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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  Great Commuting Vehicle - 2009 Ford Focus
  By saintjp52 - December 22 - 5:33 am

  I own a Lincoln MKX and was looking for a second commuting vehicle that was cheap in price and on gas. I am happy with my purchase of the Focus because its built well and handles alot better than other cars that I test drove (Nissan Sentra, Toyota Carola). The interior is not the best quality however, it looks nice all lit up at night (If you take care of your car the interior should hold up just fine). The SYNC system is easy to use and very practical. The trunk is big on this little car.

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  i love my truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By koprowskif - December 22 - 4:39 am

  I bought my 2003 Ranger in August of Last year and it has been a superb truck, I only have had one problem with it but it was also -30 degrees, and it started hard and didnt idle, which the dealer said was unfortunate but normal and the replaced some parts and has never happened again. I have 2 snowmobiles, and i use this truck to pull them and it does very well. I have gotten 2 speeding tickets in it and never realized i was speeding. I couldnt ask for more, it was a great year end special, and i got the 0% interest. i love my truck. by the way, i now have 45,000 miles on it. the only thing ive had to do to it was oil changes, and a new set of tires.

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  tonis zx3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By toni ann - December 22 - 2:36 am

  this is my first new car. and i love it. its fun looking i have an yellow and black car. its drive smooth. everything a 22 year old can ask for.

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  Flat out the BEST Mustang ever built! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin - December 21 - 11:13 pm

  This car has everything you want from an American made Muscle Car and nothing you dont! It has all of the power you need and the styling and comfort you desire. Ford has definitely turned the tables with the 2005 model. I feel sorry for those people who settled on a good deal on the 2004 models Ford was quickly trying to phase out at the dealerships without test driving the 2005 first. The sound system cannot be beat with 1,000 watts of power coming from 10 speakers. The Mycolor gauges are a very nice added touch. The fit and finish of this vehicle is near the top for Ford standards.

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  01 XLT - 2001 Ford Escape
  By howiez5150 - December 21 - 11:07 pm

  I owned an xlt 4X4 for 4 yrs and just turned it in on lease. It was my wifes car and it was the first car she has owned and like for over 2 years. We had it in shop a couple of times for minor issues, although it was making a weird transmission noise when we turned it in. Overall, very nice to drive and decent mpg considering it is a SUV. Definitely get the XLT version for a nicer interior design and stay away from 4 cylinder (it has no power). The v6 takes off and has lots of jump at any speed. We would highly recommend over other SUV in its class.

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  Great F-150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By sean - December 21 - 10:59 pm

  I love my truck because of the utility reliability and the looks. I have spent $420 in repairs in 6.5 years and 142k of use. A truck gives me the independence I like. I can move things without having to get any help. I am a pretty big guy and like the space. My family of 5 can fit in for short trips.

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  My fourth - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Deano - December 21 - 10:14 pm

  Ford must be doing something right-- this is my fourth Expedition. My latest is the Limited model. Overall, I love it. Its got more pickup and better gas mileage. The build quality is superb. Its quiet, tight, and handles well for a SUV. However, whoever designed the main instrument cluster should be tested. Its my only sore point in an otherwise outstanding vehicle because it looks cheap and is not in keeping with the rest of the Limiteds features. Why wont Ford at least offer Michelin tires as an option? My wifes Lincoln has them and they are much better tires than the Continentals. Even so, I would gladly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a full size SUV.

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  Dont buy this car, it sucks - 2012 Ford Focus
  By David Woomer - December 21 - 6:11 pm

  I usually keep a car 10-12 years, but this piece of junk was gone in less that two, at a big financial loss. All electronics suck, wont keep my Android phone synced and its a real pain to re-sync it. Whole Ford myTouch and Sync systems really poor. Naviagation hard to use. Worse yet is the tranny, 80% of the time when I put my foot down it will go, but 20% of the time it sits there and shakes like its gonna fall apart. Dangerous car to drive, you cant rely on getting out of a bad situation. Front wheel drive, but REALLY poor in snow. Grew up and learned to drive in the snow belt - this is the FIRST vehicle I was actually afraid to drive in bad weather.

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  Value Priced, Attractive and Safe - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By PaCarBuyer - December 21 - 5:10 pm

  After suffering sticker shock at my local Chrysler dealership over the underwhelming clunky Pacifica, I arrived at my local Ford dealer and saw something really attractive in style and price. A fully loaded SEL (except) AWD, for $31k, freestyle. My wife says Ford could sell a lot more with a better name. After haggling I got a really good price. A 20 mile per gallon family car with full airbags, really is not a performance car, so who cares if it has the power of a mule, that is what it is. I bought to safely transport my wife, 2 kids and anyone elses kids that climbs in. I love the leather, key pad entry and and DVD player. It is a real buy for the price

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  I Love My New Stang!!!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By JNorris - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This car handles beautifully!!! You can feel how solidly it is built. It is very comfortable and very beautiful. I have gotten so many compliments on this car...I love the CD player and all the extras that came with it. The paint job is absolutely gorgeous...it looks like an expensive sapphire going down the road. I think it is by far the prettiest car on the road!