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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  Ford Aspire 1995 - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By four wheels - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  I had a five speed Ford Aspire and it went about 39-40 mpg. It was peppy in the city and adequate on the highway, also it was fun to drive. Id recommed it to save gas.

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  Great run around car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Siouxze - August 2 - 11:25 pm

  I think that this is a great little car for getting around in, but not necessarly for long trips. I got good gas mileage, and it always starts every time. The ignition does stay on sometimes even after I take the key out, but then it dings like I left the keys in so I just turn it off. This was my Moms car and she only drove it about 3000 a year, and in the year that Ive had it its held up to two kids, a teen and a toddler and all my running around. At first when she bought it I was mad, but now Im glad, its a great little family car, but I still need my bigger SUV or Mini Van for bigger outings.

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  Best reliablility - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By 93beast - August 1 - 8:09 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle! I have owned it since it was two years old and have put over 223,000 miles on it since then. With a quarter million miles on it, I am proud to say that it still has its original drivetrain. I have never had any major problems with the vehicle at all. The worst being a water pump that failed. Other than that just some normal maintenance. It is fun to drive and comfortable, mileage has a lot to be desired with todays fuel prices (10 MPG currently). This has been by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Has never left me stranded. The AC and cruise control still works!

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  Ford Focus ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By alaskacub - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a great experience with my 2001 Ford Focus. The only thing that has come up is the rear brake squeekiness, which is disturbing but I absolutely love everything else about the car.

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  Front Seats E. Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By backache - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is great. Much better than old design, Bur front seat is not designed coeerctly for a tall driver. Have had nothing but lower back pain since I bought it. My old E Bauer was very nice. I wish I had the old seat back. Take a long test drive before you buy.

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  Fun to Drive - Cheap to Own - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bj mercer - August 1 - 1:40 am

  I put a lot of mileage on this car commuting over 150 miles a day usually. I was going to get another little economy car or truck like I often do - but they do not make small little 4 cylinder trucks much anymore and when I test drove the Focus, I was sold - and I was able to lease the ST cheaper than some of the other models (including high mileage - I only keep cars for 2 years, btw). I drive in northern and southern Ontario - lots of winter driving in bad conditions. Car reminds me of my 88 BMW M3; just really fun to drive and toss around and mix it up a bit. Also really surprise some people. Needs a bit more power - but keep the 4 cylinder engine.

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  The F-150 I was waiting for.. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Buzza - July 31 - 5:46 am

  I waited thru the 2004 class of F-150s knowing Ford had this one in its sights. Couldnt be more enthusiastic about my new ride. Its big!! But handles like an SUV of smaller stance. Ford Quiet Steel, is quiet. Ride/wind/engine noise is minimal. The much talked about outward rear suspension does keep the tailgate behind you on the largest of road bumps. Comfort is unprecedented for a pickup. I will admit I am a bit disappointed by the low end acceleration but when this 5500lb truck gets moving; it moves. It was built to work, and towing with it is NO PROBLEM. Thats when you truly trust and appreciate the motor. Im looking forward to my 100,000+ miles in this Ford

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  Great truck! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By misskayla - July 31 - 12:50 am

  I love my truck. Its a smooth ride, comfortable/roomy. I brought it in 2004 and it came without a CD changer, but I installed one in there. Could do better on gas. Considering I drive state to state, its approching 135,000 miles and I never had a problem with it beside changing my oil and I did replace the alternator a year ago.

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  My experience - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By Rihmond Ugorji - July 30 - 7:13 pm

  I have driven this car for about three months now and it is running very smooth, It had 145,000 miles on it when I bought it and it still runs smooth.

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  Fun basic transportation - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jim Schaffer - July 30 - 3:34 pm

  Ive waited two years to write this review because often times first impressions are not accurate. But in this case they would have been because Im as happy with the car now as I was when I first drove it off the lot. The 2.0 motor has lots of pep. The suspension has you thinking your driving something thousands of dollars more than what you paid for it. The fuel mileage is excellent (35 mpg on the interstate). The interior and exterior design is contemporary and very apealling (in my opinion anyway). Overall, an excellent little car!