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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  Give me a brake! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By rjkosack - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with Focus since new until 24K service where I find that my front brakes and rotors are history! I have noticed brake dust on the front wheel covers of all focuses (Foci?) this is a major problem and makes me realize that this is the last of the breed that I will purchase

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  Ford Focus is fun, but unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Thomas Dolgin - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The Focus ZX3 Power Premium is a great car. It is fun to drive. The engine could use some more power, especially with an automatic and during the summer when the air conditioning is on. Some minor defects are covered by the manufacturer and dealership, but are still a pain to deal with. There are too many defects and problems that are just annoying.

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  Very Satisfied....but - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By betaman - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The EB feels very comfortable...well built vehicle. The acceleration is surprisingly strong for a V6. The stereo/air control on the steering wheel is a plus. My only two complaints are the electronic driver seat...there is a little play in the chair. Its noticiable when you stop and accelerate. Also, there is a whine noise in the rear when the vehicles speed is at 55-60mph.

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  Better but not perfect - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By cwhitford - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Had a 98 XLT V6 and traded for the 02. Much improved ride and handling. Better stock stereo than 98, but an upgrade should have been offered like in the 04s. Transmission filter assembly had to be repaired. still shifts hard at times, bad smell from cat converter after engine pushed hard. dealer says it is normal. Overall happy with truck.

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  A Good Bargain - Its a Trooper - 2000 Ford Contour
  By HW - November 14 - 10:25 pm

  No huge problems with it. Looks like it will hit 200K in great shape! Worst was the cat converter needed replaced at 80K. New breaks at 90K. The car now has 120K and is fine (still 31mpg). Good deal if you figure under 2K for 8 years. I missed the dash recall and mine warped, but I glued it back down with industrial cement. Also Ive been in two accidents with it (lost the front bumper, then the rear). The other cars in both accidents were totaled. Mine had very minimal "face" damage. The car seems pretty bombproof to me.

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  Update on my Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don Arthur - November 14 - 4:27 pm

  With a bit over 4300 miles on the clock the fuel mileage seems to be a little higher. This is an automatic and in-town mileage has improved from 18 using the A/C and 20-21 not using A/C to around 23. Highway mileage has been 32 in the past, no recent long trips to see how that is doing. Using the A/C in town seems to really bring fuel mileage down. Overall, the Focus has been a reliable car, good acceleration, comfortable and fun to drive. Im a senior citizen and dont put on many miles a year.

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  Transmission - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Transmission - November 13 - 11:12 pm

  This is my 1st time buying an American vehicle and this truck has been only problems since I bought it. (new) I took it in to SVC dept. because it kept loosing power and shutting down and it turned out to be a wiring shortage after spending a whole month in the SVC dept. and changing different parts in it. Now at 51000 the transmission has gone out on it. Besides all the problems my truck ran smooth and I love the space in it but I will not buy another Ford again!

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  Once they fixed the throttle sensor.. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By David - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  I really like this van. Unfortunately, I had a high idling problem that went on for about 70,000 miles. Unexpectedly, it was diagnosed it as a bad throttle sensor. Once they replaced that, its like a new car. I love it again. Ive had a few "electricals." The driver side window motor had to be replaced. The "Check AdvanceTrac" comes on occasionally, but nothing is found to be wrong. Mileage is as stated, 18 to 24. I can live with that. I wish the seats were stow n go, but thats not a show stopper. Theyre heavy as heck, though. Ive got 111,000 on it now and hope to get another 50-75,000. Bottom line, once the high idling was fixed, its an nice car.

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  Next best to a GL 450 merc - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By john pearson - November 13 - 8:32 am

  We have driven #xplorers for 10 years and 5 models. The combination of a frame for trailering, the independent suspension, roomy, quick V8, three row seating fit the niche. Smallest SUV that can accompish the tasks of a bigger SUV. The mileage is 15/20. The handling/ride has improved. We did crack the stability control cog on the axle by hitting a curb. Seemed strange since the wheel was fine but the axle cog broke. Had the tranny fixed. Same issue as everyone else but a quick resolution. The engine was reflashed for better response (nice improvement) and the belt assembly replaced to fix a high rpm shift squeek. Overall if you want a refined and real SUV that is not too big this is it

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  A Good Car for they Money - 2007 Ford Focus
  By PC IN FLA - November 12 - 1:40 pm

  I was looking for a 2nd car to replace my much beloved, but(sick), gas sucking 1997 Suburban. This being just a second car I didnt want to spend a lot but I also didnt want something boring to drive, and also I didnt want to spend a lot. Well I couldnt pass up the rebates, end of model incentives, and the price. Over all this car is fairly nice, Im not real crazy about the perelli P6 tires, and the gas mileage is a little less than expected, and a 6 sp manual option would have been nice.