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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  Tranny shouldve been a recall issue - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By ballpark - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The car was beautiful on outside. Disliked the interior radio console area - difficult to replace stereo off shelf with round configuration. Main issue was with transmission. Had to replace it at 50,000 miles ($1200) replaced the converter seal at 66,000 miles ($500) and it was ready for more transmission work when I traded it in today ($500 trade in allowance was very much worth it). Given # of tranny problems Ive read about, hard to believe it was not a recall issue.

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  Luxury and fun in one - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By markoor - February 17 - 3:53 pm

  I traded my 2004 Audi A4 for my Fusion and dont regret it one bit. The Audi was always in the garage. I drove the Fusion from Michigan to Virginia the first weekend I bought it and was comforatable the whole way there. I got terrible back aches half way there with the Audi but was feeling just as good as the second I left with the Fusion. Stiched black leather and heated seats are very nice looking. Car is very fun to drive.

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  Sweet Stang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Burnthis - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I would suggestion this car to any teen because its thick for saftey, and quick for a V6. THe best part is that any aftermarket product or mod is availible for the Ford Mustang.

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  Love It - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JAR - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my focus. I bought it used with 9000 miles and it is now at 36000 have had no major problems and only minor things that where covered ie: spark plug wires and a belt. Take care of this care and it will take care of you. I do all my oil changes and follow the maintance schedule to a T. The best car Ive owned.

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  First Time Buyer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By First time Buyer - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This was my first car I bought on my own, right after college. At the time it was the perfect car for me. IÂ’ve had the car over a year now and itÂ’s still in excellent condition and IÂ’ve put over 22k miles on it. The sound system sounds great and itÂ’s a smooth and comfortable ride. Just wish the engine was a little faster, doesnÂ’t have much of a pick up. IÂ’ve now become bored with the car, and wish it was more appealing to an early 20Â’s market.

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  Had to get rid of! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By riders - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Hated to do it, but after numerous problems with the 4wheel drive not disengaging, I had to get rid of my vehicle. I loved that SUV, and had owned the first 1996, absolutely loved it, too. Very disappointed in Fords "focus" on correcting my problem after my trying to resolve the situation since 2 weeks after I purchased. Only kept vehilce for 2 1/2 months! Regret the problems, and regret having to go to a GM product! Could not stand the brake dust all over wheels, and down side of truck...espcially a white one!

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  Really nice SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mgb - February 17 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is new, but I love it. This is the 3rd Explorer I have owned. My friend is driving my 1993 Explorer and has well over 100K miles and no problems. Be sure to buy from a dealer that has a good reputation for service in case you need it.

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  Handles like a sports car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Afterburner - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I wanted an Explorer, but when I drove the Limited, I was hooked. It comes with everything. No complaints. I have yet to see another one on the road and its great to see heads turn. Its fun driving something no one else has.

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  2001 F150 Lariat Super Crew Cab - 2001 Ford F-150
  By GEL - February 17 - 10:00 am

  A few complaints: the shoulder strap on the seat belt rides too high even though I have adjusted it and am of average height; the leather is already wearing on the drivers seat and the vehicle only has about 32k miles on it, and the arm rest is too short.

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  F-150 XL FLARESIDE(BLACK) - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Everett Family - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I AM GLAD MY HUSBAND AND I DECIDED TO BUY THIS TRUCK. WE LOVE DRIVING IT AND WE WAITED LONG ENOUGH TO FINALLY GET SOMETHING WE WANTED TO PAY FOR: A TRUCK! IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND OUR TWO LITTLE BOYS LOVE RIDING IN IT AND THE DEALER WHO HELPED US GET INTO OUR TRUCK WAS WONDERFUL AND GAVE US UP TO $5000.00 IN REBATES! WE ARE GOING TO KEEP IT FOR A LOOOONG TIME!