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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  Giddyup Pony - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Adam - October 9 - 1:03 pm

  I just got a 98 5spd V6, and its been a decent car. The fact that it has 215ft/lbs of torque, and an open differential makes driving in the rain less than pleasurable. Handling is subpar as well for a sports car. I have autocrossed it, and while the torque makes up for the lack of horsepower, the handling drags your times down significantly. With some upgrades, it could be a stellar car, but why upgrade it when I can get a better handling and faster car such as the Miata or 300ZX for the same price. All in all, its a decent car that will take a beating, but dont expect it to be a true spors car. This isnt a true sports car, but if you want a sporty cruiser, then this will satisfy you

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  Great value for the price - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By fordguy80 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a very roomy SUV. I purchased the 5 speed model and am very impressed with the pick-up power it has off the line and passing power on the highway.The feul economy is not everything i would like it to be, but this also isnt a small vehicle. The design is very sporty and i get compliments on its appearance all the time. Overall im very happy with ford on this one.

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  2002 Ford Sport Track - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lefarm - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle...its so versitile and well equipped!!! Its great, I can take the family anywhere comfortable and yet still haul stuff. I did have a problem with it when it was only 1 year old. It did not want to start, it took the dealership almost a month to figure out the problem-the idle air control valve. Other than that, Ive had no problems with it and love it!

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  Fouse - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Melmo - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my focus, but there could be a few changes to make it the best! I am 16 and its my first car ans I love it!

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  Focus, My Experience. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Craig3500 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have 45,000 miles on the 2002 Focus SE 4 Door Sedan I have it regularly serviced and have not had a major problem to date. The Focus is not that bad of a car if you are on a budget. I would not pay over 13K for a Focus under any circumstance. It would be a great student car, either for a college or high school student. The Focus definitely has limitations, size of course is one thing, but for a compact it isnt that bad. Im a big guy (63, 250) so a Focus is a bit small for me, but I can manage. Other limitations is power. Fuel Economy is very good, I dont have the exact MPG, but its low 30s MPG.

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  Brake for an Escape ! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Taticat - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun and economic vehicle. I am in love with my 02 Escape because of its responsiveness, safety, and beauty. BUT ..... I think I got a jinxed model - I am having problems with the brake light and an apparent leak in the brake fluid liquid container. I have been to the dealer 4 times and I am ready to get rid of the car. Maybe I got a faulty model because I have researched this model and havent stumbled upon chronic brake issue with my car.

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  Solid Choice - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By yankeev8 - October 8 - 10:21 pm

  Its a solid, dependable and comfortable car. Bought it from my aunt and have had no problems. Surprisingly good fuel economy, I easily average between 22-25 mpg driving with a bit of a heavy foot. Power is good as well, has no problem passing and gets up to speed quickly. Transmission shifts smoothly and down the highway the car is quiet aside from some minor wind noise from the back drivers side window. Has an absoluely huge drunk and lots of interior space. A very easy car to drive but one that you can have a bit of fun with too.

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  BEST CAR I OWNED IN YEARS - 2004 Ford Escape
  By leona tipton - October 8 - 12:09 am

  good car for everyday driving for errands etc... always reliable...no problems to speak of...best i had i years/.

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  Do it! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By bnad - October 6 - 12:24 am

  My wifes car. So far the Fusion is exceeding both my and her expectations and at a great price. No workmanship issues to speak of at 3400 miles. A little weak in from-stop acceleration, but only a 4 cylinder. Great fuel economy for a car its size.

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  I like my Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Mark from UT - October 5 - 10:34 pm

  The Exursion has been great for our family outside some break and power window issues. Diesel engine rocks. Pulling a 4800 pound boat around UT mountains is no problem and the truck is great in snow. Wont give it up.