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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  2012 Focus SE A surprise to me - 2012 Ford Focus
  By freelanceshots - November 19 - 6:54 pm

  Dont have a lot of miles on my car just yet but Im digging my focus. Transmission seems more then fine. Ive got the auto 6 speed and from what Ive been told the transmission shifts and does what it does so that it can get better fuel consumption. Im not trying to drag race anymore so it does just great. Its a lot quieter then my Ford Taurus I was driving and I can really appreciate that. Looks pretty good in my opinion. First real time out on the highway I was pulling 45 mpg where it only gets better with the more miles you put on it. Accessories I plan to get include the stick-on keypad entry, rubberized mats, rear trunk mat and some ceramic window tint.

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  Very fun car to drive! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By My_Taurus - November 19 - 10:48 am

  I really love my Taurus. Its attractive and has a lot of style. You sure get a lot of car for the money.

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  In a niche of its own - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jasen S. - November 19 - 8:56 am

  It lacks the ergonomic perfection of the Civic, the driving dynamics of the 3, and the eternity and a half warranty of the Elantra, yet the Focus brings to the compact table a truly unique set of attributes.It has an amazing set of features (bluetooth, usb, sirius etc), great steering, mid-size ride comfort, a vault like chassis, and admirable fuel economy. On the debit side, the taller than average ride height limits its toss-ability through curves, and the interior could use fewer expanses of silver plastic. All told, with the benefit of 3500 in factory incentives, the Focus presents an overall value and feature set unique to the market. Thumbs up Ford.

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  Excellent Vehicle, but not for everyone - 2005 Ford Escape
  By studmonsh - November 18 - 7:30 pm

  I love my new hybrid. Room of an SUV with the economy of a small car. Quite a few options, but I would have liked to seen more. Other than that, Im very pleased. Best gas mileage in the city since the brakes regenerate the energy stored in the battery, which operates the engine up to 30-35 mph. Be warned-if you plan on putting a lot of highway miles on it, youre going to get close to the same efficiency of a regular Escape, which is still great for an SUV, but if youre paying the extra for hybrid technology, youll want to make sure youll make up for it by what you save on gas. Bottom line-its not for everyone. Great for stop-and-go traffic and city driving.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Steve - November 18 - 4:24 pm

  I bought this truck used with 56K miles on it in July 2002. It looks good doing everything a full size truck should do. It hauls, pulls and rides as good as anything Ive ever owned. Its great on long trips and gets decent gas mileage for a full size package. I added an A.R.E. camper shell to make camping trips more enjoyable (I take a lot of scouting trips with my son and his friends). My truck now has over 90K miles on it and the only problem Im having is my digital odometer doesnt come on until the truck is warmed up (though it still continues to track mileage). Great truck!

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  Think Twice - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin Kolff - November 18 - 7:53 am

  I have owned three Explorers since 1991 and I can guarantee this will be my last Ford Vehicle. I have had so many problems with my 2002 Explorer, where do I start. AC went out at 38K, tranny replaced at 60K, rear tailgate plastic strip cracked at 39K, clear coat on all plastic parts gone, interior door material coming unglued, power steering pump replaced 71K, power lock motor replaced 66K. These are only the major problems; the list of the smaller problems is too long to list.

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  Yamaha SHOs review - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Jason - November 18 - 7:02 am

  The SHO comes with a love/hate relationship. My 95 SHO has been a great car until my stupidity spun a rod bearing. The car is capable of beating supercars with a few modifications. The car takes very well to boost. On a stock motor with a Vortech T-trim supercharger, I produced 460hp. This car is not a great car for someone who does not have the knowledge, willingness to learn nor money to maintain it. Many of these cars have been beaten and show problems because of it (as with the case of my 92 SHO). On the flip- side, it has honed my skills quite well. This is definitely an enthusiasts car. Somehow I got hooked many years ago and I still have my SHOs, but have a Civic now too.

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  Loveit - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By truxxer - November 18 - 12:19 am

  Over all i love it. Its fun to drive and there are lots of options and add ons like body kits and exhaust to choose from and I like that. Most of all the looks I get and compliments on the car.

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  Buy a Ranger...Get an Extended Warranty - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cday1 - November 17 - 10:38 pm

  Love the truck, except transmission problems at 50,000 miles and again at 70,000 miles. Ive had enough, Tacoma here I come.

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  Old horse never dies - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Double D - November 17 - 6:52 pm

  Bought it new in 95. Drive it daily. What a great car. First warm day the top goes down. I never expected a Ford to be as reliable as this. 100k miles and no major problems. Maintain the engine and wash & polish. Car runs and looks new. Added a K&N open air filter and added 5 miles on the highway. Make sure you get Blizzaks for the winter.