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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  Fun but hot! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By KRANKIZZ - June 23 - 12:18 am

  Well I own my 2001 Focus for almost 7 yrs never lets me down even if theres a problem with the car . I have this car overheat like 5 times, the problem the my car have is the radiator thats about it . This car have 19,000k and still good as new fast motor. Thats the good thing about a good motor the is been taken good care! Love your Focus!

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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Lauren - June 22 - 8:09 pm

  I just got this car as a graduation gift and it definitely was not my choice car, but anyways it drives really well and its fun to drive. It is as basic as a car can get, no power anything, no cruise control, etc. I feel like it will last me so many more years, i feel safe in this car. The only major complaint is how hard it vibrates the entire car when idling. So although it doesnt have a lot of fun gadgets, its reliable and a good first car.

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  Super Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By pab from SD - June 22 - 10:43 am

  09 Focus SES, sporty, comfortable, economical, very functional interior but most of all fun to drive. I avg 35 - 38 mpg, some interstate and city driving. I had Prius before this and the high winds would blow me off the road, but the Focus does well. In the snow the Focus as done great, Prius was too light and headed for the ditch. I would recommend a Focus for anyone, especially if they are looking for quality in an economical and sporty packaged car.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By tool22p - June 22 - 3:44 am

  Purchased this vehicle a week ago and it is great. There is nothing to complain about so far, rides and corners great. The engine is then same engine as our 2004 6 cylinder ford mustang had and sounds and acts exactly the same. Enjoy the beefy sound while accelerating. Was told by a Volvo tech that the chassis was the same as the Volvo chassis,as Volvo is owned by Ford this is not a surprise, awesome vehicle..

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  Love the fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Gumer Cutino - June 22 - 2:02 am

  Purchased new for my wife. She drives a lot the car is solid. We havent had any problems, it has 49,000 miles and still no issues.

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  A Work Horse - 2001 Ford Focus
  By The Captain - June 21 - 4:24 pm

  Self-employed, bought for everyday driving needs, performed well, had to replace bought front coils springs, and two power window motors, but other than that - excellent value! Way to go Ford!

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  Love this new V6 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By KC - June 21 - 3:10 pm

  Have only put about 1,000 miles on my new Mustang convertible but its already easily the best Mustang I have owned. The power from this new V6 is outstanding and the handling and braking are top notch. I have the 6 spd Auto and it handles the engine very well. Steering is direct and well weighted, controls all feel of the highest quality. This is the first Mustang Ive driven that feels in many ways like my Hondas. In fact, with the real aluminum trim and fabulous Sync system this Mustang is more luxurious and sophisticated than most other cars in its price class. And top down, well, nothing is better. Top is thick and seals very well.

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  Just get one - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Mr.Ouchies - June 19 - 11:25 pm

  Youre not gonna spend that much on one and will be surprised. You can buy one as a spoof then soon realize its your baby. I wanted one just for novelty but got caught up in festiva fever. This car has never left me stranded and only required a new alternator and battery. Farthest I have traveled in it in one day was about 300 miles when i first got it and true to what others have said "I no longer trust this car on long trips." I dont know why I dont, but i just dont. These cars do die sort of. I have seen one not work with 256,000 due to bad ignition switch. I have seen one with 125,000 that was in an accident, but engine was pulled to put in one with over 300,000 that barely began to smoke

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  Cant believe it is a v6! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By koolpony - June 19 - 10:24 pm

  I have owned several mustangs in my lifetime, and this is by far the best overall feeling Mustang ride I have ever experienced. It drives much bigger than it is. I was considering a 5.0, but after driving the 3.7 it was plenty for me, especially with the 6 speed, FUN, FUN, FUN! I will do some minor mods in the future, but for now just enjoying such a fine car. Ford you finally got it right! I love my Mustang.

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  I LOVED this truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By cbeach31408 - June 19 - 12:16 am

  I drove this truck for 7 months with NO problem..purchased it with 125k miles, it was so convenient, and wasnt that bad on gas even though when i bought it the truck hadnt been taken care of, with an oil change, and tune up ran like a dream, got around in our bad winter here with no problem at all, I had to sell it due to financial situation, and SO badly miss it, am actually looking for another one, this was the first one Id ever owned but am now an Explorer fan, my sister has one the same year, with 226k miles and never hesitates to drive it all over the country. AWESOME truck!