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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  a pickup that is second to none........ - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Brad J - October 14 - 3:08 am

  I will be the first to admit I will be somewhat biased with the Ford F-150. Reason being I have owned an F-150 ever since I was able to drive. Nevertheless it must be stated the amount of improvement from 1995 to 2016 is unprecedented. I have also owned GM cars and trucks as a secondary vehicle over the years...and I have rented many cars due to my employment. Comparing vehicles in general you will be very happy with a 2016 F-150. It used to be only guys needing trucks would get a truck and rightfully so..this has changed. The 2016 F-150 handles well, rides decent, great interior, and overall a great looking truck. The one downfall when comparing to rivals is the infotainment system. I hate it. I live with it however because everything else is second to none when it comes to rivals. The engine choice I went with is the 2.7-I went with this engine choice as I sometimes need to tow and haul yet this truck is also my daily driver. I needed an engine that would be middle of the road when it comes to being practical. I do NOT regret picking this engine. I have had other V-8s from Ford and the 3.5 Ecoboost. The 2.7 is a great middle ground pick. Great horsepower, mileage and when I need the power it is there. It also must be said the 2.7 is amazingly quiet and smooth. If you have liked the 3.5 Ecoboost from Fords previous generation you will love the 2.7 engine. I will say however if you tow serious weight-the 3.5 will still be the way to go. For the rest of us I cannot say enough great things about the 2.7. Forget the V8 is what I say--however--I have had friends tell me (the ones that cannot bring themselves getting a V-6 in a pickup) the V8 is a great engine. The aluminium I thought would bother me, but I have to be honest-I do not notice a difference-other than the truck handles better, gets better mileage and still holds up to heavy duty applications. All in all you cannot go wrong with picking the 2016 Ford F-150. This is a great truck!

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By kjam - October 13 - 11:20 pm

  I traded in an Explorer for this to get better gas mileage. This is a great, fun little car. I enjoy the handling, the Sony Stereo system and the overall performance of this econobox. I have noticed that the clutch is especially sensitive, so be ready for that. Also, I wish it had more front leg room. Other than that, I have no complaints for this vehicle.

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  Awesome! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Liz - October 12 - 8:06 am

  I love this car! I got it at the beginning of the month and it is such a great ride! Fun, agile and responsive! Looks to die for and incredible gas mileage (26 city/37.8 hwy and its an automatic) Im so proud of my first brand new car!

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  Ford Focus 06 - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Bill Stipek - October 12 - 7:26 am

  Since I have purchased my 06Ford Focus SE 4 door I have been pleasantly surprised by its good all around quality. For example, its ride is comparable to a standard size sedan with excellent acceleration and fuel economy in this automatic transmission version.

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  A good unfinished product - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ChuckPep - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Focus SE-Sport sedan is a practical, spacious and enjoyable car. However, Ford did not "push the envelope" when delivering this car in 2000. The fit and finish are probably the biggest problem: materials are of ok quality but various parts are not well adjusted. The Ztec engine provides sufficient power for this class but its too noisy and has low fuel efficiency considering its only a 2.0 litre. Still, I enjoy my Focus very much and am looking forward to the next generation due to appear later this year.

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  Get outa my way - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By OkieDokie - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This big bomber is terrific. I do a lot of interstate highway driving and am plagued by the "left lane bandits". Well, no more. I come up behind other motorists and they immediately move over, perhaps thinking I might be a unmarked state trooper. I can slide on by...and get back to getting on down the road in comfort.

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  2001 Ford Focus-so far so good - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Happy Focus Owner - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my Focus since October of 2001. I get 27mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway. Have experienced no problems in 22,000 miles. It is fun to drive and handles well in Michigan winters. The trunk is huge for a small car. Have had several passengers express their suprise for how nicely the car rides. The controls are placed well. Ford appears to finally have the world car they have been trying for since the Escort was introduced. Hopefully, the problems they had when the car was first introduced have been resolved. My Focus has had no recalls.

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  One of the Lucky Ones ? - 2000 Ford Focus
  By PHILG - October 12 - 2:00 am

  After reading some of these reviews I felt as if I needed to submit one to defend this car a bit! Im not an avid supporter of any car make, rather a person who buys a car out of necessity! I drive alot! Ive owned 7 new cars in the past and believe it or not,the Focus has been the best! Recalls dont bother me as long as the problems are corrected. This vehicle has 112,000 and still runs perfect. There may not be the same amount of zip when I first drove off the lot, but the Focus has been very good to me. There have been no major repair expenses other than brakes, tires, and a set of spark plugs and wires! So, dont believe all of the hype!

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  First new Ford in a while....like it! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By KDS - October 11 - 8:30 pm

  We are in our 50s & take road trips with friends, swapping drivers so I sometimes end up in the back. I have a very tall upper body & somewhat short legs. We test sat/drove many vehicles of all makes including the 2008 Taurus and the Five Hundred was the only one I didnt have my head touching the roof when sitting in back. Ours is a 2007 Five Hundred Limited FWD in white/pebble and we love it! Is it the most luxurious car weve ever owned? no. The sportiest? no. But it is perfect for us. Room aplenty, smooth ride, good gas mileage, adjustable pedals, thoughtful features, classy looks, good build quality. Were just happy we got one before they were all gone.

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  Best car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Marcus Ainsworth - October 11 - 5:43 pm

  Pros: I bought a highly loaded ST (6-track CD, leather, heated seats, air bags) less than Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic. Mazda 3 was comparable but more expensive and dash board was chintzy and rode harder. Adding any options to Corolla was expensive. The Focus ZX4 ST handles great, rides nice, and is comfortable to sit in. Shifter is quick and maximum torque is found at a good RPM. Trunk is very adequate for this class of car. Good HVAC. Cons: No light for the back seat compartment. Lack of automatic could be annoying to some but SE offers a solution.