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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  Ghostly Roar...... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By anjanette - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Since the 1st week of ownership I have been complaining of a roar. Well, this last 3 weeks I have been dealing with local dealership and the Regional Ford Rep....Very dissatified. No fix for problem now, Ford "is working on the problem". They want me to be patient and wait until the fix. I have to ride with the vehicle in A4wd- -gas guzzler--awlful noise is now apparent in A4wd. Nothing I can do but be a puppet on a string!!!!!!! This problem can be present in ALL 4WD EXPEDITIONS AS WELL AS NAVIGATORS FOR 2003!!!! Also, they changed brake pads due to asbestos, the wheels stay BLACK due to tremendous brake dust!

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  Ford Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BoodooLtd. - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I realy love the design of the Focus. It lookds very good from all angles.

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  Mustang: Still a Classic - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MrMorden - November 5 - 2:00 am

  My Mustang GT has been a great car. It has had no significant problems, and performs the way Id expect for the last of the Pony Cars. It responds very well to aftermarket items like exhaust & suspension upgrades, and you can make the car anything you want, from a mild commuter, to a world-class handling car, to a fire-breathing monster muscle car. Its all up to you.

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  PERFECT 1st car for college student - 2001 Ford Focus
  By silverfocus - November 5 - 1:27 am

  I recently bought my Silver 2001 Focus SE and so far I LOVE IT!!! It has power everything, CD player, automatic, (loaded). I looked at Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Saturn, Dodge and I kept coming back to the focus. I was glad to hear that it was voted 10 best five years in a row and I could definitely see myself getting another focus, but this time the ZX5 in midnight blue, when Im ready to trade my silver focus in. But that wont be for a long time.

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  A Modern Muscle Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sawman - November 4 - 7:29 pm

  I have owned several mustangs, the last of which was a 1999 GT which I heavily modified. That car (the GT) was faster than my current Cobra but do not fool yourself. John Colletti and SVT have a winner here. The old Mustang goes out on a high note. If you want a kick in the pants mustang with factory perfection and reliability, this is the car. As far as the editor rating on this car (6.7), the editor is an idiot. You cannot touch the attitude or performance and be able to take your (small) kids along for anywhere near the cost.

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  Eddie Bauer review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JayM - November 4 - 5:41 pm

  The AC seats are a neat gimmick. Lots of interior space. Blinds spots are large, but side view mirrors are very helpful.

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  one of the best cars Ive ever owned and still do. - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By shawn - November 4 - 5:24 pm

  Anyone who could get a chance to get one i would do your best to get one because u will fall in love will it...

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  Fun little car that serves its purpose! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jenn in FL - November 4 - 3:20 pm

  I bought the Focus as a daily driver and turned my Sport Trac into a weekend boat-toating, pleasure driver. The Focus has lived up to every expectation in the two weeks Ive owned it. I drive over 60 miles each day and not only is the Focus fun to drive, but it surpassed all my expectations. I didnt think a 2.0L 4- cylinder could accelerate fast enough or have enough high end torque to hold my own in Orlando traffic, but Ive been proven wrong. Not only that, but for my first full tank of gas I got 35 mpg. Not too shabby at all.

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  Grinning ear to ear. - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Darlis Whitworth - November 4 - 9:36 am

  Waited 6 weeks after ordering for delivery. V-6 Premium convertible. White with Parchment top and parchment leather, interior upgrade package, 5 speed auto, anti-lock brakes/traction control, exterior sport appearance package. Even non-Ford fans can`t help but take a second look and make positive comments. Neighborhood kids coming by to take a look. Power and shift ranges seems just about right for a v-6. After careful examination cant find any flaws with paint or fit of exterior parts. Still playing with the My Color dash light feature (can`t decide on color I like best).Top is getting easier to lock down after raising it as it stretches. Less than expected road noise with top up.

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  Excellent purchase - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Russ - November 4 - 5:40 am

  I purchased the vehicle on December 11, 2005. I traded in a 2000 F150 Ford. I needed a good and reliable car for my daily commute of 100 miles per day. I understood it was a German made vehicle, and from statements form others, they are excellent vehicles. As of this date, I have no complaints and I love the car. I handles fantastic and has great pick-up on the freeway for a 2.0 engine.