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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  Practical Performer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Alleve23 - July 17 - 7:30 am

  Traded in an SUV for this car in the North East. Performs well in the wet/snow conditions. The ZTW has provided me with more than adequate storage space and power. It is nimble and quick with the ZETEC. Rear shocks needed to be replaced at 2000 miles; they have been fixed and have given me no problems since. I have driven the vehicle 26,000 problem free miles per year and it has been holding up very well.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By KT - July 16 - 10:30 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. I love the sport feel that the ST offers but also the fact that it is practical and safe. I got the infrared color and have had several people stop me in parking lots and ask me about the car. Eye-catching interior plus a sweet MP3 player make this car a blast to drive, and the power from the larger engine doesnt hurt either. Hard to go wrong with the Focus these days with Ford throwing huge rebates into the mix. I want to move up to a Mustang in the next few years, but to tell you the truth, the Focus will be difficult to part with.

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  I WILL BUY ESCAPE AGAIN! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Linda-Tennessee - July 16 - 5:06 pm

  I bought mine used in 2003. It had 15K miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I fell in love with it the moment I test drove it. It handles very well, and is very comfortable to travel in. I have 3 children (15, 10 & 6) and they fit into the back seat with room left between them. I love my Escape, and when it is time, I will trade for another one.

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  Not bad - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Felicia - July 16 - 8:24 am

  I bought my Escort from a couple who wanted a newer car. It had high miles for the year, but didnt look bad at all. Ive had Escorts and other Fords before and this car has been the best one for me to drive. Body looks good, inside fits 1 adult, 2 kids and a big dog pretty good. I had a few problems with it, such as the brakes, and now Im told something is broken in the engine, but that little car still moves. Has always been good on gas, and the only time it left me stranded was when I got a dead battery. I drove this car hard. I live in a hilly region and I tend to lay on the gas. The tranny is good, its just that some mounting thing in the engine is broke, so the car can take a beating.

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  Good vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By wr70beh - July 16 - 7:53 am

  I needed a car that gets good mileage and I got it in the Fusion. For a car about the size of the Accord and for a lot less money, its just about equal.

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  Gas mileage beast - build quality ok - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Eric - July 15 - 8:06 pm

  I always wanted to own an Expo and bought a left over 2005 in December. Then gas prices took off. The truck is very comfortable, but the build quality is only "ok." I have 10,000 miles on this vehicle and things are already rattling and I have squeaks. Gas mileage is no where near EPA figures, even with gentle starts and cruising at posted speeds on the highway. Ive never seen better than 15-16 (this is a 4x4 model). At over $80 to fill it, its time for me and the Expo to part ways - it just isnt worth the expense - well squeeze into something a lot more economical.

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  Fun to drive and easy to park - 2006 Ford Escape
  By camguy - July 15 - 8:02 pm

  This small SUV is by far my favorite vehicle. I always liked the Mercury version (Mariner) but decided to look at the Escape since it was basically the same with a slightly different look and was a few grand less. Well I loved the ride. Cant say anything bad about the car.

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  Love My Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Ernesto Cancio - July 15 - 6:06 pm

  This is the best Mustang GT I ever owned; not has fast as my 1986 but it was not governed. At the age of 45 speed not that important but it looks good and feels even better.

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  Fun in a solid car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Jim - July 15 - 4:42 pm

  Top down fun that is worry free. Proven V-6 engine with automatic is a solid Ford drivetrain. Back seat is for children and packages, not adults. Trunk is small to accommodate the convertible top. Head turning and sporty.

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  Gas mileage Isnt Close To The EPA Rating - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By michael - July 15 - 12:17 pm

  Ive found our truck to be a fun and nice looking vehicle. The interior is spacious and all gauges/controls are well within reach. Im very happy with the styling and performance of the truck. The only real drawback is the 14-15 MPG which Ive experienced. Im getting this MPG on the interstate with the cruise on!