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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  Do NOT buy a Ford Focus! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Chill - July 31 - 5:40 pm

  Despite regular maintenance and only 52,000 highway miles, the engine completely blew up. $4K to repair! Lots of rattles and very loud going highway speeds. Rear power window mechanism broke for no apparent reason. Radio would turn itself off on a daily basis. Fuel efficiency was about 30 mpg and it handled okay, but who cares when the engine goes at 52K miles?! Whatever you do, stay away from this car. Just because its popular doesnt mean its a good choice! Ford does NOT stand behind this car. Better get the extended warranty because youll certainly need it. There are better ways to spend your money -- the Focus isnt the answer.

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  An Escape, but even better - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Gecko - July 31 - 2:20 pm

  I own (and my kids drive) an 02 Yukon XL; 02 Honda AWD CRV; 05 Vibe; 06 Vibe; 05 Escape AWD XLT and now the 08 Escape Hybrid AWD. I love all of my cars and now the Hybrid Escape is great to drive in all weather but gets gas mileage like the Vibes. I really like the build and quality of the 05 Escape and the 08 Hybrid is just that much better, plus it is the perfect size now that my 4 kids are moving out of the house. The Hybrid is our around town car and the Yukon is our car when all 6 of us need to take a road trip. So far the Hybrid is everything I was looking for and I am very happy... BTW I also considered an 08 CRV and the 08 Santa Fe but went with the Escape.

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  good car for me - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jefe - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ever since i got my 2001 ford explorer sport, ive been happy. I just bought it a couple days ago and its been fun to drive ever since. Insurance wasnt bad and 20 bucks nearly got me a 3/4 a tank worth of gas, not bad for an suv. I got it at a really good price, fully loaded XLS. I wish i found a 4x4 but im happy with my two wheel drive. really fun to drive and the engine sounds good. seats are super comfy and stereo is better than average definitely. im really happy with my car!

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  Lossing Intrest in the Cobra real fast! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gts2k1 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2k3 cobra with 1156 miles. From day one had nothing but problems. First Ford had to replace the third member in the rear end. Car constantly pulls to the right. Now the car has another vibration, not as bad before the third member was replaced, and a annoying reverd sound either from the engine or tranny. Ive had the car for two months now and it has been to the shop (ford service) 5 times. Im just about ready to let the car go back.

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  I LOVE MY NEW TRIPLE BLACK GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Heather T - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I just got my new 2003 Mustang GT Premium. It is awesome. It is a triple black convertable. It has every option and what options they are...it has the Mach 1000 6 disc in dash and what a system...it is well worth the $1300.00 for the option. It is so loud. The exhaust is excellent as well it has chrome exhaust that matches the 17 inch chrome rims. It sounds great...who needs a flow master when you have this car. Although I have only had it for 2 days...I am in love....it is my first Mustang and in 2 years from now if it is still awesome and no rattles....I would definately consider another one. totally satisfied so far.

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  The Little Stuff - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By scottygondo - July 31 - 10:00 am

  2nd Explorer to have the rear wiper die, moldings loosen, CD player and disc changer blink at 50k. Ford says, "it is no longer under warranty". Shouldnt a stock stereo not start to loose its lighted display at 30k? Dealer couldnt fix it without "sending it out" for a month and charging me. Shouldnt it be fixed, warranty or no warranty? No, go spend $300 at local Ford authorized service center to fix the player if you want it fast. I was told there it is a "common" problem. If so, recall the darn things! The rear wiper is just a joke. Nothing else needs to be said.

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  Nice SUV!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bwwray - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a good truck for the money, compared to other makers. Nice interior design and easy accessibility. Responsive steering and smooth ride.

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  What A Ride! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Grove - July 31 - 2:16 am

  This car is everything I expected it to be. I am not a huge Ford Mustang fan of the past couple decades, but this one I had to own. The white stripes down the center of my car make it even more of an eye catcher then it already is. The power of the engine is awesome. The handling is dead on. I have never, knock on wood, had a speeding ticket. I have a feeling its gonna happen. You cant help it. The car is fast and smooth and before you know it you are going 80 MPH. I love this car.

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  This car rocks - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Dr F - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, great ride. I havo no major complaints here. I love mt 2003 GT Premium Convertible

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  XLS Five spped - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By skier4life2000_101 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Delivers what it promises. The XLS doesnt have many extras, but it is a comfortable 4 door, 4wd that is sharp looking. The price was right as well, $200 UNDER invoice!