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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  Horrible tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By j - June 7 - 9:45 pm

  It is a nice car that has a few glitches. The car has a prolonged start on occasion and losses power when the air conditioner is running. The car is fun to drive, however, the pirelli tires didnt last for very long. I had to replace the tires after 9 months of owning the car and it only had 19,000 miles on it. Ford didnt stand behind the quality of the tires and I had to spend 460 for new tires on a fairly new car!

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  Fun to drive, but not solidly built. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By BelleCat - June 7 - 8:07 pm

  I purchased this car 2 years old, and was blown away by the power and performance of this little gem compared to the Kia Rio that I had just test driven. The handling is superb its just so much fun to drive! The size of the car is really deceiving from the outside. I have moved a 6 ft countertop in this thing! Im a little disappointed with some of the repairs I had to do: O2 sensor, new tires (60K mile warranty, ha!), completely new brakes down to the rotors. It is now in the shop again because the acceleration died last week. The carpet is also pulling away from the trim and the rubber seals around both front doors have cracked and are coming loose. Still, not bad for 6 years old!

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  F150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By EARL - June 7 - 7:02 pm

  For a full size truck you cant beat the power. I tow a 1969 s&s Hearse 6000 lbs and its like towing a small camper. Almost dont know its there! But as far as gas mileage goes might as well pour the gas out onto the ground gas mileage is only 18 on the highway at best.

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  Good but could be better - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Josh - June 7 - 1:43 am

  I have been driving this car since I entered college 3 years ago. Since then I have had to replace a seal on the transmission that left me stranded away from home with my car checked in at the dealership for 2 days and it has developed all kinds of rattles and sqweeks. For some reason Ford made the seats with so much side bolstering that the passenger seat is constantly rubbing against the door, which can become quite annoying on a 300 mile drive half way across Texas. While driving long distances the road noise can be quite tiresome, but around town this usually isnt a problem. Other than that I have no complaints the car runs well, is relatively quick and turns heads.

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  I found my soul mate - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Battlestar - June 5 - 9:40 pm

  What a great workhorse, and comfortable on any road trip. Great for hauling horse trailers and campers. The interior space cant be beat. This vehicle has endured some astonishing off-road experiences without any complaints. Had to replace door lock actuators at about 125,000 miles. No other maintenance issues. Its a keeper!

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  Overall good - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Chris - June 5 - 12:24 am

  The ride is excellent, enough room for my family. Mileage not very good. around 15-17 mpg in 100% city driving. Power is good and ride comfort is excellent. No wind noise no outside noise. Leather very nice. Overall very pleased with everything except gas mileage.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jimstoic - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The only problems Ive experienced in my first month have to do with the paint job: Ive gotten two chips off the paint on the hood. I dropped the car by an independent body shop, where I was told the chipping, while lamentable, was not unusual for any car that had been hit by a pebble on the road.

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  Enjoying the Ford Family ... So Far - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - June 3 - 9:43 pm

  So far Ive been enjoying being a member of the Ford Family. The buying experience was excellent and matches the quality and features of my new vehicle. My Ford Escape looks great and continues to be a tough little SUV. The comfort and ride are excellent. The gas mileage could be better but I didnt want an unrefined 4 cylinder. Also, I wish the highway noise could be lower. All-in-all, Im glad to be in the family.

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  Amazing Product - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By SixxiA - June 3 - 3:26 pm

  This car was designed to be the most comfortable ride of 1997. As far as reliability goes, my car has sputtered before and had trouble accelerating, but only on occasion and only while cold, but all cars will do that after 100,000 miles. Amazing car, its got all of the features a consumer needs and average gas mileage. Ive repaired the car, but only at the mileage where it would be expected.

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  My #1 Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Brian - June 3 - 11:31 am

  I bought my 2004 Ford Focus ZX3 back in late April and let me say that I love it. I bought it with 35,789 miles and the previous owner barley drove it but it needs a little of work. It has the 2.3L PZEV engine and it is quiet. The previous 2.0 SPI and Ztech engines were loud but the 2.3L PZEV is quiet. I get around 24 in the city and around 29 on the highway and I love it a lot. Like I said earlier it needs a little of work. It needs new rotors, front wheel bearings, and the transmission fluid needs to be cahnged but other than that its my #1 car. I previously owned some junk vehicles before but this is a car that I would recomend to someone if they need a good vehicle.