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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  Ford Focus ZX4 SE - 2005 Ford Focus
  By All4Godjl - October 26 - 5:20 am

  This car wasnt even what my wife and I were originally looking for. However when we saw the gas mileage, exterior style, and heard about the safety features we decided to buy it. I was hesitant about buying a Ford, however we have put 28000 miles on it in one year and drove from CA to TX. The car is still doing good. Its got a few down sides but over all its a 9 out of 10.

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  Reliable and inexpensive - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By David - October 25 - 9:52 pm

  Ours was in good condition when purchased at 86,000 miles, requiring only fluids and filters. In the 40,000 miles since then there has been one problem (camshaft position sensor - car was still drivable), and everything else was wear and tear related. A few annoyances - wind noise on passenger side, rusty A pillar on driver side, some misaligned interior trim pieces - but overall its very likable - it has a "Millennium Falcon" appeal with the swoopy styling and all the junk you can carry inside. Transmission seems a little delicate (overheated the fluid while driving to Big Bear from LA and needed it flushed). Wouldnt buy one new because of depreciation, but its a great used-car buy.

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  love it or leave it..........I like it ! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas Dx - October 25 - 6:41 pm

  Tell you more.......she puts out ...and not only looks, 4.0 Lt motor good on gas....255k miles Florida born ..rust free great body

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  Electrical Gremlins - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Tc99 - October 25 - 1:11 pm

  Way too many electrical gremlins to list. (Well, lets try anyway: daytime running lights that wont shut off without pulling a fuse, headlights that go from dim to bright at random, electric windows that randomly work, dome light that goes on and off at random, trunk light that goes on and off at random, power locks that suddenly lock or unlock at random....). Transmission is starting to go at 100K miles - at least it has lasted longer than average. Gas mileage stinks - 15 city, 16 highway. Engine knocks badly on regular unleaded. The cupholders wont hold your cup going around corners.

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  You got to own one! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Eddy Steven - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After having owned numerous Mustangs dating back to a classic 1965, the 2001 Cobra is the best Mustang Ford has ever made. With 320 hp it is a blast to drive and the independent rear suspension is great for handling and ride quality.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By adventurebound - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Whoa! We did our research, test drove the Tahoe, Sequoia and were SOLD on this SUV! The folding FLAT third row seats are the show stoppers. Also love that you can be comfortable ANYWHERE you sit from drivers seat to third row! Not so in the Tahoe or Sequoia...knees come up to chin in third row seat! Another biggie...safety factor..kids can exit the third row without help! Handles are very user friendly. Great family vehicle. Get a splitter from Radio Shack and 4 or more can listen to a movie while you drive to your favorite CD playing up front!! Took a 17 hour road trip and LOVED it in this SUV. It ranked up there with flying FIRST CLASS!

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  2000 Limited - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By wsws - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my 2000 Explorer LTD V6 4X4 very much,

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  V8 Helps a Lot - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 0% - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the XLT with a V8 and towing package. Plenty of low end power and smooth acceleration. Leather interior is very comfortable and 3rd row seating is a definite plus for loading kids and friends at the same time.

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  Poor Customer Service - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By free1 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a decent auto, however, the V8 seems to have a problem with broken ignition wires (as early as 30K-40K miles). Ford is not willing to acknowledge this problem, but has plenty of replacement wires in stock! Also problems with noisy front springs and the brake pedal. Poor quality of rear wiper, electric windows, luggage racks. Comfortable seats, decent interior layout, good comfort features (lighted mirrors, remote door locks, etc.).

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  FORD FOCUS ZX3 00 - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JONATHAN FLESTADO - October 25 - 10:00 am

  DRIVING A 00 FORD FOCUS IS REALLY GOOD ! YOU CANT REALLY FEEL ANY VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SPEED OF MORE THAN 75M PER HOUR.ITS REALLY FUN TO DRIVE A CAR LIKE THIS.EVERYBODY IS ASKING ME WHAT KIND OF CAR IS IT .THERE TRYING TO BUY IT, BUT IM WILLING TO SELL IT AND GET ANOTHER FORD AND IT SHOULD BE A SVT FOCUS! HA! HA!