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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  Watch Out! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Frank - April 3 - 6:05 pm

  I purchased this Ford with 26,000 miles for just over $11000. The car has been great, until now With 80000 miles, the transmission failed without warning, the rear wheel bearings started screaming for attention. Now that the repairs are done, the car leaks transission and engine oil. Im told bad design. This was my first and last Ford, Im going back to a Jeep!

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  Great Overall Compact - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Philbert - April 3 - 3:32 pm

  I bought this car new so that I could commute to college in something that would get me many miles in few gallons and not break down. The Focus actually feels solid and made of steel unlike the Corolla, and the Sentra is lethargic and boring. Ive enjoyed taking on twisties and downshifting to 3rd for passing, the manual transmission is great. The pickup is good too, first gear loves to move and all the others do so as well at the right time. Snow performance was awesome, youd be amazed at what a little momemtum can do. My sisters 4WD Jeep got stuck in the same driveway in 10 inches of snow that my FWD Focus took like a champ. The looks combine both youth and maturity, and it works well.

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  ZTS worth the price - 2000 Ford Focus
  By David4988 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  For the amount of money you could spend on transportation of your choice, the Ford ZTS is just about everything you could want in a small family car. It is very economical (28-33 m.p.g.),very attractive in and out, well laid out interior and instruments. My only "beef" is that it is still under powered, especially with th A/C on. PLEASE, Ford, offer the ZTS with the same engine you put in those ugly ZX3/5s!!!

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  - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By r mullis - April 3 - 10:00 am

  gas mileage sucks but the performance is the best i have ever experienced in a stock car.stops well too

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  Solid - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Nicol - April 3 - 9:37 am

  Bought this car with 112000 kms, so far excellent. Quiet and powerful on highway. Paid $7300. Fuel economy 9L/100k city and 10L/highway. Very happy so far.

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  Good truck, starting to rattle badly - 2002 Ford F-150
  By cd - April 2 - 9:19 pm

  This truck has been a workhorse for me on the highway. Some years I will put 35K on the truck. It handles well, holds the road great and takes strong winds in stride. This truck is very easy on tires, I got 70K on the factory set and will approach that with the second set.

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  Festiva reliable - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By festiva - April 2 - 4:25 pm

  Bought this car from my brother. Great car, good gas mileage, easy to fix and find parts for (except tires!) wouldnt trust taking kids for the fact that its small and not accident friendly! Car has moved from Utah to Arizona to Nebraska and to Texas. Now over 170k wouldnt take it on long trips, but love it for back and forth to work!

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  Best Little Car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Jen - April 2 - 3:58 am

  I bought my car brand new, other than normal maintenence, Ive had no problems, never been stranded. Its getting older and the seats arent what they use to be, but old age will do that to you. Im wondering how many miles my Black Beauty will see.178,000 and counting.

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  Franken GT - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By AMMotorsports - April 1 - 4:23 pm

  Bought this car clobbered, was hit in side and warped like a banana. So I bought another cut them in half and put them together, quite a job but the car is one of the most fun to drive cars Ive owned, love the drop top. decent power. But sad to say I must sell her. I need the down payment for my 2003 cobra convt. Rock On FORD!!! Keep bangin them out!

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  A good mix - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dan - April 1 - 11:20 am

  I absolutely love the versatility of this vehicle. Ive loaded a fridge, mountain bike & TV stand in the back and carried 4 adults in the cab. You just cant beat that versatility. Its not a superior truck, nor a superior passenger vehicle. If you need a dedicated truck, buy a truck. If you need an SUV to haul the family, buy an SUV. However, if you want a vehicle that performs both jobs well (not perfectly, mind you) then you cant go wrong with a Sport Trac.