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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  great truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By gary mullen - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck over the last 5 years. The only thing I have had trouble with has been the brakes.

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  Great first SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By ford fan - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2001 Ford Ranger for this little gem. The ride is great, compared to the Ranger and almost as smooth as the Mazda Tribute. My wife and I have a baby thats six-months old and its fairly easy to get her into the back seat. The passenger seat slides out of the way a good bit, but nothing beats a four-door auto. A good SUV for those who cant afford the four- door Explorer.

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  2000 stang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By adalejrfan - February 28 - 10:00 am

  wish i had a v-8 but the 6 with a 5 spd is still pepey and fun.first ford i ever owned.would buy another but a gt

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  2001 GT - Standard trans. - Mineral Grey - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By J1 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving since Memorial Day and have loved this car. The manual transmission is somewhat knotchy but otherwise alright. I love the exterior and interior styling. This looks a lot like the 69 Mach I my brother had when I was a kid. I think it beats owning the run of the mill cars out there, and sets you apart from the rest of the crowd.

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  Mediocre - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Vibula - February 28 - 10:00 am

  While the features have greatly improved over the 2000 lack luster interior design. The Taurus has great dependibility. The quality of interior materials used are sub-par I believe a little more effort and this could be better fixed. The clothe seats shed, and the automatic gear selector console is made of cheap plastic the seperates from its molding under heat. Ive noticed a irritating buzzing at highway speeds, it sound like a bee buzzing against the glass. I think something has come loose outside.

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  ZX3 NIRVANA - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Quentin - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 5 speed Focus for a little over a year and I love to drive this car to work. Im 6 2" and I fit well in the drivers seat. The engine, transmission, steering, suspension and brakes are incredibly capable and satisfying. My Ford dealer has been great. The only defect was a faint rattle in the rear which was a vibrating shock absorber, quickly diagnosed and replaced.

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  Ford Unfocused - Another Defect - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ghg102 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  On April 4, 2002, I parked my Focus in the Hospital parking structure. When I returned after work to leave, my ignition key would only go in half way. Locksmith repleace ignition lock / key. When I went to Enterprise Car Rental Agency, I was told that this has been an on going problem with their Ford Focus rental car fleet. When the locksmith commented that this is a common problem with the Focus and he has done 100’s of them. When I contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I was told Ford has issued technical service bulletins regarding this problem.

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  Focus on Pain - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mafitz1 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is an agency car that I drive on trips of at least an hour each way. I have never driven a car with a more uncomfortable driving position. I am by no means unusually tall or short (59"), yet there is no way to position the seat where I can comfortably reach the steering wheel without having my knees at my throat. The car has excellent handling and a great stereo, but every time I get out of the car I feel like I need to see a massage therapist. Unless you are prepared to sit in the engine, I would strongly discourage purchasing this car. And thats not even taking into account being the second-ugliest vehicle on the road today!

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  What a steal! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By runnerboy - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The Focus is a great car. This car has the best 4 cylinder ever put in an American production car. It has good power and the gearing pretty well matches the power curves. For what the car lacks in low end power, it makes up for in the upper RPMs. Ford also did their homework in the handling department. This car is also has a well laid out, comfortable cabin.

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  I love my truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By K62cuby - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck in winter but winter in Charlotte NC is usually 40-60 degrees. I purchased the expedition because I am a steel sculptor, I dont like putting rusted steel in my acura. Well I thought that was the expedition was good for...wrong. Later on that month we had one of the worst ice storms in Charlotte history. While all the cars and 2wheel drive trucks were sliding all over the road me and a couple of hummers were doing just fine. The size and the power of the Expedition is its selling point, and I cant see why any one who has to deal with snow on a constant basis would have one. It is a great buy and I am glad I have it around.