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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  the best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ernie - July 30 - 10:00 am

  the best damn truck on the face of the planet that is for sure its everything you want and more

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  i love my ford truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fordgirl02 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  i never thought for a minute i would ever own a ford until i saw this truck driving down the road..turned my head an looked to c what kind it was an went to local ford dealership an bought one

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  Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By nana Lori - July 30 - 10:00 am

  So far I thoroughly enjoy my vehicle.......I think gas mileage could be better ( my v-8, 1997 thunderbird got better mileage ) I need something higher off the ground as I am tall and have bad knees........very glad I picked the 2003 Escape. I would probably get another if I needed to. Thanks..........

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  Escape Limited is great - 2004 Ford Escape
  By carguydc - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2004 Escape Limited FWD with Luxury Comfort Package(heated seats and mirrors, upgraded audio and reverse sensors) and Moonroof. This car is a blast to drive. When you floor it from a stop the tires squeal - its got plenty of power! Of course my driving style may be part of why the FE is not as good as I might like: Im getting just under 20MPG. I love the exterior looks and styling. I also drove the CRV, Santa Fe and Liberty and found none could compare to this combination of luxury and fun to drive.

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  My ZTS - 2001 Ford Focus
  By gonegolfing - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a great little car. It is fun 2 drive and has many conveniences for a small car. It could use a little more power but overall it has been a great car for the price.

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  Never let me down - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jblakeney - July 30 - 10:00 am

  After being forced into buying a car on rather short notice by a wreck, I decided that what I wanted was a vehicle which was able to haul me and all of my crap, be economical, and still be fun to drive. The Focus Zx3 has lived up to all of that, with the exceptions of interior quality and fuel economy. The fuel economy is partially my fault, as it has been so much fun to drive (fast), and in the summertime with the AC on, it can suck up a lot of fuel, even on the highway. I have experienced few mechanical problems (my ignition key stopped working once), and I have driven this car about as hard as I know how.

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  I kept this car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By kc2portland - July 30 - 1:56 am

  This is the first automobile that I have kept for more than 3 or 4 years. It is very reliable. I get regular oil changes and scheduled maintainence and I have not had any problems with this vehicle. It does suck the gas a little, but since I dont have any mechanical problems, nor car payments, it doesnt seem reasonable to me to trade it in.

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  2006 Ford Five Hundred AWD - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By VtHockeyDad - July 29 - 5:23 pm

  I am very impressed with the Ford Five Hundred. I am in sales and drive approximately 35,000 miles per year. I was first impressed that this car was basically a Volvo S80 for a little over half the price. Safety is very important since my kids will often ride with me. I average about 25 MPG, mostly highway. I love the transmission which is unconventional since it never shifts. It is a bit slow off the line, but once the speed reaches 20 mph, it has plenty of power. My only complaint is road noise. There should more insulation. The car handles very well with the AWD even at higher speeds. I highly recommend it for the money and mileage.

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  Manual transmission problems - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Gary Dickinson - July 29 - 10:03 am

  I enjoy driving the Mustang except for a whining noise from the manual transmission in 5th gear and pulling positive torque. No noise when not under acceleration or slowing down. This is my third Mustang and the previous 88 and 95 both with the 5 speed manual did not make any noise like this. The dealership mechanic and the owner of the dealership both drove the car and both acknowledge the noisy gear whine but Ford wants more info from them comparing the noise with another new 5 speed manual transmission in another car. This transmission was flawed right from the first mile and should have been immediately repaired or replaced. Needless to say I am very disappointed with Ford and their quality.

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  Perfection within the framework - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Spartan - July 29 - 8:26 am

  My wife and I have had this car for 3 months and it is exactly what we wanted and expected. The 5-speed transmission is easy to operate and the horsepower is always just a pedal away. The car has nice balance and really hugs the road at speed. Tire spin and oversteer are not difficult to avoid, but reliable in their consistency with no nasty surprises if youre trying to slide around a bit. The only complaints I could make are the lack of a few creature comforts. A power passenger seat, heated seats, and climate control would be nice. But I understand that Ford left out a few frills to keep the price down. This car was designed to go fast and look good doing it. Mission accomplished.