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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  you get what you pay for - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Yoon - July 13 - 1:29 pm

  i bought this car after researching for several months. Car and Driver ranked the 1st generation focus as a "ten best car" and consumer reports gave the focus high marks. after 58,000, the AC went out due to a bad compressor. that was a $1300 bill. up until then, i had no problems except normal wear and tear (im still on original brake pads and rotors). the car is not as refined as a civic, corolla, or mazda3. its more fun to drive than a corolla, but a corolla has better fit and finish. overall, this car is fun, but rough around the edges. wish gas mileage was better. i get 25 mpg with lead foot.

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  Great Truck, Extremely Comfortable - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By goldenst2 - July 11 - 9:57 am

  Bought this SUV new. Its been a great vehicle. Very comfortable and very reliable. No major repairs. Has over 102,000 miles and still original brakes. Not even a light bulb replaced. Not a good city car (just too big), but what a treat for road trips. Bought a new, smaller SUV this year and just couldnt bring ourselves to sell the Expedition. Hwy mileage not too bad driven reasonably. We average 16. Cant find a used one anywhere around where we live. If you have one, keep it! BTW, if you replace your tires do not buy the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. Ride is terrible compared to the Continentals that came on it. Should have taken them back.

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  Still Going Strong! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By SportDriver1 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Expo Sport (new) in July of 2003. With only 6500 or so miles on the odomoeter, the truck is still running like a champ. Overall, I find my SUV to be stylish, powerful and comfortable with a few notable, though perhaps obvious drawbacks. Foremost, the truck guzzles fuel! I currently average around 11-14 mpg! Further, my expo rattles and creaks like a piece of farming equipment. Positives? there are many. A smooth and powerful motor, great visibility, comfortable seats and a generally refined drving experience overall (minus the creaks & moans of course).

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  Great little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Brian Kirton - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best handling Ive ever had and the acceleration has long legs. The idle has a problem which the dealer cant repeat. Apart from the horn failing and the cruise control quitting, (loose wire) The dealer has been superb. This car offers a rental car if it needs to be in the shop.

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  A joy to drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Fenderrulez - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I am definatly biased I have wanted a Mustang convertable since the first time I saw one. I cannot say I am dissapointed in my 2004 ragtop. Driving is now much more fun. Even the trip to work at 5:30 am is enjoyable.

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  Take care of it and itll take care of u - 2004 Ford F-150
  By GYPSY BOY - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The truck has tons of torque and a more than a respectable amount of horsepower. I bought the truck in july of 2002 and had a few problems with it but that was due to some tuff driving. If you take care of the truck itll take care of you. the truck gets complements from everyone old and young,and when I say old I mean senior citizen. Bottom line, I love the truck and it gave me a lot of respect for ford, except for the service and warranty department.

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  Great 1st car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Christine - July 10 - 10:01 pm

  Bought this as my very first car. My stepdad fixed it up for me and it runs like a charm! The inside is pretty comfy and it hasnt given me any problems yet. I definitely would purchase another ford in the future :)

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  Faster Than a Speeding Bullitt - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By RPR - July 9 - 5:31 pm

  Purchased this 2008 Bullitt in January 2009 at Ford employee pricing plus $2000 rebate. The exhaust note on this car is incredible- every time I start it I feel like an 8 year old who just stole the keys to the Batmobile. Edmunds review of this car lauds the shifter, they werent kidding- incredibly smooth. Fantastic seats, great appearance. Fuel economy is poor in town given the low gearing but Ive averaged 25+ at steady 75 mph on the highway.

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  Third Ford - 1999 Ford Escort
  By mlittle - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This was our third ford car. Leased a 95 Escort,and a 97 Contour. Bought the 99 Escort. It was a really good car to drive and living in Washington we were always taking weekend trips. We bought it new and had it at 29000 when sold to move back east. Nothing ever went wrong. We are now looking to buy another 99 Escort.

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  Fun car but could use improvements - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By lirpa - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the car. I am remotley satified. Pretty car. Will see how it holds up.