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:

• 

  ZX3, Best driving experience - 2003 Ford Focus
  By markregel - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2000 Focus XZ3. This car has the best road-feel and handling of any I have driven. The ride is smooth and composed. Just finished riding a friends new Nissan Sentra. I didnt tell him, but no way would I trade it for my Focus. The ride was harsh and it sits low, like riding in a hole. Build Quality?

• 

  2005Adrenalin - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By BillT - June 13 - 12:23 am

  First Sport trac was a 2001 XLT (Company car). Loved it. Traded in at 80,000 for only one on the lot.. Adrenalin. Special Red. A beauty Have never seen another. That is #1. Will be made to trade in soon and I will to buy the trade. Gas mileage is frustrating..can only average 16.

• 

  Overall Good Car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By goodcar125 - June 12 - 11:26 pm

  I bought my 96 escort in 10/04 with 50,300 miles on it from an older man that couldnt drive it anymore. Reliability has been ok i guess. Needed 4 new springs and various emissions sensors when I bought it, but now it needs a new sway bar, a new blower motor and a/c repair. The 1.9L is peppy if you arent trying to pass on the expressway then its dangerous but I have the auto which may explain that. I love how well it takes corners and how easy it is to zip in and out of tight places. Its also a beast in the snow minus the lack of ABS which you have to be careful about. Also, fuel economy rocks! I put 15 bucks in it and it lasts 2 weeks its so amazing with gas being as much as it is.

• 

  Sports car feel/economy price - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Flash - June 12 - 4:23 pm

  The 5-speed manual transmission gives this car a muscle car-like acceleration. Its the most fun-to-drive car Ive owned since my 79 Turbo Mustang was new. It actually has a quicker feel than that Mustang had. Handling is superb. The car easily accomodates my 6 ft 1 in 280 lb body. My 63" son is a frequent back seat rider and he never complains about the space he has. The hatchback easily holds my cart golf bag, and it would easily hold two smaller bags. Mileage is great. Im getting 29-31 average around town, doing a mix of 70mph freeway driving and stop and go in-town driving. I have a stripped version. My only complaint is that the manual windows feel like they operate backwards.

• 

  big man big truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By rob - June 12 - 3:10 pm

  Im 67 320 pounds. I had all the big trucks and this one is the best. I went from a Silverado to Escalade to a Ram and could not find comfort until I sat in the big dog then i knew this was my truck and of course I always go top of the line. This just made the truck even better you can say Im a Ford man now!

• 

  Post review - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Condo kid - June 12 - 11:50 am

  The ride is firmer than I expected from a car this big and heavy.The performance is somewhat disappointing from the standard engine. It has a good audio system with cd player.

• 

  The best station wagon in the market - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Monded - June 12 - 10:25 am

  This car performs very well under any condition. Its contemporary European design is a plus. The interior is well thought out, elegant and quiet. Gas mileage is outstanding. The engine delivers its full power when needed and its fun to drive, both in city traffic and on highways. Ive had this car for years and I still find it very enjoyable and reliable. Its built to last. Visibility when driving is great. This station wagon handles curves very well even at higher speeds. Its probably the best compact station wagon in the market today.

• 

  My car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By golfer - June 12 - 6:20 am

  We have owned one Ford Crown Vic, then a Mercury Marquis and now another Crown Vic. We find them both to be the same and will always prefer them over other cars. We have looked at many and always come back. The ride and reliability is always great. When travelling we have always found great dealerships to help us out if there is a problem.

• 

  Disappointed - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Tim Levy - June 12 - 2:34 am

  Ford has dramatically lowered its standard and decreased its quality! The Expedition will look nice and all, but its mechanical build is just nonsense.

• 

  Stranded, Again - 1999 Ford Contour
  By brad83 - June 11 - 10:54 pm

  Please avoid this car at all costs! I have been stranded six times with this thing. Ive replaced almost every part, several times. This car has no pick up and go. Interior parts are falling off of it. This is my third Ford, and will be my last. Unless you enjoy time on the side of a highway, run screaming!