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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  2003 ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SilverOne - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 ZX3 before this and I loved it. I put way too many miles on it and just had to get a new car. I decided on the ZX3 once again because of how much of a great vehicle it was. Its very fun to drive, has very good performance and power for a 130hp engine, the handling is great and it has lots of room. They have made many improvments on the newer models and fixed a few things also. I know Im going to like this car as much as I did the last and will probably get yet another Focus after this one! Sounds crazy but I really do like them.

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  Nice, but - 2005 Ford F-150
  By 82duck - May 27 - 7:20 am

  An excellent vehicle except for 3 things: tall rear end makes visibility bad out the back, lack of dead pedal leaves no firm spot for left foot, and freewheeling transmission prevents use of cruise control in mildly hilly terrain. Traded it for a Murano after 8000 miles.

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  ford fusion 2016 - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Thai Pham - May 27 - 3:38 am

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  Love sport cars but wanted SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By suv convert - May 27 - 3:29 am

  First SUV wanted towing and hauling room otherwise would have gotten another sport car. Handling is excellent, turning radius surprisingly small, seats excellent, love the leather, annoying helicopter sound when sunroof open, needs the step bar for entrance, adjustable petals good choice, digital readout excellent. Im very picky about what I drive and the handling ability. I love this SUV. Only a few negatives. Need more leg room on door side, bad door design, not enough room in cargo area, floor isnt flat with seat down, transmission makes annoying pause when shifting, but getting use to it, good head room, rides well on long trips, feels safe

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  Im Impressed! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bonny - May 27 - 1:30 am

  I have been driving this car for 6 months and the experience is amazing. It is smooth, classy, and comfy. Anyone I offer a ride to is immediately impressed and pleasantly surprised that it is a Ford. I rode in a 2007 Toyota Camry recently while visiting a friend out of state and my Fusion far surpasses the Camry ride. Both were V6s but there was no comparison. Fusion Rocks! I didnt tell him that...but I was so happy with my decision to buy the Fusion. The spacious interior of the Fusion is also a huge plus that the Camry doesnt come close to providing. Ford did it right this time!

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  Happy with my Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By bmurf - May 26 - 8:53 pm

  We bought a Windstar SEL new in 2000. The car currently has 22,000 miles and except for standard maintenance, and one problem with the tie-rod, the car performs great. I wish the gas mileage was better, we currently get about 16 mpg, mostly around town driving. This car has lots of utility, especially with kids, dog, etc. The entertainment system is a godsend for long trips. The removable seats let me load up lots of stuff on frequent trips to Home Depot. This is a really nice vehicle.

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  great car, only had it for 3 days though. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By robert fisher - May 26 - 7:23 pm

  terrible visibility out rear window. windshield wipers a bit annoying, otherwise not too bad looking and very comfortable.

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  Fun Stang - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By John Zidiak - May 26 - 6:39 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle 5 years it was with the intention of just using it for pleasure. I have done some cosmetic work to the car since I have owned it such as replace the yellowed headlights, carpet and stereo. Mechanically the only thing I have done is the routine up keep. Oil changes etc. 2.3L is a very reliable motor but not the most powerful, though it does move the car around nicely. The car is thirteen years old and runs like a charm. I am a die hard Mustang fan and would recommend owning one.

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  bulletproff - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By pirateheadman - May 26 - 4:41 pm

  What a great car! The 4.6 V-8 gets good mileage (20-24mpg) and is bulletproof. Its the same drivetrain as the police Crown Vics. I have done nothing but replace spark plugs once and install an alternator in 155,000 miles.

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  Pony car reborn - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Anacad - May 26 - 4:20 pm

  I love this car! It has a great retro look and a lot of get up and go for a V- 6. This is my third Mustang; my first was a 1966 convertible and my second (my first new car) was a 1982 L sedan. My 2005 Mustang tops them both! Ive only had one problem with the car -- the power lock on the passenger side doesnt work and hasnt since day one. Since Im usually the only one in the car, Ive arranged to get it fixed on my first service visit.