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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  Pocket Rocket - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ando21133 - December 30 - 1:39 pm

  The SVT Focus is a blast to drive. It does two things exceptionally well - going fast and cornering. If thats what youre looking for in a car, buy one. This car will turn corners at speeds you never though possible, and is very stable at speeds that will get you arrested rather than just a speeding ticket (if caught). For basic transportation, there are better choices, though. The car is not very roomy, the ride is a bit firm, the engine is loud, and its a Ford. Also, for its size, the gas mileage is terrible, and it requires minimum 91 octane fuel. My SVT five-door is my daily driver, and Im very happy with the purchase.

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  Nice Performance for the Price - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mach 1 Mike - December 30 - 12:33 pm

  This car is a blast from the past. Certainly not a German car inside. However, when the Audi S4 or BMW M3 pull up next to you at a light, fear nothing! Nice 60s muscle car sound.

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  Ford Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ladd - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It sways too much during normal driving at safe speeds. There have been three recalls in three years which says a lot. No improvements in at least thirty years in the electrical system. Fords have problems with tail and stop/warning lights frequently burning out and the modular problems which I first incurred in my 1978 Mercury Colony Park to this day are not corrected. On steep inclines when shifting from park into gear, there is a loud clunk in the transmission yet Ford claims they do not know the cause.

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  A Great Truck! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Spencer - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Since owning my baby, Ive never had a problem. I love my truck and have taken it just about everywhere. For a small truck, it can pull quite a bit. The only drawback I have noticed is the fuel economy, but there is a price to pay with everything! After driving a Toyota with no power at all, I knew that this was the truck for me!

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  Fun once Fuel Problem Solved - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By rwise - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Extreme hard start and sometimes no start. Many parts later, leaking fuel pump regulator. Fuel pressure bleed down when parked, no or little fuel pressure to cylinders on initial cranking, then sputter, start. New regulator. Fixed. Brake rotor warp. Have had 2 sets of front rotors and just ground 2nd set to get out warp. Lug nuts not tightened evenly? Car had slight track off to one side of road. Rotated and balanced. Worse. Put all wheels back to their original positions. Much better. Local garage says get rid of cheap General Tires cheap tires. Windshield wiper sometimes comes on by itself.

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  Very reliable & comfortable 4X4 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jia1 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first American car, it is supurisingly reliable, exceeded my expectations. During three years of ownership, I had only two repairs, Heater control valve and idle air control valve went bad, both were easy fixes. The rest of running cost were just gas, maintenance and insurance. I am very happy with it will continue to buy American.

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  Impressive small Ford. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By FocusBoy - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car used, with 22500 miles on the odometer. Ive only added 4000 miles since, but the car has had no problems. No stalling, no hesitation, no problems. My SE has the Zetec engine. I know other people have had problems, so maybe they have the "regular" 2.0L engine. The cars ride is firm, but far from harsh. Handling is superb, with steering that is super-sharp...maybe TOO sharp (it responds so quickly that it can feel jerky at times). Ive averaged up to 31-mpg with this car (it routinely gets 27-mpg), so I dont know why others are getting such low figures...must be that heavy right foot. :-)

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  Focus ZX3 S2 edition - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Turkish - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought a ZXS S2 edition in September 2001 and it has been great. I set out to purchase a German car but ended up at Ford dealership for a little comparison. I quickly made up my mind that the S2 was going to be the car for me and I have not looked back. Its fun, sexy, and economical. I am six foot 5 and this car fits me great. Seats are awesome and great head room too.

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  Always runs, but always has many problems - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By rambo76098 - December 30 - 12:06 am

  This car which I bought with 112,000 miles on it, has about 119,000 in 5 months and since then I had to flush all fluids, change stereo, previous owner blew all speakers, new exhaust, master cyllinder and brake booster. Car now needs complete rear brake system overhaul, a radiator, door seals, plugs and wires, headlight covers (sun damaged plastic), a door lock motor, headlight and seatbelt dinger, a battery, tires, and soon will need rotors and pads in front as well as alternator, fuel, water and power steering pump acting up. Car has always started but does not ever function right. Gas mileage is horrible.

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  Done - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By RB - December 29 - 6:46 pm

  Gas has gotten too expensive for this truck. Also parking it in most lots is a challenge.