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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  Focus is Fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Trainer15 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied with this vehicle. Formerly owned a 1990 acura integra and drove it until 130K miles ended its life. The Acura was fun to drive and I didnt think this little Ford could even come close but I was wrong. Handles incredibly, very responsive for a compact car, great sound system, very roomy. One thing I find disappointing are the front seats, they are uncomfortable on long trips.

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  Focus is better??? - 2003 Ford Escort
  By track7bo - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have to disagree with Edmunds opinion that the Focus is a better car. I couldnt wait to get my car back when I had to rent a Focus for a day because my ZX2 was in the shop. It was so boring to drive and styling of the Focus just doesnt compare to that of my car. You wonder "why the ZX2 has lasted this long" ? Because its replacement would be the UGLY EGG that they call the Focus ZX3! The only Focus that may be better than the ZX2 is the SVT Focus (which costs a considerabe amount more). The only thing the ZX2 is lacking is an SVT option. It is a GREAT car. Ford has continued production of this car for good reason.

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  Great car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Chelle - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new and have not had one problem with it. It drives smooth, gets great gas mileage, and looks very sporty!

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  2001 Ford Windstar LX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By evblitch - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride however the trunk door is really heavy and can be quite hard for a petite person to reach up and close. Paint scratches very easily. Drives very smooth and can fit up to 7 people comfortably. I like the option of being able to take out the 3rd seat.

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  Finally, a T-Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gary E. Wood - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Weve wanted one since 1955, and the need for a new car finally coincided with the availability of a T-Bird. It is a cool car, and we feel good driving it. Furthermore, the 280 hp engine moves it on down the road. Thanks, J Mays and Ford, for keeping the spirit of the Thunderbird.

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  It was a good buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CMM - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is much nicer than my previous 98 XLT. Its roomier, quieter (though still loud), and the 3rd row seating is great when travelling with a crowd. I have the 6-cylinder engine and the acceleration is fine for how I drive the car. The gas mileage has been less than what I expected (around 15mpg, 18 if Im driving on the highway). Overall, it is a definite upgrade from the previous version but is still somewhat loud and drives, for lack of a better term, more like a truck compared to other (higher-priced) vehicles in its class that I test drove. If you need space, and want a mini-SUV, then you should definitely test drive this vehicle.

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  Thank You Ford! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Randy Knupp - June 16 - 4:20 pm

  Im thankful to Ford for building a car Ive been searching for for years. I really dont like minivans, and SUVs are gas hogs. This car here gets great gas mileage, has lots of room, rides nice, handles like a dream and I could go on and on! I highly recommend this vehicle. I cant find anything wrong with it. I dont understand where the critics are coming from; its like the perfect car for any need. Ford hit a grand slam on this one. I feel like I got a $35,000 car for under 25 grand. I am extremely happy. Once again, thank you Ford!

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  WARNING! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By MIKE COLLINS - June 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE MOST UNRELIABLE AND TROUBLESOME VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED

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  Performance + - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger Fan - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Second Ranger, first qwas a 1997, served me well. But the 2000 has more spunk, bigger tires, handles like a bigger truck. Well satisfied with quality, Ride and looks.

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  I just dont understand... - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By ragz88 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Ya know, this car has been out for what, 2-3 years now and Im totally baffled why I dont see more of them on the road. The design is absolutely stunning and its probably the one car that ford cares about when they build it. From the moment I look at it to when I put in the key to the moment the engine comes to life, this car gets me going. Ive been doing this now for a month and it still is just as good from the day I bought it. I love this ride... to the point where I want my unborn son to take his girl to the prom 18 years from now.