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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  Loads of Fun! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Nail_Biter - September 22 - 2:00 am

  When I first told my wife I was buying a Ford Focus, she just about died laughing! When she actually saw it and road in it, she changed her mind very quickly. I traded in a 2000 Nissan Maxima for this little rocket and I have never looked back. For what I paid for this car, it has to be the best money I have ever spent! Glad I got the last production year available. Not that it will be a collectors item any time soon, but I should have no problem selling it down the road. No plans to add any Mods to it. I am a purist at heart.

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  Still Runnin - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Northwest Guy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Like many posts here, had no serious problems to speak of until 75K mi. The sensitivity of the oxygen sensors ultimately replaced them all head gasket went this year at 84K. Ive owned a number of 4 different Fords since 1982 not perfect by any stretch but this year had to replace the engine in a 1994 Honda Civic with 104K - Thats NEVER supposed to happen with them have owned Toyotas (3), Mazda and an Acura. Fact is, NONE of these cars have been perfect. This van was the best deal on the road when we bought in 1997 with 29K. It is a comfortable vehicle that has been surpassed by newer versions by competitors.

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  Gas Guage Drops Fast - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By sgiersch - September 22 - 2:00 am

  First of all, the truck is beautiful, and I still think it is one of the classiest looking trucks on the road. But when I first got it, I took it back to the dealer for a check because the fuel economy was about 1/2 what was advertised, and there was a noticably rough idle. The service manager put a fuel meter on it and we went for a ride. He claimed the fuel mileage was right on (19) and that the idle was normal. Three more trips back to the shop and I gave up. Other than the square tires, it has been pretty reliable. I would buy again as a second vehicle (would get one with better fuel economy for a first vehicle.

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  --- - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By rlopez - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The 3rd row seat doesnt fold away auto, the A/C is very cold on low, the back wiper has never worked well

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  my truckster - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By bjd4452 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  i love this i just wish i had gotten the diesel

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  Fantastic car and fun to drive! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Pow Pow - September 21 - 1:36 pm

  I was looking for a great car that offers excellent gas mileage. I found all that in the Ford Focus (SEL automatic). This car fits me to a "T"! I checked out several options in the same price range and nothing compared. Toyota and Honda are just too boring to drive and are so plasticky and cheap looking (who wants to see another Corolla on the road...certainly not me). I love all the neat gadgets this car comes with! Ford got this car right. I am very very happy with it.

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  The Pace Car for a Company - 2005 Ford GT
  By Scotty D - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I Will Love my new sports car forever. Great,great car. great to drive

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  Winner - 2005 Ford GT
  By Rusty Shackleford - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Best Vehicle imaginable Fastest production American car ever

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  Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
  By Tum Toid - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Funnest car I ever drove.

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  FX4 Rules - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 03fx4 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  From a former Chevy owner this truck is great! I have had no problems with this truck. The 4.6l could use a little more power but is solid and reliable engine.