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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  birdman - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By williamsdd - November 14 - 1:46 pm

  I love this car!! Ive owned many nice cars but this one is by far the most fun to drive. Every time I stop at a light the heads turn. Ive owned my T- Bird for 3 months and Im just as excited about driving it now as I was the day I drove it home. The soft top is so easy to use. I wanted one of these cars ever since they were first introduced but they just didnt seem very practical. I have never regretted buy this car and Im sure I never will.

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  Excellent - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Hwrd - November 14 - 12:40 pm

  Ford has done a nice job of building an ecomomical car with a lot of nice features. I am just as happy with it as the Corolla I owned before it. I have 36K miles on it and its still as good as new. The service department has been excellent; (had one complaint - the window had a slight rattle). The service dept promptly addressed the issue, gave us a free rental and we have never had a problem since.

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  Fords quality issues continue - 2002 Ford Focus
  By fcsdrvr - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I had hoped by giving Ford a couple of years to get it right they would address there quality issues. I will not buy a another Ford product unless there is >30% price advantage over competing vehicles. If you buy your vehicle get a Civic at least it is still worth something after 3 years. When are they going to learn that without producing quality products the consumer will not return.

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  Whining noise in rear end - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By babergy - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchase my Explorer on 3/8/2004. At just 2100 miles, I developed a high pitch whining noise in the rear of the vehicle. I returned to dealer no 3/29/2004 to have them check the problem. They told me that this a known problem, that Ford is working on a redesign of the rear end. HOWEVER, there is no fix at this time and ask ME to call them back in a month. I called Ford Customer Service. They told me the same thing the dealer did and also that Ford does not consider this a safety issue, that there WILL NOT BE A RECALL ISSUED for this problem. As of today, April 14,2004, my Explorer is still NOT repaired and the noise is getting louder!

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  Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rickc - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The escape is the first AWD vehicle that Ive owned even with living in the snowbelt. Iam thoroughly pleased with it. It was the most responsive of the small SUVs I drove. It also felt to be the most roomy and Im 6ft2 and 225lbs. I dont feel cramped at all.

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  Great Redesign - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JohnnieG - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This Escape handles great and is fun to drive. On the open road it handles better than some of the larger SUVs. The 4 wheel disc brakes makes stopping very easy. The sound system sounds very rich, very little road/engine noise. I was looking into the new 2005 Equinox but this SUV has much more to offer.

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  Not so satisfied - 2001 Ford Focus
  By focus_seller - November 14 - 10:00 am

  had this vehicle for 3 yrs. and went to dealership 30 times with something or the other mechanical issue. Not good for interstate long drives due to seats so stiff and unconmfortable. Ride is truck like(so much for sport suspension), safety features are ok. handles well at high speed. Heavy exterior noise is very uncomfortable. Some components are build cheap plastics. Fuel Economy is good.

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  Big Car for the Money - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By BlueSuedeJay - November 14 - 1:34 am

  Mustang is a great car to work on. Upgrading performance is easy and very inexpensive. Eibach 2" lowering springs made it able to handle any turn at 60 miles per hour, for only $375 installed. The sound on these mustangs are unmistakeable, with a cheap 2 chamber flow master exhaust. Free up the ponies and let them ride. Its a sin to have a stock Mustang GT. Better all around compared to my 2002 Mercedes c230 kompressor. Wish I still had the Mustang.

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  Very Impressed with the New Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By NormanG - November 13 - 9:33 pm

  I was originally interested in the Fusion but dragged my feet a while. Now I am glad I did when the 08 focus came out I saved a lot. The Focus sync system is very cool I have an MP3 player and it works even without batteries in it. I do not have a blue tooth phone but a friend does and we tested it out with his also very nice. If I ever get a Bluetooth it will be a really nice feature. The looks are fun and the ride is great. Very quit overall I was very impressed! I test a Cobalt Corolla and Civic after I decide to go with this class of car. I really thought the Focus won hands down.

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  Quality - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Luckyjp - November 13 - 6:38 pm

  I have owned 2 Rangers now and I myst say for a small pickup there is no other value for your money. The ride, the handling,and the all around Quality and performance is second to none Thank you Ford Motor Company