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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  my new car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By celebrytie - March 2 - 7:23 am

  I am very happy with my purchase, Ive only had this one for a couple of days but I did rent one for a week in Atlanta last year and loved it. It has plenty of room for the kids and dogs at a very affordable price, very comfortable. So far everything seems to be just fine in it, Im sure time will tell but I did purchase a hefty warranty as always......

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  Depreciation vs. Work Horse - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By johndoe - March 2 - 1:53 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned, it now has 129,000+ miles but has had better reliability than any Nissan I have ever owned. The cost becomes enormous if you dont keep them a really long time and I get bored quickly. The resale value goes to the dogs every time I buy a Ford vehicle just because of the name of it.

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  I Love This Car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Leila Mohammadione - March 1 - 5:46 pm

  I have only had this car for about 2 months, but I am already in love. I traded in my V6 2000 Mustang and I upgraded to the V8 2006 GT. This was a great decision. The car rides comfortably and looks amazing. Not only does the car attract a lot of attention, it makes people turn around when I start her up. I am very pleased with my purchase!

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  A Great Reliable Vehicle, Never a Problem - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Dennis Tinberg - March 1 - 5:42 pm

  Proven reliability, Never a problem. Easy to drive, set ups high for a smaller vehicle. Good Road car with minimal road noise. Secret is good tires and good struts, improve good handling to excellent handling for smaller than mid size car. Plenty of room for four and or five with youths in the rear seat. Trunk space is generous. Ford perfected the body and engine after years of redesign.

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  one hullavu car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By jmdz06 - March 1 - 4:39 pm

  i bought my 98 zx2 with 50k plus miles on it. ive had it now for about 18 months and all i can say is: ford has a winner! i have not had a single problem with it. the best part of the car is when you tell someone you bought an excort and their jaw hits the floor when they see it. Thats not an escort! Oh yes it is, and its MORE reliable than grandmas apple pie!

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  Great car - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Venom17 - March 1 - 1:42 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. It has alot of power and torque.

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  Old Faithfull - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Tony L - March 1 - 3:08 am

  My "Little Red Wagon" astounds me on how durable and solid it is. I believe that due to this car being "part" Mazda, it performs and lasts much like a Japanese import. The one downfall is its engine (Ford built). It has always had trouble on long trips where it must sustain a consistant high rpm for a long time. I always get the "check engine" light and the engine bogs down. Around town, this car is reliable. Not many small cars, that I have driven, handle as well.

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  ZX2 is the greatest! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Kristi - March 1 - 1:14 am

  I bought my ford Zx2 a few weeks ago and I think its all excellent. There isnt any other car that can compare up to the ZX2. Its great in the styling, the fuel, everything. Edmunds shouldnt downgrade the ZX2, they dont even know what their talking about.

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  Has served our family well...mostly - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By Edward L. - March 1 - 12:13 am

  You have to realize this is not a vehicle to have unless you are willing to have repairs done. Weve had a minor transmission problem and heating system glich. The car has done well for family use, but we have not abused it either. We are obsessive about maintenance which also helps. This vehicle is a good low up-front cost rather large minivan, but dont expect trouble free operation, it is a FORD>

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  Great car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By vin - February 28 - 10:23 pm

  Runs great