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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  Fun to drive car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By JonathanV - July 25 - 2:00 am

  So far an excellent car. I have put about 4,000 miles on the car since I bought it, and it has performed flawlessly. It had 82,000 miles when purchased. I am a senior in college, so having a reliable car is important to me, considering I go to school 600 miles from home. The wipers seem to come on by themselves occasionally, but so far that is the only problem. The engine and transmission seem to be doing fine, and are much smoother/quieter than some of the professoinal critics would have you believe. Nearly imperceptible upshifts/downshifts. Does not use or leak even a drop of oil, a first for any American car Ive ever owned. A/C works perfectly.

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  Been had by Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Been had by Ford - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission, Head and Engine Gasket failure and very expensive

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  They should have done better - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By EeeZee - July 24 - 3:33 pm

  Styling aside, it seems like an earnest attempt by Ford to build a solid and practical car for comfortable urban driving. Unfortunately, they are not paying attention to the fine points that their competition thrives on such as exterior finish and attention to detail -- points that have been the downfall of most domestic manufacturers since the imports started eroding their market share. Call it sloppiness or inattention, the car has obvious defects easily seen by any sighted person. Picked a new Fusion SEL two weeks ago with bad paint on the hood, an obviously deformed interior door handle, and misfit or misaligned exterior parts.

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  My SEL Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Rob - July 24 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my Fusion five months ago and wanted to wait until I had it for awhile before giving a review. I have 15000 miles on it and have had no problems with my Fusion. I think Ford has built a capable car to compete with other midsized cars in its price range. The V6 engine is acceptable for the size and weight of the car. I average about 28 mpg. I have been driving long distances mostly highway and the ride is very comfortable.

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  good truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By laddco enterprises - July 24 - 10:00 am

  good truck. very reliable

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  THE BEST TRUCK EVER - 2002 Ford F-150
  By weswes7 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  IF U WANT A TRUCK WITH A RACE CAR FEEL, THIS IS THE TRUCK TO GET. NO OTHER TRUCK CAN MATCH ITS PERFORMANCE AND STYLE AND THE BEST OF ALL IS, ITS SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE!!!!!

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  Focus better than my new Toyota Matrix - 2002 Ford Focus
  By markregel - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an exceptional car. Its not until we got a new Toyota Matrix (wifes car) that I really appreciate how well if drives and handles. The Matrix is a solid car, but its no match to the ZX3 when it comes to driving dynamics. The steering response and feedback is outstanding. The Matrix feels refined, but you dont get that feeling of being connected to the road like you do in the Focus. Yes, this car has recalls which makes great reason some to trash it. Ford has issued recalls for even the most trivial problem, how can you fault them for that? All I say to the people trashing this car is "your loss".

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  The best sport compact car ever built! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Elliot Grout - July 24 - 10:00 am

  My sonic blue SVT Focus is an amazing machine. The tuned header leading into the throaty exhuast sounds perfect. The 6 speed Getrag transmission is geared for sporty driving, never leaving you in the low rpm dumps. The styling gets looks, but only from people who know what it is. The insurance is cheap, and my payments wont break the bank. Overall a great car for the money, and there isnt another car out there that can hold a candle to its handling prowess. Just read the magazine articles, and youll soon agree.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2001 Ford Focus
  By eddy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  VERY ugly, slow and American (unreliable). poor design and looks

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  Escape.........to Hell - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Hiller - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great. Except that the A/C is horrible. Ford needs to something about their air-conditioning in the Escape. Also, the seats are not comfortabl at all. I wonder if Ford realizes that?