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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  Nice truck/SUV, but worried - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mikeiver37 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Really a nice package for the money, but worried about long term ownership. Recently had rear end replaced @ 34,000 (under warranty). Seems these things eat a rear end every 30-40K. Ford dealer acted surprised, but Internet bulletin boards are full of this problem. Also, took 2 full weeks to repair. Managed to get a free rental car after first week, after throwing a fit to Corporate customer service. Guess that is one way to ensure buyers get the extended warranty. Not sure Id buy another one.

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  My Third Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By kimbah - February 15 - 3:25 pm

  Ive owned my third Taurus for just shy of 5 years and I love it. Bought it brand new. I have 80,000 miles on it and have only replaced tires at 60k miles no other repairs. Still has original brakes which I consistently have checked and theyre still good. Now thats amazing!

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  Drive it & Buy It - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Crossovered - February 15 - 3:10 am

  The sport model look got me! With factory 22" wheels & body kit, looks great from any angle. It transformed the ride/handling into something unlike any SUV/CUV. If you like the tight suspension, definitely consider the sport model. Interior is not the best, but with nav/sync, makes it a lot more fun. Lots of legroom front & back. Car still new, getting 17.5 mpg average, hope it will improve. Test driven Murano, Venza, Rav4, Tiguan, & Pilot, none look as good as this sport model.

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  First Time Focus Driver - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Maddie - February 15 - 1:10 am

  A fun car to drive. Very sensitive steering. This is a nice zippy car, especially when it has most of the options. I am a new driver and this car is easy to learn.

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  Best Truck Ive had - 1993 Ford F-150
  By stress369 - February 14 - 6:00 pm

  Ive always been a GM guy. Well I have now changed my mind. This is a great truck, lots of pep! The get up and go coming from the 5.0 is great. The only thing that I do not like is how much lower it sets than its GM counterpart.

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  My favorite beater ! - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By steve-o1959 - February 13 - 10:32 am

  I bought my Festiva in 2008 for a cheap work vehicle. So far it has been great. 40-44 mpg average. No problems yet. Fun to drive with 5-speed. Peppy for a 1.3 liter engine. Handling so-so. Heavy steering at low speeds. It is what it is. Not a car for long trips but great around town. Seats actually quite comfortable(I,m 511", 230lbs.) Mine only has 109,000 miles. Ive heard of many with 200,000 or more. Tires not available locally. Tire Rack has them but not as cheap as you would think for 12" tires. Most basic parts are available. This car is so good it makes you wonder what happened to its successor, the Aspire!

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  Great if you dont have kids - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By airforcebrat - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Explorer Sport. I have to agree tho it wouldnt be too great if I had a kid who needed to be put into a car seat. Ive hauled around my 4 year old nephew and he has to have a car seat and its doggone inconvenient to put him into it. Otherwise, I have no complaints about this vehicle. Its roomy; it drives well; I feel safe in it.

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  Not enough room - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By pyano - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used Ford Explorer XLT with 43000 miles to haul around stuff every once in a while. The only problem is that the rear window is not 4 feet wide so you cant haul plywood or sheetrock inside the car!! Some other SUVS in the same class like Isuzu Trooper you CAN haul plywood inside. Its a fun car but not big enough if youre looking to move stuff around for home projects.

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  Great Auto - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Scottss80 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a 95 4runner with a 150hp to the Escape was quiet a nice surprise! The acceleration of the Escape is 2nd to none, in it class and price range, handles great, great brakes, and Im getting 21 mpg in the city.The Mach stereo is the best Ive ever had from a factory radio. The only complaints I had was when I purchase it (used), it had a lot of squeaks inside, especially the console top, back door, and some squeaks in the door panels. But I had fixed all of them myself in about 2 days, I guess the problem stems from all the hard plastics that Ford uses. Now that Ive taken care of those issues, Its one darn fun auto to drive!!!

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  THIS IS MY SECOND FOCUS - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dogboy2140 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Focus. I got the Sony Edition 4-door-sedan in 2000, and had such a great experience with it that when I decided that I wanted more room, I opted NOT to get an SUV. I LOVED my car but wanted more space, a sunroof (not an option in 2000), and the ability to listen to more than 1 CD. I know that there have been recalls on the Focus in the past, but my new one was NOT part of any of them so far. Now if they only made a convertible version.....