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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  Cobra 03 WOW!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cnbdude - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a muscle performance car!!! Good value and build right from factory with warranty. After markets skyrocket performance.

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  Sport Trac Owner impressions - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dks000 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  For such a big truck outside it seems little inside! We didnt want a full size crew cab truck and the mini crew cab trucks were too little. Its very comfortable and suitable for a 400 mile family vacation trip and still easy to run to the mall with. Gas milage is OK for this size and weight truck. The added weight is helpful when towing trailers by being more stable in cross winds. The price was lower than other trucks we considered and with good expierence with an old Ranger pickup we jumped on this truck. (I mean bought it!)

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  03 SPORT TRAC... GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MoMan - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my eye on a new vehicle for some time now. When I looked at the Sport Trac I wasnt quite sure about it. Then I test drove one and was so impressed with it that I bought it right then and there. I have driven all brands except G.M. (its a personal thing), I think this vehicle is fun to drive. It is perfect for my needs as Im the President of a Construction company and need to entertain clients as well as visit jobsites. It is both comfortable and very versatile. I have only had the vehicle for a short period and already have great respect for what Ford accomplished with this vehicle. I cant say enough positive things about this vehicle.

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  The Worst Car EVER sold - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jaki - May 13 - 10:02 pm

  I bought the car with 60,000 miles on it. I have got to admit now that I was down in the dumps when I bought that Ford nightmare. The next day as I was driving to work the Ford nightmare had a fuel pump problem, and then the timing belt literally exploded and then oil leak and then fuel leak and then the AC broke down and then the water pump broke down and then the back power windows broke down and the car stereo broke down -- I had to hit it hard with my fist for it to function several times and then the Ford nightmare is a noise box and then and then and then. How many times did I say "and then" - I have lost count. Mayday Mayday Mayday DO NOT EVER BUY a FORD EVER Please...

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  My Opinion - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By onen5 - May 13 - 5:06 pm

  I love this car, and wouldnt trade it for the world. Like every car it has issues. I had problems with the struts, the gas tank, and the heater. But if you love to drive, youll love to drive this. I cant vouch for the automatics or the V6 cars, but the GT with a stick (wrapped in leather) is a sheer thrill to drive.

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  Still Focused - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Hombre - May 12 - 9:39 pm

  Im the original owner and after 5 years and 60,000 miles Id definitely do it again! Zero problems, couldnt be happier with my purchase. I cant believe all these Focus horror story reviews. Maybe I got the only good one produced in 2001. Sorry bout your luck.

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  Another Lemon - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By J - May 12 - 9:22 pm

  Replaced ball joints at 25,000 miles and again at 90,000. Radio stopped displaying at 60,000. Problems too numerous to mention. Gas mileage started at around 17 city is now down to 10-12 city and 15 hwy, and thats driving like a granny. Put more work into this truck before 90,000 than any other vehicle Ive owned. Trading it off soon, good riddance!

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  FOCUS on problems - 2000 Ford Focus
  By va1234 - May 12 - 8:59 pm

  I have had my Focus for 2 yrs now and I have actually driven it for 1.5 yrs because the rest of the time it was in the shop. The warranty company has put $5200 in repairs for the engine and suspension. The only thing that I like is the sound system, interior, and the exterior styling is ok. I have had alternator problems, starting problems (6 times for that one), cooling system, suspension, gaskets, and new steering column (1st week owned). The transmission is quirky and the vehicle has no power. THIS CAR WOULD RUN BETTER FLYING OFF A BRIDGE!!!

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  Love this car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Steve - May 12 - 6:40 pm

  Great car! Comfortable, roomy, spirited and very reasonably priced.

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  experienced owner - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By RICHARD PATE - May 12 - 5:14 pm

  My second Expedition and it is better than the last one. The whole family loves it on the road. Smooth and comfortable with all the extras and conveniences. Gas mileage is expected to reach 19 or 20, equaling my previous one. It is better on gas and cheaper on insurance than the 2004 Tahoe I traded and very much more comfortable.