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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  A Ford able - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mano-man - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Need to replace a 1996 Dodge caravan (money pit). A friend of my wife had just bought a Focus wagon and she loved it. So we went and had a look. Nice style, comfortable seats, good visibility, plenty of power, and nice extras. Test drove it in town and out on the highway and was amazed at the fine handling in the mountains. As for power Im happy as this is my wifes car, but the power is there. On driving it home I was shocked that I was well over the speed limit when I looked at the speedo for the first time. Decided to use cruise control until I got the feel for it s speed. So if your looking for a nice wagon look no futher.

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  Pleasurable Driving - 2004 Ford Focus
  By grybrd73 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has proved to be very easy to handle. It corners easily, and this is very important to me. I have been very impressed with its response in a tight situation. Braking is smooth and secure. I just enjoy the vehicle.

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  FOCUS ZTS! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ryanbrogz - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I got my car in September and i have done nothing but fall in love with it, we got so many discounts on the car, the post sept 11 0% financing...the X plan, which gets the price a little under invoice, then a 400$ college grad coupon...we got the car that had a sticker of about 18 grand down to 15....i love the car, its quick, its nimble, its everything you would want for under 20 grand...i got a Wings West Thruster style spoiler on the back and it looks beautiful

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  2000 Black Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By HotGirl - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mustang in July 2000, at first I liked it, but then as I began to drive it I realized alot of wind noise comes through the car. When it rains, pinging on the hood. A couple of months after having the car, there was a rear seal leak, it was leaking transmission fluid causing an awful smell while the A.C. was on, the delaership had the car for a week, stuck with awful rental car, which I had to throw a fit to actually get a rental car. My black paint has looked awful since a few months after buying, it does not have the sheen other cars I have had, not matter how much it is cleaned, waxed, etc. I am currently looking to trade my car in, and it will not be a FORD.

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  Moving UP - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By mkiker1 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I first started with a 98 LX silver Mustang and have been hooked ever since... I like the body styles and the performance for the price... I wish that the car could be a little more spacious.. Im very satisfied with the quality and I never had any problems with my 98 which I put about 45,000 miles on, but my GT has had some minor problems its first year... I cant wait til the 2005s come out and I plan on either moving up to the Cobra or another GT...

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By igmu - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the 6.0L. Eddie Bower. I get 22MPG hwy unloaded. This truck can use biodiesel which puts out almost no pollution and saves on foreign oil imports. It make no sense to discontinue this vehicle when it is more enviromentally friendly then a Honda.

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  hey now - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By fgdsfds fdsafds - July 30 - 2:00 am

  It does all things well. What more do you want for this kind of price?

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  Fords Faulty Transmissions - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Fords victim - July 30 - 2:00 am

  At 50,000 mi the tranmission had to be replaced due to "neutraling out" at stops. At 36000 mi on the 2nd trans, a major leak of the pan gasket and the torque converter seal. If we hadnt bought the extended powertrain warranty, we would have paid out $2M to fix all the trans probs. Sensor problems repeatly with the doors. Wont ever buy another Ford product even though weve been longtime Ford owners. Fords cust. service motto must be:"Deny!Deny!Deny!". Just ask Firestone.

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  Xlnt Taurus, but. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By hm - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall v. good. I find that driving at speeds <70mph on California freeways and roads produces a better ride. Cross country driving, i.e., smoother highways afford better ride at higher speeds. Mileage is good in town (18-21 mpg) w/ a/c on. Highway mileage is 30mpg either way. I am very impressed w/the ABS brakes except that panic stops (?)tend to warp the front rotors. (A minor problem).

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  In addition to my other review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CN - July 30 - 1:06 am

  I just walked outside last night to find my back hatch cracked in half by the Ford symbol. This is apparently an often occurrence with this model, but Ford will not pay to fix it even though I have the Premium Care Plan. Im on my fourth transmission now (at 56,000 miles) and I forgot to add that the six CD changer broke right after I bought this SUV brand new. Its a pretty, comfortable, fun, lemon of an SUV. Hope others have had better luck because I will never buy a Ford SUV again.