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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  Snow and ice test drive. - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Fond of Fords - December 2 - 9:53 pm

  I set up an appointment to test drive a few models at my dealership. The night before as well as during the drive, it snowed, it sleeted and it froze. The Escape handeled as if it was high and dry. The I4 engine was comparable to a Six .The 4wd wouid not let me skid. All the toys are fun. I can not wait to go long distance. Even to my mother in laws. I will write again to update.

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  happy customer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Beth - December 2 - 8:40 pm

  I wish I had gotten the v8; it doesnt really need it, but the extra power would be nice.

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  Love my little yellow car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sheltiehugger - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the cutest car I have owned. I just love it. It was made for the color yellow!

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  Great - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sdrtsbhrdubs57s - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I Love my ford focus!

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  holla at the zx3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By alex chaos - December 2 - 10:00 am

  over all i like the car

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  Drives like a much more expensive car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Free2be - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This car actually have a little Soul. I guess that is why it is the top sel ler in the European market.

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  Great! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By susie80luv - December 2 - 10:00 am

  My Ford Focus is a very reliable car. After having a foreign sports car that had problems from the beginning, my domestic Ford helps me to feel safe and I know everyday that itll start every morning. For someone who drives A LOT, this car is great with gas mileage. This was my first car that I actually paid for and Ted Britt Ford helped me out a lot in making this a positive experience. I LOVE MY FOCUS!

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  ford focus what a surprise - 2004 Ford Focus
  By scutterbutt\ - December 2 - 10:00 am

  the overall performance of my ford focus has been good,. the interior design is adjustable to my needs. Able to fit two adults and two kids in the vehicle comfortably. Had a few minor problems however was able to take vehicle to the dealership and taken care of. All in all very happy with the ford focus

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  Best Truck Made Today - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Linda S Criger - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my truck 2/28/04. Made two trips, 5600 miles and 1700 miles in the last 35 days. I bought it for use in my business. I have no complaints what so ever. The ride is comparable to my 94 Town Car. Average 17 mpg over 8000 mi. As it gets more miles on it the milage will get better. Very quiet, seats are comfy. Never noticed any fatigue during all the driving we did. It has plenty of power as Im not planning to drag race it.

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  Crown Vic - Good and not so Good. - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rosalia C. Hunt - December 2 - 4:33 am

  All good - still have slight rattle in drivers door but I can live with it. This is my 3rd Crown Vic. I would of bought a Lincoln (which I also have owned, 3) but the price was right for the Vic. The dealer told me that after 2006 there would be no more Crown Vics made. Then why a 2007?