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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  Good, but not trouble free - 2008 Ford Focus
  By cdj - April 11 - 5:26 pm

  3 months and 2000 miles and were happy car, especially with the mileage. Very surprised by the quite ride with one exception. A noise from an unknown source developed at about 1200 miles. Dealer replaced the fuel pump, but the noise remains. Apparently Ford engineers are aware of and investigating the problem so Im not the only one having it. No solution yet according to the dealer. IÂ’m a little leery as we discovered a suspension problem in the first Focus we took for a test drive. ItÂ’s a nice car, but my 3 Hondas and 4 Nissans have never had problems with so few miles. If not for this unknown problem Id be very happy with the amount of car we got for the money.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Gal - April 11 - 2:23 pm

  Have had no problems even though it is a new model and early in production. One issue we had was a broken side mirror that was easily corrected. Have had a couple of times when it took a couple of times to start.

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  V6 Premium Coupe, Fun on Wheels - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By lcimpala65 - April 11 - 10:40 am

  The V6 premium coupe is over shadowed by its big brother. Ford purposely downplays the performance of this model. The 4.0 is all you need. This thing has ample power, and will accelerate in a flash with four people on board. It is a blast to drive, youll find yourself longing for open road.

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  SVT fever - 2002 Ford F-150
  By John @ HDCafe - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 02 Firehawk in and bought a black 02 Lightning a few weeks ago. I sure wish I had bought the "L" sooner, this thing is a blast to drive. Here in Texas we have a lot of truck owners, and when they see my shiny L drive by it sure turns heads. There are a lot of performance upgrades available, and it is easy to put the truck in the mid 11 sec 1/4mi times.

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  Escapin - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ugasteve - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only had it a month but have enjoyed it thoroughly. Have taken it on a few 150 mile trips and it has handled it well. Good pickup with the V6 and it handles well too. My first SUV and I love it. Reccomended over many of the other mini suvs. Drove the others but enjoyed this the most.

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  2003 Model is Awesome - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By familyman - April 11 - 10:00 am

  2003 is a completely different Expedition than the 2002. The fold down seats, the handling, the turning radius is far superior to any other SUV. I did extensive reasearch, lucky the the 2003 came out just in time because I would not have bought the 2002. I was close to buying the Toyota Sequioa, but the style and the features are better in the Ford PS. Never owned, or ever thought about buying a Ford vechile. Glad I did. GO for it

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  it sucks - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By me2999999999 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  run away from this vehicle

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  The American Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By whyfly12 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever owned. It is fun to drive and all my friends fight over who gets to ride with me. In all reality it is only a two seater. Mustangs are the last of the pony cars and are a true American Icon.

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  Reliable car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Vara - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Had it from 60,000 miles. Now it has 85,000 miles on it. Never had any kind of mechanical problem. I just made sure all the required maintenance is done as per the owners manual and oil changed every 3000 miles.

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  Wonderful! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By gwal4861 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Driving this car is one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had, and Ive been driving Vettes sinse 77.