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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  Inexpensive way to drive a sports car. - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Utah Mike - April 1 - 9:24 am

  I got mine used at 17,000 miles and have put another 16,000 miles on it. Now its 3 years old and runs great. Nice loud exhaust, and with the top down Im amazed how many people pull up next to me and want to talk about my car. For a V6 its got lots of pep, although if you romp on the gas, it takes half a second to take off.

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  FORD fan for life! :) - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Karen - March 31 - 7:55 pm

  We bought this car [used] five years ago with 22,000+ miles on it. It has served us perfectly well in all of this time until its untimely demise in an auto accident a few days ago. I walked away from the accident with not one scratch. With an impact of more than 45 MPH, it could have been much, much worse. "Built FORD tough..." Yes INDEED! In addition to the car itself, the fact that Ford did not take any of the government stimulus money keeps me faithful to such a sturdy and independent organization. Sure, nobodys perfect, but FORD is perfect for me! I am in the market for a new car and am searching far and wide for another FORD to call my own! :)

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  Great Car!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By thinkr047 - March 31 - 6:06 pm

  This is a wonderful car! I bought this car brand new in 2002. I have had 3 fairly major wrecks in this car and it held up extremely well and kept me protected! I have had to replace a few things here and there but so far nothing major. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase and I will be purchasing a new Focus in 2012 when the new design comes out!

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  Good Vehicle - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Tim Hall - March 30 - 11:08 pm

  I love this car, but the rear space should be much better for such a large car. I love everything else. Make more options too.

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  Good Car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Tom Smith - March 30 - 10:23 pm

  I would not want any other car in the world but this. It is one of the roomiest cars I ever drove. A definite Buy. The headrest doesnt bother me, but will for many people. The space in the rear should be WAY bigger to for such a large car. Offer a different version but with the same styling for extra rear room. They should also offer a identical Lincoln model for more prestige but staying under 60k Fully loaded with all the Tuaruses option and the other options I named. Its a luxury car and should definitely offer 1 touch windows. Front sunshade would be wonderful too so i dont have to put up the reflector to protect the dash

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  Great little car! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Chuck - March 30 - 5:12 pm

  Purchased new, this car has proved to be economical, fun to drive, and very reliable. Original tires lasted 55K and replacements were good for 78K. The rear brakes were replaced at 125K even though they had 15% wear left. Am getting 50,000+ on front pads. City mpg 25+ and hwy 32. There were many recalls but all were completed to my satisfaction. Stranded twice when ignition lock seized, replaced the alternator, motor mounts, and timing belt (although it was in great shape at 133,000 miles, the spring tensioner was shot). A leaking valve cover gasket ruined the thermostat housing, but was able to perform these repairs myself. An excellent buy that I hope to drive for another 10 years.

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  First Car - Excellent Choice! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By LovedMyFocus - March 30 - 2:20 pm

  I had this car 7 1/2 years, over 100K miles, and ran it into the ground. I think I performed major maintenance once, at 60,000 mi. I replaced the brakes twice, rotors once. It only had one problem ever, where oil was dripping on something and I could smell it through the vents. Easily fixed. I was in a collision and the car was minimally damaged with the exception of the airbags. I was really hard on the exterior: it sustained a lot of damage, but still always ran like a champ. I traded it for a Subaru AWD when I moved to NH because it slid a lot in the snow cause it was light. But if the Focus came in AWD and still in a hatchback, I would be driving one of those instead! Loved this car!

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  WOW! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By RedRaider12345678 - March 30 - 9:11 am

  I have been a avid GM guy for as long as I can remember. Ford has blown them away with this truck. Drives great, feels good, and it looks a lot classier than GM products evenly equipped. Dont think I will be going back to GM as long as ford keeps this up.

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  Awesome Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Satisflexed - March 30 - 8:28 am

  Weve had our flex for over 6 months and we love it! initially my wife was little hesitant because but shes now a big proponent of the car. I cant tell you how many of her friends have said "I live your Flex". Personally I love smaller cars but I often take the wife car instead of my own car. The car if incredibly comfortable and the wife and my 4 kids are anxiously looking forward to our first long road trip. You know something is up when youre looking forward to along drive w/ 4 kids :-)

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  Good but with flaws - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By BettyH - March 29 - 9:08 pm

  Good car. Repairs are cheap (rarely needed) performance great. I love everything. Horrible Headrest, I hate them.