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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  Good truck, modest tow vehicle - 2002 Ford F-150
  By amerigo88 - February 8 - 5:03 pm

  Bought new July 02. Added step-up bars, factory bedliner and Class III tow package. Pulled a large trailer across Desert Southwest during July/August of 2003 with no overheating worries. Very slow to tow, couldnt exceed 55 mph fully loaded. Averaged about 8 mpg at that awful speed with 3 children riding in crewcab. Transferred towing duty to wifes 2003, 3/4 ton Suburban and all are much happier. The Supercrew is still rock-solid reliable, comfortable, and strong. I hope Ford can keep up the good work because the Dodges, Toyotas and Nissans are really coming on strong.

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  The Best American Car Ever! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sobemen - February 8 - 2:19 pm

  I recently purchased this Ford Focus Titanium Edition. I cant stop driving this car. It is the best American car I have ever owned. Having owned BMWs. Land Rovers, Porsches, Toyotas, Honda and Nissan, I feel quite confident in providing Ford with the highest accolades around this product. I bought the extended Service warranty which is a great value. Ford has come a long way and their customer service and the entire purchase experience puts them well ahead of other car manufacturers All my friends and family just love to look at the fine engineering and body style of this vehicle. I also enjoy the fuel economy and German ride of this vehicle. Congrats Ford on an excellent job!

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  ok car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By joey - February 8 - 12:25 pm

  I bought this car with low miles on it for the year. Since then I have spent over $6,000 dollars in repairs for this car. Transmission, radiator, radiator fan and motor, suspension, top, and it goes through tires and brakes fast. Another bad thing about this car is the electrical problems. My A/C system only blows on high and the O2 sensor and evaporative sensor also have been replaced All the problems started to happen after 75,000 miles other than all the bad stuff this car is fun to drive with the top down and handles pretty well. Gas mileage is also pretty bad - about 15 mpg with the v6.

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  Multi-purpose Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By new mom - February 8 - 11:05 am

  I love my Expedition/ I thought it may be difficult to get used to driving a large car but it drives and handles excellent. I have an infant and it is great for hauling all of his stuff around. We also recently went on a long trip and it was great lots of room and the gas mileage was much better than expected. We have carried everything from people to lumber in this thing and have never been disappointed.

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  Good for a Mule - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Cyan - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Good for a mule- we use it to load up the commuter miles. Otheriwse- I hate it. The fuel tank only holds enough for about 300 miles. Weve taken it to the dealership to get stupid stuff fixed already and it breaks again. Also- we can hear the transmission slipping every once in a while... and we arent harsh drivers. Wonder how long it will last-- good for cheap transportation thats fairly reliable for its class. Very uncomfortable if you are planning long trips.

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  my car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jenkinswhirly - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for about two months but I know it is better than the previous Focus. It is bigger in the trunk and the overall car is just a little bigger and roomier.

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  f-150 2004 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ricky rolly - February 8 - 10:00 am

  the truck is much larger than the traditional f-150, but you can still pull in a parking space. i recomend the reverse sensors due to you cant see anything back there.all in all, its a great ride and nice to drive.

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  My Second Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ara - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Ford Escape. I am a musician and camper so I appreciate the interior space. I find it quite comfortable and easy to handle. It does however have some road noise and isnt the "smoothest" ride, but after all, it is an SUV. I have the XL package with 4 wheel drive which I have never had to use but feel its worth it just in case. I would buy another unless the price goes too huigh for what it offers.

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  Adrenaline packaged - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Sojourner2x69 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  So much fun to drive............... thanks to FORD for the rebates that made it affordable. As far as interior/exterior fit..... its a FORD, much better than cars made 20 years ago, thnak GOD!

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  Orange04GTConv - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By EstebanSr - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I was the owner of a 94 Roush Stage III Mustang until 1999. The new 2004 Mustang we bought was all the fun and excitment that a Mustang was meant to be. Of course, I rated gas milage low. The a powerful V8 engine it wasnt made for going far on a little gas. I knew that before I drove it home. The car is fun to drive! That covers it all. I am a school bus driver and after bouncing around in a slow moving bus I feel alive again when I get behind the wheel of a truly fun car. With the satellite option in the radio and the Mach 460 sound system it has great performance from a factory stereo as well..