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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  Value for the bucks - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LoveMyF.... - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Its a nice little car. After driving an accord for the past 5 years, we bought this as the 2nd car, but felt better and smoother than my 98 Accord, so immediately made this our primary car. getting about 21 mpg in the city which is quite good. It is small but roomy enough for my family of 3. Also it is very quiet. My friend (owns a lexus sedan) claims it is quieter than his lexus.

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  2004 Focus Saved Life - 2004 Ford Focus
  By enchantedtoo - May 6 - 10:00 am

  My son was driving his 20 day old 2004 Ford Focus at 50 mph when suddenly a vehicle shot across the highway from one parking lot to another. My son braked and slammed broadside full force into the other vehicle. Although he was injured he was able to walk away from the crash to obtain his own medical care. Our insurance settled at slightly higher than what we actually paid for the car. Had my son been in his 1991 minitruck he most likely would not have survived. The Ford Focus literally saved his life in a crash of this magnitude.

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  2004 F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BigJ - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I think the my 2004 F150 is very nice ,But The 5.4L need a little more power.

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  Great truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fijisone - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The truck is a compromise for some but not for me. Perfect for a family of three, more usable than aregular pickup truck- still does all the hauling I need to do. I average 18 MPG. The only compromise is who gets to drive when we all go out together.

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  2005 Limited - 2005 Ford Escape
  By les10 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After my wife looked at the Toyota and Honda, she couldnt believe that a US car was designed so much better. She was looking at the RAV4 but found the backseat and cargo horrible. Likes the Escapes easy of converting from passengers to cargo. Takes almost no effort. This was a huge selling feature for her, a big miss for the Japanese. V-6 performance and handling didnt hurt either.

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  Back to Domestic - 2004 Ford Escape
  By stripers - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After researching suvs for 6 months I have purchased a Ford Escape, this truck is a please to drive. I looked at Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan and Honda. While they may carry a high resale value, they also carry a much higher price. After all is said and done this truck, to me, is the best value in the market. The size is perfect, the performance great, and the ride, surprisingly good. I had this truck out in a snow storm and it performed great, not one slip or slid, it was never even in four wheel drive. I have driven import vehicles for the past 11 years but, Im glad to be back in a domestic vehicle.

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  04 Expedition Eddy Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 11th Ford Product - May 6 - 10:00 am

  New Vehicle. The brake dust is terrible. You would think Ford would offer an attractive "Chrome" wheel for their top of the line Bauer model. The gas milage could be better though the power is ok. My 99 Mountaineer had a much nicer message center. This is a nice truck but the design people missed the mark on the message center and wheels.

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  My lil hot rod - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bobbyll - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Performance, looks, reliability--- things youll never get in anything from Europe. Ive owned trash from the Bowel Movement Works and from MB, and there is so much more in the Mustang for the money.

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  Automotive Breakthrough - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Joseph - May 5 - 11:03 pm

  I purchased my 2008 last summer, and have no regrets. Weve had the orange wrench light come on a few times though. Although there were no observable problems, they had to replace cooling fans, motors, etc. I suspect the system detects potential problems quickly. I get around 37MPG in winter, and 33MPG in summer (with AC running most of the time (Tucson, AZ)). Theres a squeak sound coming from a motor somewhere. It sounds like a clutch engaging/disengaging. They repaired it once by replacing the AC motor, but it has returned. Im due for my 20k soon, so Ill have them check it at that time.

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  Did my research - picked Ford again - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By William Crites - May 5 - 5:10 am

  I do a lot of research before I buy anything, usually spend more time on the internet reading reviews and visiting car sites than I do at the dealerships. I narrowed my search down to the Audi A4, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata, and the Ford Fusion. Drove them all, ran the numbers, and the Fusion came out on top. So far (its been a month), Im really happy with my decision. Things I love about the car: unbelievably quiet and smooth ride; interior details like the navigation and entertainment console; comfortable seats; the exterior design is awesome , white platinum paint, and great leg/head room for a 63" guy. Its really a fun car to drive too, plenty of power, but again, its the quiet smooth ride that sold me. Things I like about the car: fuel economy (about 31 average right now), perks that come with the Luxury package. Things I wish it had: the a/c and heater controls are up/down arrows - but everyone keeps trying to use the radio knobs to adjust the temperature. Also, the seat heaters require you to reset them each time the car is turned off - my other cars retain the seat heater setting until you change it, or turn it off yourself. I also would have liked a push button start; auto lock/unlock via the door handles like the Titanium version. My sons Scion has those features - come on Ford! That should be part of the Luxury package. But all things considered, I would have bought this car again without question. I got a better deal on the Ford, and my family loves it as much as I do. I think the SE is a better deal than the Titanium, you seem to get almost the same options, just at a better price.