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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  Value, Value, Value! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Snapp - December 17 - 6:53 pm

  When I test drove my Focus, I really wasnt planning on buying it. I was going to keep looking at the Dodge Stratus and Hondas because I didnt think a Focus would be big enough for me. Im 62" 235lbs and have drove full size trucks all my life. After the test drive I was ready to make a deal. This car is a great car for the price. My first 2 tanks of gas averaged 34.5MPG. The car has good power and is very nimble. I would encourage you to choose a Focus over a Civic or Corrolla. For the price, you just cant beat a Focus.

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  AWD - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By mitch - December 17 - 3:23 pm

  This car has been great. I live in the Sierra mountains, and the Taurus does great in the snow! I looked at a Lexus and MBZ. I am glad I went with the Taurus. A lot of people dont realize that Ford still makes the Taurus.

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  Nice vehicle.....Except - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Burned Up - December 16 - 2:26 am

  Moved from a MKZ to a Fusion Sport because we feel we got a better car with more features for less money. That said, we never had any problems with the MKZ. We were about 5 miles from the dealership on the day we took delivery when we noticed a "burning rubber" smell in the cabin. Thought it would go away, but it did not. Took it back to the dealer at about 200 miles and they smelled it but couldnt find anything. They said to drive it and the smell would go away. 1200 miles later it still smells, its back at the dealers and they think its our imagination. Not what I expect from the "Car of the Year".

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  Im in love. - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Crazy for the Edge! - December 15 - 8:58 pm

  After owning several foreign cars and SUVs, about 1.5 years ago I purchased a new Ford Explorer. I hated everything about the thing. I told myself over and over again I would never purchase another American-made vehicle again, I thought it was such a mistake. Then I came upon the Edge. It is unlike any Ford I have ever known. It is gorgeous inside, love the two tone! Its so fun to drive and handles so well! I feel really safe in it. I love the leather, its not that cheap plasticy leather, and I love the stitching. Super roomy. I was really shocked at the price - very affordable. After seeing the success with the Edge, I hope Ford re-designs all of their vehicles. Thanks Ford!

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  No other - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By No other - December 15 - 8:42 pm

  I purchase this car new. I have over 233,000 miles on it and still runs like new. Nothing has gone wrong with it. Just replace tires, and brakes. She look great up to 12/15/2008 when a lady nearly hit the car head on. Sadly the insurance is going to write this off even though she still drives great. Full power everything inside. I love this car. Sad nobody is going to see her worth to me. I believe it will go to 400K. Next time you think of Ford tough it dont have to be a truck.

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  Fantastic Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By 330zhp - December 15 - 2:01 pm

  Traded in an Audi Q5 for better gas mileage and lower payment. Expected to feel like I was downgrading, but the Focus was quite surprising. Interior is comfortable and well laid out. Quiet inside with solid ride. Sound system is not quite up to Bang & Olufsen system in Audi, but not bad at all. I actually like the My Ford Touch interface better than Audis MMI. Lots of nice touches in this car that even Audi does not offer (e.g., LED interior lighting and a sunglasses holder that actually holds an adult pair of sunglasses). Test drove Elantra and Focus was much, much better. Car is brand new so averaging only about 28mpg. I hope this number improves as the car is broken in.

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  Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By thescorpion1024 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love it, great car. Great gas milage and fun to drive. However your back will bother you on long road trips.

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  Great Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ryan Knutson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I think its a great car, I was really impressed with basically, everything on, and with the 03 Ford Focus ZX3. I believe everything should test drive it, to know how great this car really is for a ford vehicle. Acually any vehicle in the 03 ford focus price range for that matter.

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  LX Sedan Review for Ford Focus 2003 je - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jellenmsu - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. The Focus was recommended to me from a friend of mine who had one. You feel safe in it. Fuel economy is great, especially with rising gas prices. It is fun to drive. It has a smooth ride. My only concern is that when it initially came out Consumer Reports rated it very highly. Later, it lower its ratings because of its realiability and customer satisfaction.

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  My ideas - 2004 Ford Escape
  By George J Gleissner - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and does anything you ask it to do. We have been in the mountains and the desert of the west with it and it has really been a good vehicle.