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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  Horrible vehicle - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ted Parks - October 10 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned eight Ford vehicles, but this 2002 Ranger had more problems than I could list here, and they were repeatedly worked on by the dealer and seldom resolved. The Company Customer Service was non-existent, and I will never, NEVER buy another Ford vehicle

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  Great Car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By warlocke - October 10 - 8:19 pm

  I have had the car 3 months and i love it to death. I will not sell it and will drive it till it blows up lol. Runs strong at 130k+ miles still getting 25-35mpg city/highway respectively.

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  Decent and fun to drive! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Roen - October 9 - 10:25 pm

  Ive had my 2004 Focus ZX3 for a little over a year now and so far no problems. Ive heard Ford had fixed all the problems in the previous model year Foci into the 2004 models and its pretty obvious. The 2.3L PZEV engine is very torquey at low RPM ranges, around 3,000 rpms, which is practically everyday RPM ranges. Very smooth ride, nice interior, and beautiful styling. Fuel economy isnt as great for a car this size, however. I calculated an average 26 mpg city/highway driving, which is what youd expect from a larger vehicle like an SUV. But the 2004 Focus is an overall great car to drive thats actually more reliable than the previous model year Foci.

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  Love this car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By David - October 9 - 10:11 pm

  This car has been a super purchase. It fits a family of 5 (me, wife, 3 kids) and luggage in the back or on top. I can even separate the kids and put some in the back rumble seat to keep them quiet and at peace. The added tow package has made towing a pop-up camper or small trailer easy and made this vehicle even more flexible. SUPER gas mileage and great reliability. The only challenge has been meeting the VERY strict NY state emissions standards with the California engine, but we finally solved the emission sensor issues and life is good. I only wish it had a CD player!

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  Designer almost 100% satisfied - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jim Ginter - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife was looking for a new car and evolved to VW, BMW and Audi. Im hard core Ford and just couldnt seem to really get into her choices. Then one day I saw this Focus ZX3 SVT at the Ford dealer. We took it for a test run and fell totally in love. Great driving experience. But she doesnt like the looks. Fronts great. Wheel well treatment and profile lack sporty appeal. Overall all call it a hi- profile go-cart that got cut short.

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  ford escape rox - 2004 Ford Escape
  By phartman - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This suv is what everyone should want (and expect) in a vehicle. Ford delivers with this car.

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  Refined Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By New Owner - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The Escape has very good handling on the road in various conditions. Performed well in the heavy rain. Excellent acceleration, but taxes fuel mileage. Transparent shifts from 2 to 4 wheel drive. Interior is well done. Unfortunately I wanted the slate gray interior but was only offered black (too hot) or pebble (uninspiring). Surprising flexibility when adjusting vehicle features (daytime running lights, speed volume control, brake starting override, headlight delay, rear wiper speeds)

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  Best Ford ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By David Stegmeir - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck. I will likely upgrade to a Lariet. This is truely the best ford ever built.

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  Only had it a week... Still in love - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By KatieBumpkin - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my car... second Mustang.... first was a 94 V6... many maintanence problems with first model... because of extended warranty I am comfortable enough to buy another one. The service personnel at Villa Ford in Orange have been friendly. If you do buy one, stay away from the base sound system. Demand the Mach version or you will be very unhappy. Other then that, the drive is tons of fun!

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By CJ Lane - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Ford Expedition. I reallylike the styling, it has a more modern styling than chevrolet or gmc. It handles great and gets very good gas mileage for a full size SUV.