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:

• 

  Not happy with the 2008 Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Bob - December 10 - 1:36 pm

  I purchaced my Focus to drive to work. I drive over 100 miles a day so I needed a car that got over 30 mpg. I have had the car back to Ford five times now for it pulling left. I am very disipointed that for 17k I can not get a car that will drive straight. The problem has still not been repaired. If you are looking to buy a 2008 Focus I would take one long test drive before making a purchace.

• 

  Awesome Stang! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By slickwick - December 9 - 10:53 pm

  I have had my Red Stang for 3 weeks now and its a fabulous hot car and Ive never ever had so much fun driving a car. I am always eager to jump into the drivers seat. The car has got great power, great acceleration and a very sturdy muscular feel to it. I love the sound of the engine. Antilock brakes and Traction Control are highly recommended upgrades for good handling during wet and snowy conditions. Only problem Ive had so far is that my Air Bag & Safety Warning Light remains on. The dealer says they have to get the sensor replaced. Baring that glitch, everything else is great about the car. The retro modern design just rocks! Heads just turn towards my car at every stop light or toll.

• 

  What Murano? - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Shane - December 9 - 10:43 pm

  My wife and I trade in a 2006 Nissan Murano for the new Edge and have never looked back. The quality of ride and noise reduction are much greater. Then add 2.5 mpg improvement and the fact we dont need to put in Premium, I figure well save two lease payments a year in gas. The Egde has gotten noticed too. Our neighbors who currently have an 05 Murano are now looking at going to the Edge once their lease is up.

• 

  One Month Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Smudge - December 9 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had my Escape for just over one month (~3,000 miles). I have been very pleased with its handliing (AWD and we have had 4-5 snow falls since Ive purchased). I went with the 4 cylinder because I do not tow stuff and will use this vehicle for a daily 50 mile (round-trip) commute. Fuel economy started at about 18 miles/gallon and after the break in period (couple of tank fulls) I am averaging 20 - 21 miles/gallon. I have an 95 ranger with the 4-cylinder and 250,000 miles, so I expect similar longevity with the updated 4-cylinder. The updated 4-cylinder has a lot of passing power, though with substantial noise when floored. Came with the Blast package electric lock package.

• 

  old mans fun car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By cranky franky - December 9 - 10:00 am

  had 2 other new stangsmach tape/cd systems are very good ..2 v-8s ride is like an amish buckboard on standard factory tires. put on michelien 15s from my 95 cr vic..much better softer on bad roads. still gets the looks in red and white ragtop. good mileage on the highways..25 to 27. gt v8 could be snappier. mach cd/tape is good. love it. makes this 63 aged guy feel 40. not as fast as 5.o engines seemingly.love the feel of steering controls. wish it were only a two seater...wasted small rear seating.

• 

  V/8 screamer - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By gsxrter1994 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the car great power and handles great

• 

  The best vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By The high performance - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Expedition is the best truck/SUV ever.The fuel economy is the only bad thing. The Expedition can do basicly anything off-road and on-road! It has power and stability!Dont even think about the Explorer.It is too small and has a very poor engine!Trust me the 2003 Expedition is the right vehicle for everybody!Excellent safety!

• 

  I LOVE IT! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Love It - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a replacement for an identical 2000 EB 4x2. 1st one had an intermittent exhaust odor that the dealer could not fix. Went the Lemon Law route for this vehicle. Only problems on this one were 1-Sunroof roared at 55+ MPH .Dealer fixed this by stretching the nylon straps that limit the deflector shield. Shield was not in airflow and would vibrate. 2-Intermittently car would not crank. Faulty Neutral/Park switch in the steering column Tires just replaced at 24k with Michelin X-Terrain. They are worth the money. 5.4L engine gas mileage is ~ 14MPG average 50/50 highway and city. Highway gets 20MPG/60 MPH and 16MPG/80 MPH. Lots of parasitic drag.

• 

  Lightnings Rock - 2002 Ford F-150
  By TylerS - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lightning. I recommened anybody even vaguely considering one to go out and drive one. There is not another vehicle that is any sort of comparison to the driving fun of this vehicle. I would not trade my truck for anything, except for maybe a Porche or or somthing like that. There is nothing else on the road that does what these do, and there is so much customization that can be done. Ford definitely got this one right.

• 

  Surprised - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Tarod - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I paid 10,500 for a near perfect 99 SE, 28,000 miles, with all the options including, electric moonroof, leather, keyless entry, auto lights, auto a/c, security. The Duratec engine is impressive where it counts,overtaking, with a pleasurable engine note. The smaller Vulcan engine I can best describe as "adequate". The transmission could be smarter at times, seeming indecisive at times on downshifts. Build quility seems great with no rattles. There is some road/wind at highway speeds noise but I am not driving a 30,000 dollar car so that is forgiven. Seats are comfortable, with good support.