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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  WARNING THIS THING TIPS EASILY - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Corinnenr - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I had my Sport Trac for less than 3 weeks when i got inot a major accidnet, but it was one that shouldnt have happened. I barely jerked my sterring wheel when all of a sudden my truck is going all over the freeway the next thing we know we hit the back side end of the the vehicle to our right then we kind of spun around and then flipped 5 times. The only good thing i can say is if the cab hadnt held up so well me and my friend would be dead right now.

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  A Real Junker - 2000 Ford Focus
  By EICAS - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Just had the Focus in for its 5th or 6th recall. As usual, the mechanics found a lot broken and were almost too embarrassed to talk to me. The brakes are shot...again and the tires are worn out again too. The front end shimmy Ford "fixed" is back too. The new problems are leaking transmission coolant lines and the passenger floor gets submerged under at least an inch of water when it rains. All Ford has ever done is blow me off so now its my turn. Ford can kiss my butt goodbye forever! Im trading this junker in for a Mazda.

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  Focus is the best car i have ever had - 2003 Ford Focus
  By sully the monster - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It has excelent acceleration. It took me about 4 seconds to get it up to 45 miles per hour without peeling the wheels. It is an all around great car.

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  great bang for the buck - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By dys2999 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is fast whenever you want it to be, yet save fuel when needed. handels well, 17" goodyears do a good job looks like a monster, awsome. The interior is out dated, no oh s___ handels. no lights in the vanity, seats are from 1985 & the head light switch is from a 1978 buick regal. but the car is responsive & mach460 audio is great. The car is a ton of fun overall.

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  Reliable, quick, and looks good - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Cbjulian - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2003 XL Sport with with all the options that come on an XL. The 5- spd mated to the 4.2 makes a good combo. The truck is surprisingly quick and handles well for a pickup. The ride leaves somthing to be desired but isnt bad on the highway. The truck has been very reliable with no problems. Ford has stuck by their warranty and my dealership was great.

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  Practical, Powerful, Plenty of Space - 2002 Ford Escape
  By iowalee - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a certified used auto with 31,000 miles. It has been reliable, handles well in a variety of road conditions, and a peppy V-6 engine. I had 3 minor problems covered free under the warrantee: Recall for engine stall. I never experienced this. The 6 CD player stopped working. The stuck discs were recovered and return. Inside AC/heat fan was noisy. No problem with Dealer

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  Ford Expedition 2000 XLT 2WD - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By gvowell - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Good family car. Gas hog. Easy to get in and out of. Rides great.

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  Excellent economical car! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By carbunny - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car if you want an inexpensive car and dont car much about extras. This was my first car. I have had it for 6 years, have 50,000 miles on it and nothing on it has EVER broken. It is a "bare minimum" car...no casette player, no cd player, no power windows, etc. But...if what you are looking for is low price and good performance this is the car.

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  Id Buy It Again - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Dan - September 11 - 10:43 pm

  I had a Subaru wagon and loved it. I would have bought another but the price was twice that of the Focus. This was the 1st American car I had bought in over 20 years and quality and dependability were concerns of mine. I will have the car 3 years in August and almost 40,000 miles now. There was one very minor flaw at the time of delivery, and only regular maintenance since. I am very happy with my Focus.

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  My take after 1800 miles. - 2013 Ford Escape
  By mfd4300 - September 11 - 5:24 am

  So I have had my 2013 for 2.5 weeks now, ready to share my insight. I had the 2010 6cy escape before this new one. I average 50,000 miles a year, for me its all about the drive and interior comfort, looks are not important to me. I am a ford guy and really wish I could get my old escape back. In my opinion not a fan at all of the new design, overall I think it will hurt ford sales. I consider this a saftey issue, and will bet on a recall eventualy. The gas pedal is way to close to the brake pedal. I have a size 12 foot and drive with sneakers on, I barely have enough room between the brake pedal and center console, imposible with work or snow boots on.