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 4 Cyl. car I have ever driven! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By BJ G. - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car! I was kinda skeptical at first because it was a 4 Cyl. I had driven a 4 Cyl before and it had NO get up and go. This car blows that truck out of the water!

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Ford Focus
  By millers - April 10 - 2:00 am

  5000 trouble-free miles. Roomy, inexpensive ($12.7K after rebate) great handling and very good performance with Zetec/5 spd (auto trans costs more and saps power, you dont want it!). This is an easy car to drive quickly but can carry 4 big people in comfort. Small items: The center armrest gets in the way of shifting--get rid of it. The power locks insist on locking all doors but do not unlock them when you arrive. Thus the pass & rear doors must constantly be unlocked doors with the button/fob. Would be nice to have trunk lever to open from outside.

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  Great Car/Cosmetic Problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Brown - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for 1 year now. Overall, I like it b/c I was driving a little girly car. I Like the look, power, the computer, stereo system, cd changer, space, all bells and whistle options. Dislikes are constant rattling and engine noise. Its a rather rough ride, but what do you expect from an SUV/Truck.

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  disappointed - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By first explorer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This was my first ford explorer. It was great for a while and then problems with the electrical and suspension started around 45k miles. The impression I got from several ford dealers was I should just expect these type of problems and the associated cost. Afer 18 months of this I decided to trade the eddie bauer in and pick up a used 4 runner (its great). Beware of the lousy resale on the explorer.

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  Z06s suck fumes - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By KillerCobra - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Ford has done it again 390hp/390ftlb! Im glad to see that they brought the Mustang back to supercar status. With a few mods you can have a car that will burn up any old Z06, and saving yourself at LEAST $10,000! Not to mention there is no electronic steering column lock to short out(Like the ones on all of the Corvettes)! (That means you can start your car, but you cant turn the wheel.) My buddy has had 3 replaced! The Cobra will take any turn you throw at it thanks to its 9" wide Goodyear Tires. Buy a Ford, support your country!

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By PCSC - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After driving a full sized pickup for years, the Edge is a lot more fun to drive! Fuel MPG with the 3.0 litre 6 is OK, but could be better. Im averaging around 18 in the city.....20- 22 on the highway. Nice tight handling, in a sharp looking little truck! At times I find the 6 foot bed limiting. Modest towing capacity is another shortcoming.

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  What a great "FUN" SUV!!! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Reza Garajedaghi - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have only had it for a day, but what a great car. Everyone who has seen it has loved it and I have already taken 12 of my freinds for a spin.

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  Love It - 2008 Ford Focus
  By L.E. Mauget - April 8 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this gas sipper in response to the current gas price baseline. I was surprised that it was fun to drive. It is more responsive than either my Ford Sport Trak or Ford Five Hundred. If I get in a tight spot, it goes! With that said, I still get about 31 mpg in city driving. It get 35 mpg on the Interstate. It is comfortable-- in the front seats, that is. Its appearance is fairly attractive, inside and out.

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  Never Again!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prat - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I took it into the dealer 3 times in the first year for transmission problems...hesitation, thumping noises, among other things. They were unable to find anything wrong any of the times. They acted like I was crazy. The week after my manufacturer warranty ran out (I did purchase the extended)the vehicle was almost unbearable to drive due to hard jerks, loud thumping noises and extreme hesitation, so I took it back again. Imagine, they found it this time! They had to send it "out" to a transmission place for repair! Of course now it cost me $500 even w/ext. warranty! It drove well for 1 week. I could go on and on but there are numerous other issues as well.

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  Wont do this again... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By kreul - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I was not very happy with this vehicle whatsoever. It seems like I had everything happen to this vehicle. Side mirrors just simply fell off for no apparent reason. Alignment went off consistently. Transmission went out ($3000). To be honest I NEVER felt comfortable getting into it because I was always worried it would fall apart. Very fun vehicle to drive when it actually ran.