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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  2005 ZX4 ST - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Felipe - January 14 - 4:03 pm

  I originally bought this vehicle for my wife and I have now been driving it since we bought an SUV. I havent had any problems whatsoever with this vehicle.

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  Bang for your buck!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Army19k - January 14 - 1:15 pm

  Recently getting back from Iraq, I felt like I needed something that would be suit me performance wise and in style. I had done so many months of research and was looking at the Nissan SE-R Spec V and Civic SI-R. But when I came across the Focus SVT I was quite impressed with the performance and standard options. Styling of this car interior wise is awesome. When you stomp on the gas you get pushed back in your seat. 0-60 in 7 seconds and the tuned suspension makes the car handle so amazing. Now, the check engine light is one of the pains that come with this car. The IMRC and O2 sensors always seem to cause problems but usually arent anything huge. Aftermarket for this car are endless.

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  Spacious and solid wagon - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By cawfebug - January 14 - 8:21 am

  With about 10,000 miles, we havent had this into the dealership for anything other than oil changes. Coming from a 01 Honda minivan, this AWD wagon feels much more secure and quite. The third row seat is a great alt to a minivan, fairly easy exit/entry. 3rd row can fold flat for hauling. CVT trans is fine with me, not sure why people complain about it, it gets good MPG for such a large vehicle. Highly recommended.

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  Hybrid - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By David - January 13 - 3:03 am

  Great power from a 2.5L engine, but when I saw rear drum brakes in a 2009 I thought I was seeing things. I wasnt. This car is under-braked. It is hard to stop in hard braking. It is also a little squirrely in handling turns, the Escape tends to wallow in mountain turns at freeway speeds. Overall a peppy car to drive around town but I find it difficult to get the electric motor to turn on at low speeds, even using a very light touch.

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  Not bad but needs improvements - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Nolan - January 12 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this 05 XLT AWD 3.0L with 25000 miles on it and its been very good on road and off road whether its snow or mud. Ive read alot of complaints about noise level of tires, I cant say I agree I find it very quiet with the OEM tires on it. I installed a K&N air filter which gave me on average a noticeable increase on fuel mileage per tank.

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  Basically, a very good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Lance - January 12 - 4:53 pm

  Low mileage car when I bought it. 2.0 Zetec, 5 spd. I drive it conservatively & get 35mpg overall. Love hatchback room & a pity it is no longer offered. A very good, reliable car, new, or used, for the money.

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  Solid Value - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus SEL - January 11 - 11:28 pm

  I bought my Taurus as a family car. I have 4 kids and want a safe, dependable car. For the price there is no better value. If you are looking for a sports car with great handleing on the autovon look elesewhere. I wanted a solid, safe car at a value price and I have all that and more. My 07 Taurus has leather, sunroof etc. and 23K miles for about 12k. No complaints here.

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  Best Trucks on the Road - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Larry - January 9 - 7:03 pm

  This is the best truck out there. No problems with anything. One thing I have found the dealer does the best work on the truck. I am afraid to trade and buy another one as I can not get anything for this one and it is so reliable.

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  Mustang GT 2003 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Fatty - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun car with manual transmission. Recommond a different gear in the rear- end, like a 3:55 or 3:73 to really get the car going!

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  Not a bad truck - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Big m - January 9 - 7:43 am

  Great truck