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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  best for the money - 2000 Ford Escort
  By DBO - July 13 - 2:00 am

  After 2 1/2 years I have had only 1 problem, the seat material was threading around the edge (drivers seat). The dealer fixed this under warranty and I have had no other problems. The Car is fun to drive and gets good gas milage and doesnt look like an econobox...

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  Could be better, could be worse - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JamesH - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very nice SUV. The extremely poor ride is the worst characteristic. Ample power is delivered by the V-6 but at the high cost of gas guzzling. The ride is high and the interior compartment very nice. The NBX package sports a nice rack on top and an interior that is almost indestructable. I would recommend as long a gas guzzling is not a concern. Oh, and if you have trouble climbing into vehicles this is not the auto for you. The off-road suspension and 17 inch wheels make it pretty high.

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  Not happy with Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By stacey moran - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very disappointed with the Ford manufacturers. I recently found out that there is a design flaw in Ford trucks from years 2000, 2001 and 2002. This is a flaw with the "air intake". You could drive through three inches of water and the air intake is placed so low that it will "suck up" the water causing the engine to lock up and have to be replaced. Ford refuses to take responsibility for their design flaw and will NOT do a recall. Yet they leave the insurance companies to cover all expenses for their mistakes in design.

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  Solid Transportation - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By zitellij - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride quality. I was suprised how smooth a ride a vehicle this SUV gives without compromising control. IRS is wonderful, as is the active 4X4. Comfortable interior.

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  Love It - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Louis Davidson - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. I owned a 2000 Focus Sedan and really liked it, but it lacked something. That something was 40 horses and a 6-speed. Excellent handling, solid power, and fantastic styling. Have had one problem that took a long time to get repaired due to backordered parts, but the SVT product comes with a free loaner so it was not a big problem. One word of caution, I have bent two of the wheels on some of the nasty potholes in Nashville, TN this year due to the horrible winter we had. The low-profile tires couple with the tight suspension can make for a bumpy ride when the pavement is broken up.

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  Under-rated, under-estimated - 2003 Ford Focus
  By warehousebum - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely in love with this car. Dont be off-put by the 2000-2001 recall whiners- hasnt been a recall since 01 and my ZX3 hasnt had a single problem to date. This car is so much fun to drive that I often find myself taking the long-way to destinations. A convoluted intake system robs this car of much-needed low-end torque (even with the 5-speed manual), but its still easy to chirp the tires and its great in the higher revs. A surprisingly fun car to flog in the twisties. All the friends whom Ive allowed to test-drive dont want to give up the keys. For a $13,000 hatch-back!

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  Trading in my dream truck - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - July 12 - 9:43 am

  While driving to work in my 2005 F150 Lariat and complaining about the price of gas I thought I all ready have a F350 how many trucks do I need. Went on Fords web page and looked at what cars they had to offer. Loved the looks and capabilities of the SEL awd. Went out and traded in my dream truck for a 2007 Merlot V6 awd SEL. Now 6000 miles later in 3 months I still love it. Im averaging 27.4 mpg mixed driving. Car handles like a dream. My 16 and 18 year old daughters think its a cool car too.

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  Great Bargain Sports Car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Erick161 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Im 17 and I bought this car for myself as a christmas present since my older eclipse turbo was biting the dust. This is truly one of the best bargain sports cars out there. Its got plenty of torque to get it off the line though 50bhp wouldnt hurt. So far, its been reliable (knock on wood). It engine sounds great, but i couldnt resist adding a flowmaster exhaust. overall, GREAT car

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  FORDS GREAT ZX2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By JACKIE - July 12 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS FORDS BEST BUILT HIGHEST QUALITY CAR IN MY PERSONAL OPINION. I HAVE OBSERVED THE ZX2 SELLS AS SOON AS IT HITS THE DEALERSHIPS, WITH LITTLE OR NO ADVERTISING. THIS FACT BY ITSELF IS VERY INTERESTING. THIS IS A VERY WELL BUILT CAR A TRUE VALUE FOR THE MONEY. I HOPE FORD ALWAYS BUILDS THIS FINE CAR.

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  HD F-150 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By curry - July 12 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great vehicle. the only exception would be the bed cover has been off for repair more than it has been on the truck.