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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  Sporty & fun to drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Ron Christopher - August 31 - 10:00 am

  We just returned from a 1,200 mile drive on vacation. This suv/truck/ sports car was an absolute pleasure to drive. We averaged a little over 20 mpg which is great for this strong V6. I highly reccomend the leather seating, the no boundries roof rack and the 16" sport wheels & tires, it`s gives the vehicle a little more class.

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  Love the Power - 2002 Ford Escape
  By MoniSi - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I reviewed and test drove several mini- utes before making my decision. Standard equipment coupled with pricing made the Ford Escape an excellent choice for me. It is comfortably equipment with enough engine power as well as interior power features.

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  LEMON! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Bill V - August 31 - 10:00 am

  We have been really happy with our ford focus for the year and a half since we had it, and the the front brake went out. PADS & ROTORS! This car has ~30,000 miles on it, mostly highway driving. A quick check on the internet searching for the words "ford" "focus" "brakes" have revealed that front brake failure is COMMON on this vehicle. Many people have had to have their brakes and rotors replaced after only 8,000 miles! Ford is denying any responsiblity for the design, or that there is any problem. Well NO MORE FORDS FOR ME!!! After owning several fords over the years they have now lost me as a customer!

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  Truck could use improvement. - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This truck is like all othyer Fords Ive had. They eat up tires and start to ride rough. Also, this truck has a constant whine in teh dash they cant find without taking it apart, which I fear would lead to rattles.

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  love my ford - 2002 Ford F-150
  By amanda - August 31 - 10:00 am

  i love everything about my ford. it is so fun going places in it. i bought the silver, it shows noooo dirt. it handels very well. the fuel economy is great. i can leave west tn and go across the state into the carolinas. the only disadvantage i have is that i should have bought a 4x4 since i have a farm

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  Fun Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By AraS - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This truck is outstanding, best in the market. It is fun to drive, it is very comfy inside and it makes you feel like a king. Great handeling, speed and overall performance. Its a must have. For 32 thousand, this car is a steal. I would of paied up to 50 for this truck.

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  One of the Greatest trucks - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Daveh - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the greatest trucks Ive owned or driven. All of my friends also agree with me. It drives great, and the interior is second to none. Its no BMW, but it is one of the best built American cars today. Once again, Ford out does GM.

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  Quality Not Job One - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Final Ford - August 30 - 7:53 pm

  Overall the truck has been okay for a truck. Same old Ford quality though. Noisy transmission, loud power steering pump, and mushy suspension. Transmission hunts when pulling a boat and loaded. Poor window seal quality, almost all doors and window seals are now falling apart or off. Paint quality on roof was factory poor, checking and cracking. To top it off the Original OEM tires were dry-rotting at 25,000 miles.

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  2002 Ford Focus ZX5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By JK - August 30 - 3:30 pm

  I have not had the car long and so I have no problems with it at all. It is a lot of car for the money and is a great little hatch. Fun to drive, but still practical, and a lot of bang for the buck.

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  No Mo Fo Mo Co - 2006 Ford Focus
  By NoMoFoMoCo - August 30 - 3:22 pm

  My wife drove this car home from the dealership. By the time she got home, it had 11 miles on it. The trunk would not latch (returned it for service). Week 2, the driver side door would not close. Month 2, the remote stopped unlocking the doors. Month 3, the trunk flew open while we were driving with our dog in the back. We keep the doors shut with tie downs. The car is 6 months old, 5,000 miles and right now its stuck in my driveway and I am missing work (again). This is our 13th Ford over 20 years and unless Ford takes it back at their expense, we will be switching to one of the other big 3.