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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  Best Vehicle Ive owned - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kell1980 - March 10 - 3:20 pm

  Ive only had it 2 weeks but I already have fallen in love with it. Its comfortable, stylish, quiet, and easy to handle. My husband loves the Mach3 sound system.

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  good most of the time - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By sop1 - March 10 - 1:30 pm

  Overall, a good car. Most of the time works smoothly, but when something does go wrong its usually expensive. Safety features provide all sorts of quirks.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Barry - March 10 - 9:55 am

  This is one of the best looking cars at any price. It has been flawless. Factory stereos could be better, but I do like the MP3 option. Lots of thumbs up and positive comments about this car. I have the GT with the 5 speed auto. Ive never driven a car that was such a blast to simply drive! Gas mileage is not too bad on the highway, but in stop and go conditions it drops down pretty quickly, 24 mpg highway, 16.5 mpg around town, but I drive with a heavy-ish foot -- with this car its hard not to. I would buy another without a second thought, way to go Ford!

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  Pretty Impressed! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By ZX3 - March 10 - 8:03 am

  I bought my ZX3 with hesitation, but it has paid off in the end. A Honda Civic would have been a lot more than what I paid for my ZX3, and it doesnt look nearly as good! Only major problem was my ignition locked up, but not very expensive to replace and it was fixed in a few hours. Gas mileage isnt as good as I would have expected. I have 80,000 miles on the car and no more problems yet. Im 62 and have plenty of head room. I can even sit in the back with comfort. With the back seats folded down, it is amazing what will fit in the back of a ZX3. Overall a great car and I would recommend it to anybody. I think next time Im going to go for the SVT so I can blow by all those Civic SIs!

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  Impressive for the price - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Pat - March 10 - 2:57 am

  Very roomy, comfortable, solid, quiet ride. Hides the bumps very well and has a sporty exterior look. Handles much better than the reviews Ive read. Im impressed with all the features for the money.

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  Mustang somewhat disappointing - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jjkjrii - March 9 - 2:12 pm

  My wife and I both have 2005 mustangs and both have some of the same problems. Both cd players skip and will not play the cd at times. Both had to have rear windows replaced because they distorted the view out of them. Both have a harmonic vibration in the exhaust system that ford has no fix for it, the one that I drive has a noisy rear end {gear noise}. So much for improving quality. Ford seems to think sell cars the heck with quality.

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  A nice looker & driver / keeps you broke - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Larry James - March 9 - 1:31 pm

  Car purchased by my wife with 35k miles, she puts 34 miles a day to work and home. Within the first year tires were shot, alignment bad, replaced ball joints, the large belt. Then at 50k to 60k miles front wheel bearings, Brake rotors, calipers. since then alternator, large belt. Now at 120k the front wheel bearings and brake rotors (warped) and now head gasket!

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  2008 Fusion SE 6 cyl - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Rock - March 9 - 11:40 am

  Great car, love the look and quality. Fun car to drive and we love the satellite radio. Roomy interior and very quite ride. Would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Brake Problems Galore - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Not Again - March 9 - 10:07 am

  We love the Expeditions looks and capabilities. However, weve had nothing but problems since purchasing. The brakes and/or rotors need replaced every 6 months. Neither the dealer or Ford will admit theres a problem. And no, its not the driving style as weve never experienced problems like this with other SUVs or cars. Never again with a Ford.

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  Nice package - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Phil Barbour - March 9 - 9:20 am

  FoMoCo has vastly improved their small car design over the years. My first one was purchased new in 1981 (Mercury Lynx). This Focus wagon is fully loaded with options. All work well. I do look forward to replacing the Goodyear tires that came on it, however (Never had much luck with this brand, especially in getting them perfectly balanced). More insulation would be a good idea. Although not really annoying, you are definitely made aware of the high winding DOHC 4 cylinder engine doing its thing, especially during "brisk" acceleration. All the teething problems Focus had in its first few years seem to have been addressed and taken care of. So far, so good.