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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  Excellent auto - 2002 Ford Focus
  By doglover - November 12 - 8:38 am

  I am almost always the one to bash an auto maker. But the Focus 4 door wagon has been very good to me and with 199,000 has been awesome. The only regret is Ford not making this mid size wagon anymore. I am the original owner the things that were replaced was wiper motor, tires, brakes(only the second set) a little pricey, the alternator (which was still under warrantry). A very honest reliable vechicle good value. Yes, I would buy another Focus. A little bummed about the removal of the wagon.

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  35k in 2 yrs; so far so good - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jiminjax - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 35k on the Windstar in just under 2 years with only 2 minor problems, a failed mass air sensor and failed liftgate struts, both replaced under warranty. Its built like a tank; when a Toyota Avalon bounced off the left front fender and wiped itself out, I had to look to find the damage. Ive read about all the problems in earlier models, but I think they got it together by the 2000 model year.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Don / Wisconsin - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Questionable electrics tarnish the enjoyment of a very affordable car. Ive had numerous lights burn out on a regular basis, the headlights arent nearly bright enough ( a recurring problem over the last few years that Ford refuses to address ) and an intermittant clutch pedal/ignition cutout switch that works when it feels like it. The car handles well and should be fun to drive except the shift linkage feels like its imbedded in frozen peanut butter. My dealer told me "..thats just the way it is". However, whenever these annoyances start to irritate me I just look at the window sticker and my blood pressure reverts back to normal. Still a lotta bang for the buck.

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  Our 4rd Explorer, but Qual. falls short - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By caplanm - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Explorer. From an engineering point of view, it is the best. From a quality and reliability point of view, it is the worst, and quite possibly, the worst new vehicle which has ever sat in our driveway. The styling is excellent. The ride, handling, and comfort are stellar.

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  better than my old F 150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Truck lover - November 12 - 2:00 am

  for a six this F150 has pretty decent performance for my needs and the fuel economy has been acceptable too. Its been reliable and easy to handle in city traffic. Id recommend it for anyone who needs a light duty truck.

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  "Ancient" Interiors - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Gan - November 11 - 1:15 pm

  For a muscle car, Mustang has a very sleek and well-conceived design. What sets it back though is its pathetic interiors! (whoever uses number pads on the screen these days, jeez!!) While one understands that Mustang makers want to retain its old school charm, it sure makes for a pathetic design. The 4.2 screen is not much of a help actually (just about solves the purpose). But having to punch a number pad to change radio stations and for other stuff when technology today has reached beyond space is downright appalling! And there is no additional upgrade package for a V6 model where one can opt for the 8 screen and get rid of that idiotic number pad. Personally, I would be more than ready to spend an extra 1-2K if there was an option for increasing the screen size and getting rid of the countless buttons out there(pathetically designed!!!)

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  Ford Focus 2003 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By zane lommock - November 8 - 3:43 pm

  I have performed only standard maintenance on this auto since purchase. I placed tires on car at 33,000 miles. Car gets excellent mileage on highway and city driving. Only complaint is lack of power from 110 hp engine, adequate but only just.

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  One fun truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Ben - November 8 - 7:46 am

  I bought the FX4 because of the rugged look. Its a fun truck to drive but gets horrible gas mileage. Then again what do you expect with 31 tires and 4.10 gears.

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  01 Lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jtk - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Great truck except brakes. I drive hard and have been through many brake components. Rotor warpage has been a problem. The engine and entire drive train is great. I just replaced my 01 with an 03.

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  What I needed, but drives like a tank - 2007 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By glennd8601 - November 8 - 12:06 am

  We have 6 kids so this is what my family needed. I have owned this van for 2 full years. It drives like a tank, guzzles gas at an astronomical rate, and is hard to park...it has the turning radius of a Boeing 747. We call it "the ark". That said, it does exactly what I purchased it for---it carries lots of passengers and cargo. It has lots of power and you are sitting up very high, so the view of the road is excellent. THe 2 problems we have had is all 4 headlights and tailights all fogged up with moisture and had to be replaced and also the blinker would not turn off-happened after warranty and blinker assmbly had to be replaced- cost me $320.