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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  Cost of ownership - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By lookingtotradein - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Several items were covered under warentee, but had to replace the front brake pads and rotors TWICE by 65,000 miles - I do not drive it hard - all highway miles. Radiator hose was sliced by a bracket in the engine. Oil cap mounting shattered at the first oil change. The hinges on the storage behind one of the rear seats snapped - again no excessive use. Love the concept but dissapointed at the experience.

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  A great mid-sized truck! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mrobin - January 17 - 10:00 am

  A good truck for those not needing lots of bed space. The interior offers lots of room and a comfortable ride. Heat and A/C controls in back seat a plus, as is the roll down rear window. I have been very pleased, and as a mechanic, I have not seen many problems with them.

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  My New 2.3L 2004 Ford Focus (Automatic) - 2004 Ford Focus
  By grecinos - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my car! I had a 2001 Ford Mustang and the lease was due in early June 2004. I decided to turn in my mustang and get a Focus. I was worried about the power of the focus (especially after coming from a 6 cyl mustang). But to my surprise this little 2.3L engine puts out decent power for its size! It acutally feels a little more responsive on the low end than my mustang. The only time I notice the difference between the 2 cars is when I floor it on the highway. And even still the focus does a good job at getting up to speed. Its spacious, Economical, good looking, comfortable, and just feels right!

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  consumers rating - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Shirley Graumann - January 17 - 10:00 am

  It gets great gas milage and it is fun to drive. It could use a little more power. But who wants a speeding ticket?

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Alma Lasater - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have a spinal problem and this car is easy to get in & out of,I tried other cars this was the best.I put 5000 miles on the first month,33mpg hwy,Great

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  Very Disapointed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Disapointed Ford Fan - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Im very disapointed in what the Ford engineers did to an awesome SUV. This is my third Ford SUV. They ruined the Explorer. It has car mirrors instead of truck mirrors. HELLO! IT IS A TRUCK, IT SHOULD HAVE TRUCK MIRRORS! Now in order to sit up high, you have to raise the seat all the way up, but then the rear view mirror gets in the way. I now HAVE to drive the recommended speed limit on a clover leaf. If I dont, I can feel the SUV lose traction. Teach people who are used to driving corvettes how to drive an SUV instead of giving a knee jerk reaction to the bad roll over publicity!!! People who knew how to drive trucks & SUVs werent the ones rolling it!

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  Price - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Come down on the price - January 16 - 8:39 pm

  I own a gmc was looking to go back to ford but it kinda hard to go back when I could get another gmc for about 5 or 6 thousand less. Its a nice truck but not for that price.

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  Former law enforcement vehicle - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By oldschool360 - January 16 - 7:50 am

  I bought a 99 with only 86k miles. Its white and looks like a lot of highway patrol cars. It drives like a sporty tank and I still managed over 18 mpg on 90 mph road trip. I really like this car and think it will be a good starter car for my two sons in a few years. Definitely a great value. With needed repairs, I only have $3400 in it and can expect to drive it for quite some time. Good bye car payments.

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  nice all around vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By David - January 16 - 6:40 am

  10" longer than a Explorer; you can see the difference in interior room (leg room front and back noticeable bigger). Gas mileage 19 to 20 city, 23 to 24 highway. If you have a heavy foot the city mileage runs 17 to 18. No problems at all. The ride and handling is better than a minivan. Very little body lean around 90 degrees turns.

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  just an incredible car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rrrreeevvv - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This is without a doubt the single most impressive car in auto history.I have owned mine for about 5 mts now & have invested in its performance.This car is so easy to get massive gains in horsepower with so little money.Just upgrading exhaust & headers I showed a 43hp gain.But the car can be pullied for even more of a horsepower gain than if you were to supercharge a gm small block.As far as comfort its a sports car.If I wanted a cloud type ride I would have bought a Lincoln.I havent found a production car yet including the Dodge Viper that can bulley this svt on the street or the track.Way to go ford svt.