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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  My Best Ride - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mike bartol - March 27 - 6:36 pm

  Since 1986 I have purchased a new vehicle every year. The new 2004 Ford F-150, for my needs & desires, has been the best of those purchases! The ride and handeling make it a pleasure to drive. The transmission is verry smooth and the fuel mileage, (although not sientific), seems to be as good or better than my friends who drive other makes of the same class. Im not a big fan of the fake wood trim, but aside from that, the interior is verry nice. The exterior has a clean crisp look that, I think, will hold its own for a few years to come. I am not suprised to hear that some people feel that this truck is sluggish. The ride in this truck is so good that I think you loose some sense of speed.

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  Surprisingly Ideal - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Benton S - March 26 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my green/grey LX because I wanted something more reliable for a long commute, but it turned into something much more fun. Im from an area where winter takes over half the year, and have experienced a fair number of fender benders that havent left a mark! Reasonable fuel economy and luxurious roomy interior makes my car a favorite for road trips, V8 power makes passing a breeze, and the spacious truck can easily haul anything I could ever want. Being a 20 yr old student, I didnt think Id love this land-yacht so much. But no cops pull me over because they think Im a ghost car, and nobody passes me for the same reason! Talk about added safety features. I dont think Ill ever sell.

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  Test drive this car last...then buy it! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By VIP - March 26 - 2:16 am

  I test drove many many cars before pruchasing this car. I test drove a Saab 9-3, Acura RSX, VW Jetta and GTI, and nothing came close in "bang for the buck"! In fact, this car is so nice that Ford should have renamed it something else. I have had many friends of mine wince at my stating "I bought a Focus." Then they get in it and have been amazed. Solid car, great acceleration, great new looks and a great price! I got my Focus ST with side air bags. leather heated seats, Sony Audiophile 6 disc CD/MP3 sound system, moonroof and many other options for way less than $20K! Plus, with the new 2.3L "Mazda" engine with 100,000 mile scheduled maintenance I know Ill be OK.

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  05 Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By W. Snippe - March 25 - 11:40 pm

  Have over 1000 kilometers on my hybrid now and am on my second tank of gas. Performance is excellent and mileage is good but not as high as advertised. The CVT takes getting used to as does the electric drive, but both work flawlessly. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  Too Much Fun! - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Mike I. - March 25 - 7:35 pm

  Its a subcompact and the ST model only comes with a manual transmission. Surprisingly lively and more fun to drive around town on a daily basis than my 2015 Corvette and a 2014 Mercedes AMG. Ride is choppy because of the short wheelbase. Instrumentation and entertainment controls took a while to get used to. Great mileage in traffic and on the open road. Purchased as a lease, but now I fully intend to buy it when the lease expires if it continues to perform as it has so far.

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  First 2000 miles - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Mikey - March 25 - 2:13 pm

  I am getting 27mpg in mixed driving. I love the smooth ride and the way it corners. You really have to look at the appearance package - it comes with leather-like seats with black and red cloth inserts, 17" wheels, smoke chrome grill, upgraded radio (I love the iPod jack that plays your iPod).The manual transmission has a nice feel. The fog lamps work very well.This package is only about $300 more. I also got the rear spoiler. Not one problem with car. Only thing I would suggest is after about a hundred miles I would open her up a little bit to seat the rings, I babied the car and found I was a quart and a half low on oil, so I set the rings. After adding oil, the more I drive the car the more I like it.

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By DR69 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Corners like its on rails; handling is superb with peppy throttle & good response. Not a muscle car but very fun to drive! Highly recommended.

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  the bomb - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mrsfee - March 25 - 10:00 am

  i own a 2000 explorer and i just love it and wouldnt change it for the world thanks ford for a great vehicle.

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  ouch - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By francis smith - March 25 - 10:00 am

  steering alignment impossible from 0 miles. Can not get car to steer com- fortable. 5.4 engine about 30-40 horses short. Gas mileage very poor. Front wheels dirty-up in 10miles. Plastic falling off inside. Drivers seat (AC/ heat installed) leather pulling loose at back of seat. Had repaired and pulled loose again. ouch.

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  Fo-toy - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ferret42 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving my focus, it is fun, affordable, gets great gas milage and is comforatable. I am almost 6 ft tall and was afraid I wouldnt fit, but I can comforatable drive with my 64" boyfriend in the pass. seat and 2 friends in the back. It is a stick shift and does have some get up and go- moe than I was expcting in a 4 cyl economy car.