to late December 2015 I called to see if the part was in and NO. I was number 30 on the list (so there are 30 cars before mine that are waiting on this part) Called in late January 2016 to see about the part and NO part for my car yet I am number 23 on the list. In the meantime I continue to drive this car which shudders and sputters every time I drive it wondering if this is going to be the time that it will shudder and sputter until it dies and I am left stranded. Call a 1-800-392-3673 number I was told to contact to see why I cantt get this part for my car. This is a KNOWN problem with this car. Google it and you will be amazed at the problems they have with this car. I cant believe Ford isnt manufacturing this part faster than this so this can be repaired and that they continue to sell this car (Its just not with this model year. If you go online it with this model in general). This is the first Ford I have ever purchased and you can count on it that it will be the last. Customer service by Ford in manufacturing the part and getting out to the dealership (at least the dealership I am dealing with keeps telling me they are getting about 3 parts per week from Ford) so these repairs can be made is terrible. I am truly disappointed that I purchased this car.

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  Still love it 2.5 years later - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By greghodg - June 3 - 6:23 pm

  Bought new in summer 2009. Its been fantastic. Since then, Ive been back to the dealer for two oil changes and one unplanned visit for a braking system issue. Gas mileage depends on conditions. In the summer in Phoenix, you have to run the A/C on full all the time, which can cause a big dip, and in the winter short trips will suffer since the gas engine doesnt shut down until it gets to normal temperature. Ive averaged 37.5 since new.

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  Whatever - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Familyman - June 3 - 1:58 am

  Has 80,000mi now. Owned since it had 35,000. A lifter spring broke at idle in a drive through at about 45,000. Gets 13.6mpg in town. Paint flaking off and cracking on its own, terrible. Had the recalls fixed. Both auto front door locks need a new actuator. Engine was pinging with eng light on so had to have intake pulled and cleaned due to clogged egr passages thanks to poor valve cover design in which I also had to buy the new type. Rear side defogger quit working. Interior lights used to come on on thier own. Replaced rear shocks. For the money I cant complain as all vehicles have their problems. Who knows what the previous owners put it through. Id still drive it cross country if need be.

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  203 Super Crew Overview - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Jack Benton - June 2 - 3:19 pm

  Body style and interior are great design. At 35K I had rust on the underside of all four doors (something to look out for if purchasing one). Dealer repaired but concern is still there. P/U sleeps inside a garage nightly. With todays technology I did not expect this.

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  Decent Car for the Money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dgk - June 1 - 9:50 pm

  Originally, I had wanted an SE, since I didnt really need all of the extra junk that the ZTS has. However, since it was the end of the model year I ended up getting a good deal on the ZTS. The 2.3L engine is quite peppy for a 4 cyl, and the car handles like a sports car that costs thousands more. The interior is quite comfy and can easily hold four people without much effort. The trunk is surprisingly large, probably due to the height of the back of the car. The styling of the car is okay I guess, but I am not much into that sort of thing. My only complaints are that the fuel mileage is very disappointing for a supposed economy car, and it seems like the exterior scratches easily.