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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  Very happy driver - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By deena - February 15 - 2:00 am

  fun, fast, great car!

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  Ford Ranger "EDGE" 4Dr 4.0Litre - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By MAugustein - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Being a highly intelligent and conscience buyer, I did massive amount of research both on the net, locally, dealerships, and friends. I kept a very open mind a ALL compact trucks, and nothing could beat the Randger EDGE 4Dr, 4.0 Litre, 4x4! Its simply the best "Bang-for-your-buck"! Comparing it to a Toyota Tacoma with similar features.....expect to pay a few thousand dollors more!

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  2000 ZX3 vs 2008 S 2 dr - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Wayne Hulsey - February 15 - 1:40 am

  Had to replace my 2000 due to being totaled. Loved the car. To me they ruined it for 2008. No hatchback available. Sort of ugly clunky styling outside and inside is worse. The dash layout is very poor and unfriendly compared to the original. My elbow is sore from wacking the console bin when I shift. No spare tire which is really unaceptable in AZ due to our weather and cell phones dont work in lots of places. The Vista Blue color is nice (best thing on car), but miss my bright Autumn Orange. Ugly hubcaps. Basic sound system is better sounder then 2000. Seat bottom not adjustable like the 2000. Just not happy with car by comparison, can say I wish Id bought the 2005 ZX3 that they had now.

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  Focus Fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By pbman - February 14 - 10:00 am

  As much fun to drive as my miata, less noise, more comfortable. Reminds me of my 80 BMW 320 in its handling and performance. Fold down seats accomidated a full size futon frame and mattress. Great car for the price especially after rebates.

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  The Amazing Focus...La Blue - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Kathy Kearney - February 14 - 10:00 am

  My expierence with my 2005 Ford Focus has been very new, fun and exciting. It has no play in the steering wheel and turns on a dime. It rides like a big car because it has 16" tires and seems sound proof from the road noises.I still cant believe it is a small car as it constantly rides and handles almost like the Mercury Marquis that I traded in.I have only had it a couple of months but the enjoyment of not visiting the gas station frequently has been great.The 4 cylinder engine seems like an 6 or 8 cylinder as it has incredible spunk and pick up when you need to pass or you are on the thruway. It is my first new car. and It was fairly priced and it truly is an amazing focus.

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  Love it but not a keeper - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jnttsikes - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck and how it drives... I have had more problems mecanicaly than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I am a fifty year old female and I have had many vehicles. This was the first time I have ever worn out a set of brakes at 19 thousand miles, as well as go threw to the roter. That was a quick $400 out of my pocket. The rebuilt the transmition at 15 thousand. I had to have it towed in because it left ma stranded and would not get back going.... That all started about 8 thousand miles...

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  ford is still #1 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By hwoodfloorguy - February 14 - 10:00 am

  very fun truck to drive, also stylish. 4.0L a little slower than expected, but its an s.u.v not a european sports car,although it handles like one.

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  HEY FORD YOU DID IT AGAIN GOOD JOB !!!! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By BRONXBOY - February 14 - 10:00 am

  RETUNED MY 02 EDDIE BAUER EXPLOER AND TOOK THE 2005 FREESTYLE LIMITED AWD SO FAR SO GOOD IT LOOKS LIKE THE YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE EXPLOER HANDLE GREAT LIKE A EUROPEAN CAR IT HUGS THE ROAD EASY VEIW OF ALL THE CONTROLS THE CVT IS GREAT GETS SOME GETTING USE TO SINCE THERE IS NO SHIFTING OF GEARS YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE SPEED OR YOU WILL GET A SPEEDING TICKET BECUASE SHE GET UP THERE FAST THIS CROSSOVER ITS ALL AROUND GREAT MOST OF ALL YOU SEE ALOT OF THE VOLVO IN THIS SUV / MINIVAN / CAR KEEP IT UP FORD.

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  Owner - 2003 Ford F-150
  By JJewett - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Best truck I have owned

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  Love It!!! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By redcar224 - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Been a great truck!