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:

• 

  Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By john caffro - August 30 - 2:40 pm

  i work at a Ford dealership as a mechanic so i pretty much know what to buy and what not to buy. The Mustang is one of Fords best cars. I know a 1969 and a 1970 Mustang were also well built. The cars are realiy close in looks thats why i bought - it brings you back to the 60s

• 

  Review - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Sean - August 30 - 11:13 am

  An excellent car for the money! Fun to drive for a large car, good on gas (average 22mpg on the highway- and I dont drive slow). Very safe feel to it in all weather conditions. Lots of guts, its no slug! Only complaint is the headlights are not as bright as other cars Ive owned, but a good set of aftermarket fog lamps and problem solved.

• 

  nice van - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Bob4634 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  its a nice van, plain and simple can do lots of work. Useful for small bisniesse

• 

  New 2003 Excellent - 2003 Ford Escape
  By PWABUSCH - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I spent major time looking and test driving Hyundai , Honda , Mazda etc. and reading reviews on all of them including Ford Escape. This smaller midsize SUV is about the very best "bang for the buck" . I used to have a Ford Explorer so let me tell you guys , this Escape is NO ladies SUV. Great ride , vision , mileage and plenty of power to tow my 18 foot LUND boat!

• 

  Dont do it! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jacksonee - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with the Focus and the various Ford dealerships I have encountered when getting repairs. From the tons of recalls to the cars susceptibility to be knocked out of alignment, this car is a pain. On the up side, it looks good and recently I was rear-ended and the bumper was not all smashed up. Other than that, this car is not worth the money, and I paid 15,000 for it. WELL over what it was ever worth!

• 

  ZX3 B FUN! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By zx3dynamo - August 30 - 10:00 am

  In a nutshell, this little car has quite a lot going for it. Its a zippy little economy car that falls dangerously close to a low end sport car. It hugs the road and I have yet to lose traction in the rain. It takes a while to get used to the "snapple cap" turn signal but all in all, the car is worth every dollar.

• 

  shopping again after only 1 year - 2002 Ford Focus
  By sooosorry - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been an enormous disappointment. Its spent almost 3 weeks at the dealers service facility. Weve had new rear suspension, new tires, new ignition module (twice--the dealer installed the wrong one the first time, which meant no brake lights!). Now the "recirculate" feature on the climate control wont work and the "emission system" light is on. Back to another service appt. tomorrow. Im ready to bag it.

• 

  Yeah....loook - 2000 Ford F-150
  By jaymorgasim - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any problems. Best truck I have ever had

• 

  built ford tough - 1999 Ford F-150
  By svtatford - August 30 - 2:00 am

  this truck has no rattles inside or out. This truck is the most reliable truck I have ever had.

• 

  Roomy vehicle - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By FloridaBob - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar has given me excellent service to date. I purchased the ESP extended warrenty from Ford and have used it twice. New front wheel ABS sensor and power steering pump. Both after 50,000 miles. Every once in a while a do get a harsh shift in first gear if I come to almost a complete stop then accelerate.