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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  Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By md3 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Oustanding performance. Just as comfortable on mountain trails as riding around town. Well Worth it.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cvog - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Explorer I have owned, the first one being a 96. I love the safety features on my new one, the smooth ride, and the huge cargo area. I appreciate the option of not getting the 3rd row seat as I did not need it and wanted the larger cargo area instead. My husband has hauled his large riding lawn mower in it. I have had numerous comments from friends on the comfortable seats and the quietness of the ride. It has not had any squeaks, rattles, or other problems. We both love it and the older 96 so well, that we decided to keep the older one, too.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Robert from MD - December 26 - 10:00 am

  First time Ford owner and very impressed. 15k and no problems yet. Overall, love my truck. Impressed with how well its put together. Excellent value for money. Great well rounded overall American SUV that is real competitive if not better than its imported lookalikes. Has everything you need. As all vehicles, take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  My new baby - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Heather MacDonald - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV vehicle and I have always had sports cars but this vehicle has been a great addition to my household. It is quick, handles well, is easy to drive and is extremely comfortable. I can fit an amazing amount of stuff and am glad I did not buy a larger SUV. I absolutely love it!

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  The Mustang that Kicks - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By cyclingsc - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I was very impressed with the power of the V6 engine Ford has in these cars. It has all the power you could want! The car overall is very stylish and gets lots of attention.

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  Stang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By aux9o - December 26 - 10:00 am

  These cars are built by the hand of god!

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  Edmunds doesnt know squat!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By one_focused_svt - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Never had a problem this is a dream car for 20 grand couldnt ask for more, handleing is in a class of its own plenty of power, tranny is outstanding, over all this one gets a 15 out of 10! I WILL BE A REPEAT BUYER!

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  Do NOT buy this car without the 2.3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Eddie Adams - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I was kind on the fence about this car - I loved the styling and handling, but was underwhelmed by the motor. The Zetec is kinda crude and not too powerful, especially when you drive it back-to-back with Hondas and Toyotas. Then, I drove one with the new Mazda- built 2.3 - what a difference! This motor is a little jewel - smooth and powerful, with a nice little growl as you hit 6000 RPM. Mind you, this is no WRX-hunter, but its plenty quick enough. To top it off, I got a ridiculously good deal - almost $4,000 off, plus a 5/100,000 bumper to bumper warranty.

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Peter - December 25 - 10:43 pm

  Our 2005 Five Hundred has been an exceptional vehicle. Weve driven it to Florida from New York and had it at 29.5 mpg on the trip. A full tankful gave us over 600 miles of driving. The same is true on our semi-annual drives to Virginia to see family. No stops for fuel for a 520 mile trip is refreshing. Our overal mpg is 25-26 during our daily driving. Its a smooth ride and the roominess inside and in the cargo area are unequalled. Ive purchased 32 cars in the past 37 years for the family and myself and this one is definitely the best purchase, by far.

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  My Taurus GL - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - December 25 - 6:18 pm

  I bought my Taurus a little bit ago, and overall so far its been a good car. Transmission has not failed yet (knock on wood - has 148k on it), but it does shift quite hard and abruptly. Check engine light has been on since Ive had brought it to be looked at and apparently its nothing, so I dont know about that issue. If your looking for something cheap to go from point A to point B, go for it, if your looking for something for road rrips, get a Honda.