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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  2007 ford focus ses 4 dr - 2007 Ford Focus
  By ron i - September 11 - 1:52 pm

  I will never buy another ford focus. What a piece of junk. Never have I seen so much plastic on a car. At 40k miles the automatic door lock for the drivers side breaks. Cost to fix? $250. At not even 50k miles the thermostat gives up. The thermostat and housing are one piece. Cost to fix? approx $300 (the part is about $100 and the coolant is replaced). The labor costs more than the part. Now the car has a coolant leak (at 59k miles) and I figure its the water pump. I dont even want to know what that is going to cost. The car is a dog in hot weather with more than one person in it and it slogs along with the AC on. Dont even try to climb hills in hot weather. If 99% of your driving is around town and you only need basic transportation (around town) and you are the only one driving it then its ok. If you want to take friends somewhere that involve climbing hills forget it and have someone else drive. Make sure you have roadside assistance with your insurance because you will need it sooner or later. This car makes me wonder if I just bought a bad year for the Focus because I rented one before and was pleased, but then again those were low mileage cars. If you buy a Focus make sure you thoroughly test drive the car and do some research. Better yet spend the extra money and buy a Japanese car. Chances are you will get 80k miles on the car before you have a problem. The bad thing about newer cars is it is hard to work on them yourself and save the money because they have transverse mounted engines. I used to own a Datsun 510 and I did all the work myself. It was easy. Not anymore.

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  Fun BIrd - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By BigBird - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new. I fell in love with it on the lot and purchased it that same week. This is my second T- bird. The first was a 1993 with a 3.8 V6. I have added a supercharger, after market chip and upgrade exhaust system. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. If Ford was still making these I would buy another one in a flash.

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  lots o money - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By tp - September 11 - 2:00 am

  transmision, headgasket, brakes you name it i replaced it.... nice car fun to drive expensive to fix

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  great car I got 48MPG highway, reliable - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By festiva owner - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Owned for 6 years so far, now it has 100000 miles. never any problem. replaced the starter once (30 minute job) Got 48.5 MPG on highway trip to new york from virginia last year. Much more responsive and fun to drive than my Jimmy or minivan. I would be concerned in a major accident, but it should be easier to aviod one in this car. Highly recommended for any safe driver who wants a good car with great mileage.

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  This is a good car but! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Fanula - September 11 - 2:00 am

  The best part of this car is it seats eight. Very few vans even do this. We changed fuel pump at 55,000 miles (This year0. Door clips come off, and AC not best. Makes noise driving on steep hills except when on premium gas. Handles well in wind on highway.

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  great car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By k9patroldog - September 10 - 6:43 pm

  This is a wonderful car to drive. The Mustang will turn a head or two. There is a small hesitation in the acceleration when you first press the accelerator but when the transmission finds the lower gear, sit back and enjoy the ride.

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  car - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By bill stull - September 10 - 6:38 pm

  It is smaller then you think

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  Never buy a Ford again! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By tominVA - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Bottom line...LEMON! Just had the Transmission repaired for $1,060 on a 4 yr old vehicle w/ 71,000 miles! Mechanic said they dont this kind of failure on cars with 140000 miles! Spent the holidays driving the 1988 Camry I gave to my Dad when I bought this van (it has 150000 miles!) Have expierenced multiple little problems with the electrical system, doors, and idler control motor. All of which dealers say they find no problems. Have been religious with maintenance/tune ups expecting this car would last 7-8 yrs. Im unloading this quickly and going back to a Toyota!

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  Never Again!! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By ngsings - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This car has ruined my opinion on sports cars. I consistently dumped money into expensive repairs ($1-2k per year) and could not wait to get out of it.

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  good long time reliable friend - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By alden - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new, and there never has been a mini van built since that can actually carry 7 pasangers and thier lugguage. My new car is a Ford Excursion (ie the F250 SUV) and it has less luggage room than the Aerostar.. So sad the mini vans and SUVs these days are not desined to take your gear with you..