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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  Best Ford SUV I have owned ! - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Charles G Schneider - April 3 - 4:07 pm

  The MPG is not as good as smaller SUVs but it has the towing pkg from Ford and can tow up to a 6,000 # boat or camper trailer; & still have good power in the mountains. Good quiet ride on hiways. Excellent audio system (AM/FM & CD) No satellite radio.

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  Ford Focus S w/automatic - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Bill - April 3 - 3:33 pm

  Just bought the Focus Saturday and am impressed with it. The pick up for a small four cylinder is decent. The feel of the car is solid, the ride a little like a buckboard, but all small cars are like that. The car responded great when merging on the highway. Was surprised at the quality feel and no noise, no rattling from an engine that I thought would be straining.

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  has been a real workhorse - 1999 Ford F-150
  By shackleman - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 155,000 miles on the odometer and it still drives great. I have only replaced the brakes, alternator, and door lock relay. I drive alot- but use it regularly to haul hay. I cannot believe Im not having to look for a new truck yet. I do routine maintenance but this truck has held up better than any truck Ive ever owned including multiple GMC. I very glad ford had a rebate the week I went looking for a new truck

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  Good little car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Yves St-Louis/Joe - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I recommend this car to anybody who need good reliable economical basic transportation. After 125k other than normal maintenance the only part i changed was the alternator rear coil spring and front wheel bearings. But parts are not cheap Hope the focus is as good as this one

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  YEAH, baby! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MattPr - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 02 GT brand new off the lot and love it. The Premium package was worth it leather everything, 17" Bullitt wheels and Mach 460 stereo. Gas mileage is good for the V8 20 city, 26-28 highway. I wouldnt trade the car for anything except a Mach 1 or Cobra. (Maybe next year) And black was definitely the color the car looks MEAN.

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  I love this car! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Ed Johnson - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Owned 5 years and 75K miles to 135K (60K). Yamaha engine is strong, smooth, and durable. Any older car needs alternators, water pumps, starters, belts, A/C compressors, cooling system repairs, and has oil leaks. Oh, and that "check engine" light replaced the computer. No electrical bugs in mine. Auto trans sometimes confused by power downshifts. I like my grey cloth/leather interior with no fake wood trim, auto climate control, auto headlites, cornering lites, and premium sound, but wish it had a CD player, and wish it had the FoMoCo keypad entry system. Replaced the struts when it was in to have the steering rack replaced.

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  One bad little truck. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas4X - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the engine in this model. I bought it back in December of 2002 so it was one of the 1st out there and it has been great...all except for the fact that the only color I could get at the time was black. Ugh. Looks great but only right out of the car wash. Had black cars before and swore I wouldnt do it again. But it has been worth it. It handles well and accelerates better than a lot of cars or trucks. This one is a keeper.

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  Brand New Problems - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Steven Kirschner - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When they told me we were going to be now driving a FORD Taurus, I was somewhat disappointed. I had suck good luck with the Dodge Intrepids we drove for years. Well, I was right but I never suspected I would be SO right So soon. With less than 1000 miles, I have already experienced an annoying squeak (I suspect Water Pump). The fit and finish is horrible. The right rear of the Trunk Lid does not fit. The left rear door also looks like it does not close....All this in 1 week!!! I can hardly wait until it is broken in! Have I driven a FORD lately?? I guess not.

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  My Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Olivia Burton - April 2 - 11:53 pm

  I really am satisfied with my new car. I had a 98 Mustang before this and I can definitely notice the improvements.

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  Small surprise, makes the Fit feel crass - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By afoxcar - April 2 - 8:06 pm

  I wanted something more refined but still fun, so traded my Fit Sport for a 2008 Accord EX Coupe when they came out. After 2 1/2 years I decided I really didnt like bigger cars, but didnt want to give up the comfort and features Im used to. The Fiesta SES fits the bill perfectly. Its amazingly refined for a small car. Its QUIETER than my Accord was. It also has the magic mix of fun and frugal. In my 5-speed, its not fast in hard numbers, but always feels willing and able, never slow, and the engine stays smooth when revved hard. Handling is excellent. I was surprised by the grip and agility this car has, along with feel-some steering. Interior lighting package is really cool.