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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  Treats the Family Right - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rob - May 19 - 7:45 pm

  Solid and dependable. This is great on long trips, which is primarily what it gets used for. Gas mileage...well, its what youd expect for a V8 and what was advertised when we bought it. Plenty of power. I wish the clearance was a couple inches higher because I do take this off-road for camping. No towing issues with 17 boot and trailer. Engine is quiet. Seats 7 with reasonable comfort, though its primarily just ma, pa, & the boy with the 3rd row of seats folded down for luggage. 2nd row of seats folds flat and can fit a few 4x8 sheets of plywood. We hope they improve mileage with future models, because wed consider another.

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  Comfortable and Dependable - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Central VA - May 19 - 12:01 pm

  Bought my Taurus used 2 years ago, have had no problems or expenses other than routine maintenance. Leather seats, sunroof, 24V V6, alloy wheels, a nice looking, comfortable package. Have averaged over 28 MPG over the last 30K miles, get better than 30 on the highway. Seats could be a little more comfortable, and interior trim is kinda cheap looking, but so far I have no complaints. Doesnt hold value well since there are 60 gazillion of them on the road. Very smooth on the highway, a little more wind noise than some sedans.

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  Worst new car I ever bought - 2006 Ford Focus
  By wiwany - May 19 - 11:09 am

  Six Flags on the road - thats the way this sloppy manufactured car rides. Suspension must be made of marshmallows. A pot hole in the way? just hit it - and sends you somewhere you would never anticipate beforehand ... I would even say: dangerous to drive!

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  Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Edge Ranger - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned, it looks, rides, and sounds great. The 4.0 has allot of power and has been very helpful. I bought this truck in may 2001 and have not had any problems with it. I recomend this truck to who ever is thinking of buying a small size pick up.

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  Check tran. before warranty expires! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By poshay - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Just put $1500 into trans. Like others was told the rolling and clunk were normal until the warranty expired 6,000 mi. ago. I will never buy another Ford product after this experience.

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  The Expensive Economy Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer L. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has a lot of interior space for a compact car, and leg and head room are a feat of engineering genius. I have no complaints about the simple, ergonomic and functional accessories. Fantastic handling and manouverability, a tough little exterior, and great fuel economy. Problem is $500 rotors that cant be turned and need replacing every 10k miles. The brakes never make a sound so you cant tell when the pads are worn. Why build an economy car with BMW rotors? Remember when Ford used MacPherson Struts on the 1980 Ford Fairmont? The logic of this escapes me. Also if you have a chance, look at the FordFocusBrakeProblems.com site.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Ford Owner - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several small Fords and this one seems to be the best one yet. The Zetec engine is very nice. I would avoid the standard engine. The only problem Ive encountered is the squeaky rear brakes. No engine problems at all.

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  Midnight Edition - 2002 Ford Escape
  By GoBlue - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Its fun to drive and its great looking. Ford, though, really skimped on some features, especially interior lighting. For example, there is no light for the ignition keyhole and many of the operating controls are painted on in white with no backlighting for dark roads. A compass and outside temp gauage would have been nice as well as a little less plastic inside.

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  One Great SUV! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By hhickm1 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  One of the best purchases I have ever made, next to the house. There is plenty of room and it truly does seat 8 people comfortably. The amount of space in the back with the seats folded down is great! I can put my Expy in the garage, albeit with the sideview mirrors folded into the truck. I have a 2.5 year old daughter and she loves it too! She can see out as we are driving, she always wants to ride in the truck!

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  Expedition review. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Matthew D - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable for short and long trips. New vehicle style improved over previous style. Doesnt drive as big as it looks. Mileage could be improved some.