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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  Love it! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By FocusFanatic - April 19 - 11:54 am

  I bought this 04 SVT back in August of last year in Nebraska, flew in signed the paperwork, and drove back to Ohio. I was not dissapointed. This car is fun to drive, great mileage, and with a few mods, you can up the ponies and the performance for just fraction of the costs for other vehicles.

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  I love my car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MustangSally - April 19 - 11:34 am

  I bought this car as a present to myself for getting my graduate degree. Im a single mom and so tired of being practical! My kids and I love cranking the music and putting the top down! There are a few small things Id change but I have so much fun with this car. Even ordered a vanity plate!

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  Great value for the money - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By maryland mom - April 19 - 10:01 am

  My husband and I bought this car new in Dec. 2001, just before our first child was born. Its been a very functional, reliable car. Not sexy, but then again, no one will ever want to steal it. My husbands parents sold us a Chrysler T&C minivan, which we ended up using as our family car for two years. I preferred that for ease of getting kids in and out. But after the van was destroyed in a car accident we went back to the wagon, and its quite nice. Also I noticed its easier to fit groceries in the wagon than the van. No major repairs.

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  I Love My F-150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Old Blue - April 18 - 9:26 pm

  Great truck. Comfort and ride is amazing for its size. Get a tonneau cover if you have any hopes of getting better than 18 MPG. One of the major drawbacks is there is no internal storage space for things like fire extinguishers, jumper cables tools, etc. I know you can buy a rear under- seat storage bin to help with that. I hope the newer trucks come with more internal storage.

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  A GREAT Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sara A. - April 18 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased this car based on reviews. It had 16,000 miles and was a rental when I got it. I must say, this car is an excellent value for the amount of car you get. I have not had one single problem with anything on or in the car, with the exception of the cigarette lighter leaping out at me when pushed in; strange, but not a huge deal. It is fun to drive, very zippy, and has a huge trunk. The CD player/stereo system are very nice. All in all, buy this car.

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  Poor Acceleration - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Patrick Guggerty - April 18 - 6:56 pm

  Only problem is the acceleration should be better; Buick, Mazda, GM & Toyota offer an upgraded engine! But the reason I bought it was the all wheel drive. I just hope the power train holds up.

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  More Smiles per Mile - 2008 Ford Focus
  By California Driver - April 18 - 4:43 pm

  I live in Calif so this car is almost polution free with the PZEV system, (grilling a burger produces more Hydro Carbons than a 100 mile trip) it may cut into the MPG but I am getting 31 combined in the LA area and 36 on a recent road trip along the california coast with varing speeds and hills and with stops in towns on the way. So I am really pleased with this fun to drive car. My business partner bought a Toyota Yaris as it gets 37-39 but on highway speeds the road noise is terrible and the stearing is by wire so it does not handle near as nice as the focus, and is very slow to get up and going compared to the focus, 1.5 vs. 2.0. for just a couple of mpg I will take the power any day

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  I LOVE MY SPORT TRAC - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hillary - April 18 - 2:36 pm

  I traded in my Mustang GT for this truck and my only regret is the Sport Trac not having the power the GT had. Other than that I love it! And it does get a lot of looks on a hot summer day with all the windows down and clean as can be.

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  Good value and good car. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By scdlin - April 18 - 12:00 pm

  This car is worth looking. Too bad many people just turned away to Japanese imports. Its spacious, and the engine power is very adequate. Considering the tire size, it is actually very quiet. The interior and exterior design all come with taste. And all of these come with very reasonable price. I will strongly recommend this model as well as 2002 Taurus (basically the same) to any friend who is considering buying a new car.

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  Great Pickup for the family - 2005 Ford F-150
  By ace - April 18 - 9:51 am

  This is a good family truck. It has room for my wife and three sons. Great for vacations and fishing trips.