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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  spitfire vs focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By spitfire65Dolly - August 7 - 10:00 am

  SPITFIRE (triumph) barebones super fun for $1560. Forward 39 yrs. FOCUS se, only way to beat it is w/svt. 100 mph on highway like 60 in anything else. Back country roads are heaven. Handles as good as the spitfire or better and ride is light yrs ahead. Comfort is 94%, could use a little tweeking on leg room an seat size, shape an padding.

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  My experience with my SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Kelly Majors - August 7 - 10:00 am

  At first I really enjoyed the car. It is great fun to drive. The 6 speed provides good pull at every shift. I have experienced some problems with the car however. It has been back to the dealership 4 times with clutch problems. One of those times I had to be towed in. Finally all the clutch assembly, slave cylinder etc. had to be replaced. Needless to say with less then 20,000 miles on it, I have lost some of my confidence in the car. Gas mileage is good but the car requires gasoline rated over 91 (super premium). With prices over $2.00, it can cost well over $20.00 to fill the tank. I will not buy another Focus SVT again.

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  great do anything car - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mjdunleavy - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the car/truck it will fit 1 motorcycle with the tailgate down and has a great ride loader or unloaded. Needs more power and better economy so it needs to shead some pounds to get that done it is a heavy truck for its size. Overall I am very pleased with the Sport.

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  Explorer Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By rudemonkey - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the truck for a short period of time but it is a vast imporvement form my last car. Even with the short bed it can tackle more thnat you think. I have no regrets with my purchase.

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  nice - 2001 Ford Focus
  By like it - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a focus and so far so good. my friends have the same model and love it. Love how it handels! taking it to the mountains next year, cant wait to see how it does!

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  Fords always been the best - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Lucky Lady - August 7 - 7:16 am

  I have only had my 2005 for 2 weeks, but its not the first Ford truck Ive owned. Ive always found Ford trucks to be reliable, comfortable and able to handle any task Ive asked them to perform. So far Im very satisfied with my new truck and excited about the many adventures that are going to come my way. Of course, with it being a Texas Edition with all the extra chrome, it gets a lot of second looks. LOVE IT!

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  Get an import - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By never_again - August 7 - 6:03 am

  I bought this brand spanking new 06 Mustang GT Premium this past March. Initially, I was impressed with the power and acceleration of the 4.6L V8; however, there was much to be desired from the transmission as shifting became tedious and clunky, with a stiff clutch, in this 5-speed manual. Shifting was anything but smooth as you had to literally force the shifter into each gear with overwhelming effort. This became a nightmare in traffic and city driving. Do yourself a favor, if you want a true quick and nimble sports car with butter-smooth shifting, get yourself an import.

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  Comfort without Guts - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Merlot - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been a good one. The paint will chip, the thing is gutless on hills, but cant beat it for a commuter vehicle

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  dna - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By l heath - August 7 - 2:00 am

  this is my third ranger and each one has been a little gem

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  I LOVE IT! - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Cass - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 years old and this is my first car. I love it because it can fit all my friends and its not as wide as an Expedition. I would recommend this for all ages.