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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  Love My ZTS! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ragtopgeek - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 01 ZTS for one year, and liked it so much I traded up for an 03 ZTS w/automatic, totally loaded. The driving dynamics are incredible. In an attempt to become more minimal, I just sold my 96 Porsche 911 and 01 Mercedes SLK this past year, so have some experience with nice cars. Of course the ZTS is not a 911 or SLK, but I dont feel like I stepped down from Cindy Crawford to Hillary Clinton. Still have long-term reliability concerns. Would like to think I got a good deal: Every-option ZTS, including Centential Package, with an extended 2 year b-to-b for an out-the-door price of $16,600.

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  3rd Mustang, The Best So Far - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Clarke - October 15 - 1:45 am

  I had an attack of patriotism so I had to buy American, also 3rd mid-life crisis! More comfortable than I would have imagined, corners great and I love the sound. A little clunky, but hey, its a Ford. Fast enough that you have to watch the speedometer. I drove from Idaho to NY and averaged 70 MPH, I got 24 MPG on regular gas! Whats not to like? A lot of fun for the money!

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  130K miles and going strong - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By milehigh - October 14 - 12:53 pm

  One-owner auto with 130,000 miles. Other than the notorious thick-film module problem, its been a reliable, good running/riding car. Biggest drawback: the 3-speed auto. that either screams or loafs. But it cruises the interstate at 80-85 all day and still gives me 28mpg. A gigantic trunk, great stereo/tape audio for an old beater and they dont paint em like that anymore (non- metallic red that still shines up great). Theres a lot of these running around Kansas so they must be pretty good overall if theyre not abused. I wouldnt take less than $2000 for this 17-year-old bomb, but it aint for sale!

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  Nice car but - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John - October 14 - 8:47 am

  So far in the past week of owning this car, Ive been left stranded twice. Both times were caused by a failed shifter cable end. The other complaint I have about this car, is the non-functional 6 disc cd changer, this car will be the last Ford I own and quite possibly the last domestic. In fact if I didnt owe so much on this pile, I would be trading it for a last gen Civic SIR, or a Jetta TDi.

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  Great car but some issues - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Nebraxel - October 12 - 10:00 pm

  We fell in love with this car on the first sight and are still happy with it. But there are some points that need to be addressed by Ford. Our engine is whining as another reviewer described earlier. A very annoying high-pitch sound coming from the engine during acceleration and decelleration. The gas mileage is worse than the window sticker promised. We have hard time to make 18npg in the city traffic although we really try hard to drive as careful as possible. A bearing broke after 3000 miles on flat road.

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  Explorer 2006 - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By mw - October 11 - 2:30 pm

  After considering the imposts, I found the Ford to have a nicer interior, exterior, and solid build quality. The main reason to purchase at the time was a very nice short lease deal in case I found the truck unacceptable.

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  An all American bird. - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By WhartD - October 10 - 7:47 pm

  I love this car I have owned it for almost a year now and I never get tired of looking at it. This car is fast and is extremely fun to drive. I actually look forward to rainy days so I can power slide to my hearts content. Handling isnt too bad for a big American car. This is one awesome cruiser. Mine is fully loaded and I love just driving around with the windows down and the sunroof wide open. The saddle brown leather and interior is great except for a few minor build issues which I put in the improvements part. Nice premium sound system. It has a lot or bass and the speakers work perfect. My razzi body kit looks great on it in white. Mine is all stock from 1996. $22grand in 1996.

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  The Green Beasty - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By grimby802 - October 10 - 2:44 pm

  Why I love my beat up old Ford. With 115,000 miles (and counting) she still runs like a dream. I have replaced a few things here and there (but I have with every older car I have owned) Hint for people with gas mileage problems: change the oil, clean fuel injectors, replace air filter, keep tires inflated properly, and change your fuel filter. I still get 19 miles to the gallon or higher (pretty good for an old SUV). Oh and dont drive a aggressively (makes a huge difference). 10 years down lots more to go.

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  Knocking on Wood - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Caira - October 10 - 8:33 am

  I just bought this car a week ago, and I hope this car is very reliable for me. So far my mechanic checked it out and said it is a good car for only $2,400 with 91K miles on it. So far it rides good, I like the sound of it when you floor it has a nice little roar to the engine. I get 20 mph in the city I havent took it on a long trip yet, so this weekend Ill see how the mph is on the highway.

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  Strong value. Weak engine. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By CGM - October 9 - 11:40 pm

  Overall experience has been great. I have had the car for over a year. I have gone on two family vacations and I have not wanted for more cargo room or passenger room yet. The ride is smooth, and the level of amenities you get for the price is tremendous. The engine compartment needs a little help in the form of a stronger engine, but overall very satisfying for an everyday family vehicle.