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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  WOW whatta car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ash - March 16 - 2:43 pm

  OK, I have a cat named Chevy if that tells you anything. I swore I would never ever buy a Ford, but after test driving a Focus ZX3 SES I must say, I was floored. I ended up getting the SE model but love it just the same! It gets great mileage, runs great, is pretty zippy, and is all around a great deal. I must say, I will probably trade this in in a few years for another FORD! :)

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  Great value in a small car, - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - March 16 - 7:16 am

  When gas prices looked like they wouldnt be headed below $3 per gallon last summer, I started looking for a more fuel-efficient car to replace my Saturn VUE. In the past year, Ive had opportunities to drive several small cars (Focus, Civic, Mazda3) and midsizers (Fusion, Mazda6, Accord, G6, Maxima). In my book, the Focus and Mazda3 were at the top of the list where driving dynamics are concerned. Since Im 63" tall, head and leg room are big considerations in a small car - - and the Focus fit me better than any other in the class. Add to that the incentives on the Focus and the fact that I live in a state (MI) thats rather dependent on Fords business success, and the choice is made.

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  My car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Vince0014 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This car was given to me by my parents when I turned 18, and was about to head to college. Now it is my everyday driving car, taking to and fro where I need to go. It gives the impression of a family car, so of course I cant use it to impress any ladies, but it does get me where I need to go. I have had problems with the engine, specifically the electrical ignition system. The first actual problem since being under my possession. I enjoy my taurus and take great pride in being an owner.

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  1994 Ford Aspire - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By dkhenning - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car for over 165,000 miles and, other than about $2000 in repairs, I never had to do anything except the customary LOFs, tune-ups and muffler rapairs. Mileage was still in the 35- mpg range, while acceleration was very good for a four-cylinder five-speed. A few weeks ago, another driver hit my car from behind, totaling it, and I had a very hard time letting it go.

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  Not Worth It! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Brannon - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I reallyw wanted a minivan, but I wish I had known what I was getting myself into. This thing sucks up the gas around town and I feel like Im driving a barge as compared to an automobile. Parking is a nightmare and getting around in heavy traffic is more stress than its worth.

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  Love the look and feel, but not the MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pkhannon - March 15 - 11:59 am

  I purchased a Fusion Hybrid SE 4 weeks ago. The car drives great, handles turns with ease, and accelerates decently for a 2.0L. The seats too are very comfortable and the look of the car is fantastic. The MPG however isnt even close to the advertised 47/47. Ive put 1500+ miles on the car and my best MPG is 38. In order to try to get better MPG, Ive totally changed my driving habits, accelerating slowly, keeping the car at 60 on highways, breaking so that I get 100% power return, etc....I recently read an experts review and they noted better mileage in warmer temps. Maybe..but I also saw that Ford is being investigated by the EPA. I still love the car but the MPG is disappointing.

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  Fun , but be ready to spend money repair - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Nip - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Focus the first year, great handling. After that, I started having problems with the engine. They told me I was using the wrong gas (premium is bad, regular is good), and need to clean it up, my fault so no warranty and they charge me around $550...4 months later, problems with the brakes, pay $500. 1 year later, I problems with brakes again and some with engine injection. The injection, I suspect was the same old problem, but now it was a re-call (It has like 7 recalls since I bought it) the brakes cost me another $650 bucks. Know I am selling it, and believe me I not getting another Ford, much less a Focus.

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  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kenny borom - March 14 - 10:00 am

  great truck to have in a crazy climate like here in cleveland, ohio. also a stylish truck that fits in anywhere.

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  focused - 2000 Ford Focus
  By taylort5 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Ford focus was an excellent car it was the perfect size for me and my family and very reliable. my car had 86,000 and the engine waw extremely quite as if the car was not turned on. I would definitly purchase another focus.

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  Long time Ford owner, not impressed - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Todd55 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Well, Ive driven my new F-150 about 10,000 mi. since Dec.03. This truck has problems: 1: With humidity or rain, the truck "self-accelerates" Yes, thats right like from 60mph, all of a sudden it is going 80. Ford acknowledged they had a problem but no repair for it yet 2: After a carwash,hard to start 3: Rattles everywhere. Brake pedal has a really annoying rattle, the leather back seat vibrates against the window, and the drivers window squeals when it goes down. 4: The truck is a $37,000 truck and it came with cheap-ass tires. No Goodyears like my 97 had which got 108,000 miles on the first set.