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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  Great Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Rob R. - December 25 - 5:17 pm

  I had a 98 Windstar previously- Freestar has a much better interior, much smoother shifting transmission but gets worse city mileage. I have never had the van back to the dealer for any warranty repairs in more than two and a half years of driving - an excellent reliability performance!

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  Relible Thing - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ChampionDriver01 - December 25 - 5:04 pm

  This Taurus is SO better than the late 90s Eclipse one. Had a 99 and it was a lemon. This Taurus is great. At roughly 65K, everything started going. First, my car had been running for 10 minutes, and heard a clunking noise. My rear- right wheel was hot. I called the dealer and they said to refuel with a different gas (huh?) but helped. The next week, the air bag sensor was trashed. I thought about trading the Taurus in for a Freestyle but didnt. THEN, a hose in the engine had shredded its seal, and that was OK, but was stranded at the dealer for 5 days because they didnt have the part. Finally, the front headlight is fogged. But this is the best car I have ever owned. Fords only for me forever!

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  Love My Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mark - December 25 - 2:23 pm

  Ive put about 1,000 miles on my 08 Focus and Ive loved everyone. When I purchased this car I was also looking at a Nissan Sentra Spec-V, a Mazda3, a Chevy Colbalt, a Toyota Corolla and a Dodge Caliber R/T. Although some of the vehicles had more hp and some were dressed a little nicer none of them had better fuel milage, a better price tag, or an overall total package like the Focus. If youre in the market for a fun, zippy, nice looking, little sports car then look no further than the 2 door Focus SES.

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  20 Inchers Outta the Box - 2006 Ford F-150
  By MACHZ - December 25 - 9:53 am

  Wow, the 20 inch wheels make this truck. It is unbelievable, a blast to drive, fit and finish is perfect, Ill find out about the fuel economy after the thrill of holding the 3 valve on the floor fades a bit.

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  Love Truck - Hate The Headliner - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Anthony B from NYC - December 24 - 8:59 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle, I was in awe. After a while the truck began to develop a few rattles but not many as my cars in the past. The most major problem I have encountered with this vehicle was the floppy headliner. I have had to install my own version of a packing foam in the headliner to eliminate the problem. I have currently experienced a problem in cold weather with the headliner tapping sounding as if the rear window is rattling but I have yet to experience any relief. All in all this vehicle was great on long trips. However the retention value is terrible!.

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  Aerotank - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Jason - December 24 - 3:41 pm

  Weve had this thing for 5 years. It has served us great. Weve gone from coast to coast with no major problems. All the kids fit with enough space to keep them from fighting. Take out the seats and it will haul ANYTHING. We did a complete move with just this van. It is built very solid. She took a hit from a deer last year and kept rolling with no serious damage. My wife seized the engine by letting it overheat and it fired right back up after it cooled off. Ive had a few odd-ball electrical problems, but this is normal for Ford. Other than that Ive only dealt with routine maintenance issues. The old girl has 210,000 miles now and still runs fine, and the AC is still cold.

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  Thrilled with my choice of vehicle - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Itzmynz2 - December 24 - 12:13 pm

  I am absolutely thrilled with the purchase of my vehicle. I had test driven many competitors vehicles ( HHR, Cobalt, Cruiser). I was not satisfied with anything until I went to Ford. I purchased a manual specically for the zip and whip. I am a Ford girl and I can not cheat on Ford, so when this stylish 2008 Focus came out (I had a 2000 Focus prior) I had to get one. This vehicle is a replica of my personality (young, always on the go and stylish). If you want a vehicle that is economical, stylish (Metallic Silver), and you can park it in the spots that bigger cars cannot; then purchase a Ford Focus.

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2005 Ford GT
  By SurfnUSA - December 24 - 12:00 pm

  Instant celebrity status while driving the car like no other I have owned (over 250). Runs the quarter in 11.5 @ 128, top end of 210 (track only). It costs more than twice as much as a performance comparable Z06 but twice the looks and curbside appeal. Total build is 4038, 300 totaled to date. Will increase in value as years go by and the number on the road are reduced. As of this post, only 50-75 are still on the dealers floor. After they are gone, no new ones will ever be available again. A new one will never be cheaper. My children will inherit a wonderful classic.

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  noisy car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By MIKE - December 24 - 11:03 am

  it has had 1 recall so far, for the heated seats. i think a car like this should get better than 30 mpg. but it wont. it is also very noisy on some roads.

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  From One to Another... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Mike - December 24 - 7:51 am

  I traded a 2001 ZX3 for this 2006 SES. After driving this car for a year now, I think overall I wish I would have kept my ZX3! The build quality was MUCH better on the ZX3 but the SES has more power. There are some annoying squeaks and rattles that were a non factor on the ZX3. I dont know why Ford would not make the seats that are standard on the ZX3/ZX5 standard on the SES. These have much better side bolsters. Dont get me wrong, I like the SES. The steering feel and handling are great. The ride is not too firm. The Sony Audiophile system has great sound and the auto transmission is smooth shifting.