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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  Good buy! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Tenderloin - September 11 - 7:20 pm

  This SUV is worth a serious look. Roomy, comfy, plenty of power. Well laid out interior. MPG is less than I would like, but great pricing buys a lot of gasoline.

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  Excellent as expected - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By DANO - September 10 - 8:33 pm

  Ive been waiting for a true hybrid built by Ford or GM. When I first heard the initial ads I scoured the internet looking for real people reviews. I never found a bad one, every review was a rave. So I bought it. After a month and one long trip, so far, its exactly as advertised. Ive been getting 39-42 around town and on my first trip got 37.5 cruising at 65-75. The empower dash is simply amazing. Shifting from EV to gas is almost unperceivable. Most of todays econoboxes are ugly (think Prius), cramped, and unsafe. But the FFH looks like a car, drives like a car, handles like a car. In fact if you chose the basic dash youd never know youre in a hybrid except when you go to get gas.

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  Redesigned Explorer is a winner - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jk - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2002 Explorer XLT and its a terrific automobile. Its quiet, has smooth aceleration and looks great. I purchased a third seat which is a great advantage for a mid- size SUV. The new Explorer should ensure that Explorer brand continues to do well.

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  DARLAS NEW RIDE - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By BINNY - September 10 - 10:00 am

  TRADED IN 2001EXPEDTION.MISS EXTRA ROOM IN 2NDROW SEAT AND WITDH,BUT NOT SLOPY HANDLING OR 3RD SEAT.HANDLING WITH IRS IN EXPORER IS EXCELLENT.V8 POWER IS GREAT,RIDE GOOD HIGH TOW RATING,DID NOT COME WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS BIG MISTAKE AT ONLY 100$THEY SHOULD BE STANDARD.IM TALL MY WIFES SHORT.OVERALL LOVE THE SIZE,TURNING RADIUS,BRAKES AND STEERING LOOKS GREAT WITH CUSTOM WHEELS!

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  Great New Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By MillerLite - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Escape with "Midnight" appearance package. It was more than I wanted but got a great deal. The glossy black finish really caught my eye because its so much classier looking than standard Escapes and I like the fact they only made 5,000 of the "Midnight." I get lots of stares from other drivers! Plus dark leather interior is nice too! Great power with the V6. Handles like a car, smooth and no noice or rattles. Stereo is great and the size of the Escape is deceiving. It has more room than youd think. Looks like a mini Explorer almost. Love my Escape!

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  A fun to drive hunk of GARBAGE?!?! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By David in Oregon - September 10 - 10:00 am

  At 24 months and 12000 miles the transmission came apart inside, Ford kept it 3 weeks. Four months later, same thing, dealer kept it for 3 weeks. Interior trim has come loose, one seat belt would no longer latch, another seat belt could no longer be pulled out. Dealer repairs are iffy at best, replaced ALL the seatbelts with the WRONG COLOR (black belts, grey interior? BARF!) The recalls did not bother me, its a new design, but the multitude of other problems anger us both. With only 7 months left on the factory warantee, we are thinking of getting rid of this car.

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  No more Fords in my future - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By instresp - September 10 - 10:00 am

  We have had more breakdowns with this vehicle than any vehicle we have owned. Also misdiagnosed several times. Has stalled and stopped unexpectedly. Expensive repair bills. Disgusted with overall quality on a vehicle whose defects should have been worked out by 2000.

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  First SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Curtis - September 9 - 11:16 pm

  This is our first suv. So far we love it. The vehicle has plenty of room for everything needed with the little ones. Easy to get them in and out of the vehicle. Excellent highway vehicle, nice comfortable ride, and not bad in the city either. Only complaint is the fuel mileage.

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  Excellent - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestyle20090450 - September 8 - 10:10 am

  Wow, I had a 2002 CR-V and what a difference in power. The CR-V was very slow, and the Freestyle feels like a racecar compared to it. It gets great gas mileage, and what can I say, its a great car. No problems yet and it purrs like kitten.

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  Fun to Drive - 2012 Ford Focus
  By skimike4 - September 8 - 2:12 am

  Ive been driving the Focus long enough now where I can give an objective review. Overall, the car has a premium feel to it. I have the base model hatchback and its still got a really upscale feel to it. This is not anything like the super cheap Focus Ford was making not so many years ago. Two big cons that I see: 1) The automatic transmission needs help. Personally, I dont shift my car into the next gear when its below 2000 rpm, but my Focus thinks thats a good idea. You know that sound a car makes when you shift up too soon? My car makes that sound everytime I accelerate gently. Im hoping Ford fixes this for 2013. 2) The inside door handles are super cheap feeling.