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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  Focus Review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By joao - August 20 - 2:00 am

  The Focus ZX5 is an excellent inexpensive alternative to large or fuel inneficient vehicles. The focus is ergonomically built from the ground up, leaving you with a positive "big-car- like" sensation all around. Ford credit was able to offer a cahs back incentive with ZERO down. Great job!

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  Third Explorer - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By J D - August 19 - 8:05 pm

  Each of my Explorers I have purchased new. 1994,2003,2008 and each have been much improved from the previous. I still own the 2003. The 08 is definitely a flagship, very comfortable, some cheap shortcuts though have me disappointed. The chrome clad wheels, I didnt realized till purchased but come on Ford this are very cheesy. Each one of my previous Explorers all top of the line have had solid chrome or aluminum wheels. If I would have realized this I probably would not have bought it. Another disappointment is the cheap interior. For 42000 it should be plush. But overall the ride is great and seats comfortable, plenty of power with the V8. I like the new one more everyday.

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  Never Thought A Ford - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Your_Honor - August 19 - 6:24 pm

  I traded in my Acura MDX because I was driving 45 miles one way to work. The dealer tallked me into buying the Taurus. I never thought I would own an American car, but its been a year and Ive put 38,000 miles on my car and the most Ive spent was 150 on a hose that only the dealer sold. Ive driven my car from Atlanta to Connecticut twice, and to Houston Texas and back. Never has this car let me down! But on long trips the drivers seat is very uncomfortable, the gas mileage is not that great at all, the body leans heavy when cornering, and the the transmission cant keep up with the powerful engine. Eat my dust Honda!

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  10 Years Ownership - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By B Whitcomb - August 18 - 8:39 pm

  Good reliable engine, no oil burner and exceeded EPA estimates on highway achived 26 MPG on highway. A lot of interior noise. Removable second and third row seats very heavy. Brakes marginal. Tow package for 3500 lbs worked well. No major failures in 203000 miles. Seat cushions on front driver side did not retain cushion. Radio AM reception poor.

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  Great Little Truck! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Olen - August 18 - 2:38 pm

  I am 16 years old and this is my first car! I can not say how pleased I am with this vehicle. Performance: a 3.0 liter V6. Can move the truck but is not an engine you can dog all day long. Comfort: Seats are very comfy and have great lumbar support. Back seat is fit for cargo only but my 8 yr old brother can fit back there. Fuel economy could be better. I get 18 city/22 hwy. Fun to drive, easy to drive. Shocks could be better but its a truck! What do you expect? Interior design looks alright but Im going to pimp it out soon! Exterior design looks awesome. Looks way better than S10s. Build quality: built to last...built to love. Reliability: very few problems!

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  When it fails it snowballs - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By mike - August 18 - 10:56 am

  It handles excellent, great transmission, cant even feel it changing gears. Bought it with 37k miles and now has 75k but when the trouble started it has yet to stop. The radiator, battery, alternator, hoses (normal) wear, this got me thru another year, but now power steering major leak, driver door handle bad, etc...I think i got my cash out of it, but thought it should have much more life in it. Im going with a Toyota or Honda till the end of time. No more Fords for me.

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  Great car, and holds up well - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Brandon - STANG281 - August 16 - 7:54 pm

  Ive owned it for about 2 1/2 years now, I have about 45,000 miles on it. This was my first car, first manual. The clutch has been slipping for the past 10,000 miles or so (but held up well in my opinion). The handle/knob broke off of the driver seat release to lift it forward in order to get to the back seat. The rear differential has the TSB whining noise during low speed turns. And I also had a problem a few times with the TSB of water leaking into the passenger floorboard and causing some electrical problems. Overall, its held up very well considering the abuse its received. The seats are uncomfortable on a 2 1/2+ hour drive. The gas mileage is bearable, and not bad for the performance

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  2005 AWD 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By DJ - August 15 - 5:40 pm

  I spend the winters driving to Hhockey games around Alberta. This is the perfect vehicle for it. Roomy, comfortable and lots of trunk space for hockey equipment. The vehicle handles well on the highway and feels safe in winter driving conditions. I love the CVT transmission.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 2112Rush - August 15 - 5:33 pm

  This Focus has been the most reliable and fun car that we have had so far. Its is great with gas. Only big problem that weve had with it is something with the timing belts. But overall it has been a great car, very, very reliable. And the price isnt bad either.

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By joe g - August 15 - 9:53 am

  The Ford 500 was quite a surprise on the test drive. The fuel mileage and room was the initial attractiveness but the tight, smooth feel with luxury comfort was the real selling point. The car rides and drives like a dream, giving the feel of a much more expensive car. Kudos to the seats in the Limited for comfort. Coming out of an Eddie Bauer Expedition was difficult to consider at first but even the wife now loves the car. We get stopped frequently at the grocery and gas stations with people asking questions about the car, even valet parking attendants give positive feedback on the car. We love it!