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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  Buy Japanese - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By ME - March 4 - 5:10 am

  Had bought Japanese 4 times(Sentra, Sentra, Previa, Previa). Ventured & bought Ford twice (Windstar & Expedition) Uh. like...NO. If you want a reliable & high quality car, youre better off with a Japanese vehicle. Its like night & day. The quality of the interior of a Ford CANNOT compare itself to a Japanese car.

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  So far... so good! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Kleinzle - March 3 - 6:52 pm

  Went from an Acura Sedan to the Escape because I really wanted a 4 wheel drive. Definitely fun to drive and I love sitting high up now! Husband complains about the hard leather but I think its pretty comfy. I finally am looking forward to a good snow storm!

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  2004 ZX-3 (2.3L) Automatic - 2004 Ford Focus
  By atl_focus - March 3 - 5:47 pm

  My model is the "premium" ZX3 with the 2.3L engine. It is fully loaded and I picked it up for $11,500 with only 11k miles on it. If you dont have this engine, you are missing out...it really makes the car. I was looking for a hatchback to replace my truck and had one of these as a rental. I liked it over the Honda Civic Si, Golf/GTI, Protege5, Mazda3 hatchback, etc. Great handling and performance (145 hp), and decent mileage (24/30). Decent build quality for the money couple of minor problems so far.

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  Good Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By rhinobrecht - March 3 - 2:19 pm

  The Windstar has been very reliable and enjoyable in general for us. The sliding doors tend to stick a little especially on cold mornings. The seats are very comfortable and the amenities are good for the money, I think. I believe the 02s only had the VHS (no DVD) available for the entertainment system so we opted not to get it. I wasnt overly impressed with the Chevy Venture in design or comfort for the same price (although they did have the DVD player). There have been minor problems, but overall its been reliable and a great van for the family.

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  Red Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Brooke - March 3 - 1:24 pm

  All I have ever dreamed of was a red Mustang! My dream came true in February of 04. I love my Mustang. It is an awesome car, not to mention that it draws so much attention. I love the color the best. Red is my favorite. I love my car and I wouldnt trade it for anything, except another red Mustang!

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  My Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Judy - March 3 - 2:16 am

  I recently purchased my first Ford Explorer - Eddie Bauer Edition. I am very pleased with the comfort, styling and driveablity of this vehicle. For a vehicle of its size, it is remarkably quiet.

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  Windstar = Happiness - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Vinb2k5 - March 2 - 9:44 pm

  Great van, ours has lasted 198,000 miles. Even when the engine developed a crack in the block it still ran, until the tags expired. Extremely reliable providing 8 years of service to our family. Definitely would buy another one.

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  This is a great way to go - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Family Man - March 2 - 4:33 pm

  Very nicely laid out interior. very Spacious with easy entry and exit from all seats. Even my mother in-law (a very large woman) said it was easy to get into and out of the passenger seat and the second row. Did not attempt the third row thankfully. Decent acceleration and stopping is also good. This is not a race car after all but a family transporter so set your expectations correctly and you wont be disappointed. The sound and video systems are excellent! Usually do not even consider a Ford. I am converted.

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  Last Ford car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By WLBJR - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car Ive ever owned from a quality standpoint. 8 recalls. Had the a/c compressor replaced, three weeks later the evaporator coil had to be replaced. The transmission leaked and had to take it back 3 times to get it fixed by the worlds sorriest excuse for a service department. Realized several months after the a/c evaporator was replaced the heat didnt blow out of the floor vents anymore- dealer didnt hook back up correctly and then didnt want to take responsibility. Front drive hubs replaced at 38,000 mi.

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  Squeaky brakes - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cyn_flo - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car after driving a rental focus when I totalled my escort. Since the day I got the focus the brakes were an embarrassement. They squeaked so loud, it sounded like I needed a full and complete brake rehaul. Very embarrassing to drive when the car was only a year old. If I parked for 5-10 minutes, the brakes squeaked just as loud. Did not matter what the weather conditions were. They finally had to replace the brake lining, which improved the noise, but it was still there. Have had the car in for a few recalls in 2003. Did not have good luck with the ford escort either. Dont know if I want to go with a windstar or not?