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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  No Real Problems - 2003 Ford Focus
  By MissDragun - October 22 - 4:42 pm

  I have had this car for a while now, and I just love it. Most people seem to frown on Ford cars but I did my research before buying - and Im glad I didnt listen to them. Only recently did I have a problem with the factory installed Blankrupt radio. Though a radio is nice, its a minor problem to get fixed. If you are looking for a nice, dependable, well engineered vehicle - I recommend the Focus.

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  Great little truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Preston - October 22 - 3:20 pm

  Awesome truck! I bought it used and lost it in a bad wreck today. Truck I found out the hard way was built incredibly well, and it truthfully saved my four-year-olds and my life in a head-on collision. Over the years, I would maintain the truck and it just kept putting down the road. Gas mileage was about 20MPG and served as a great lightweight utility and commute truck. Overall, it was an amazing truck and will be missed.

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  96 Taurus Duratec - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Glen - October 22 - 11:15 am

  Got our 96 Taurus in 98 with 35000 miles. Since then Ive replaced the turn indicator switch, DPFE, EGR, and some other minor parts. This car has been a delight to own and drive. This is our family car and we change the oil regularly. Right now it has 203000 miles and the 6cyl DOHC Duratec engine is still going strong. Just this year the AC has gone out and the transmission is starting to not shift into overdrive. With regret, it may be time to move on.

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  What can I say? Im totally impressed! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ccf - October 22 - 5:04 am

  My partner has a 07 Accord and was very skeptical when I insisted on buying this car. Now, hes wanting to borrow my car to run errands! Overall quality is wonderful, the SYNC is great, and it has a much better ride than his Accord. The best part? Dependability! His Accord has been in the shop seven times in the past year, twice within the first month, the back window and cruise control stopped working. And the very best part? The deal! 0% interest and financed for only 36 months, my payment is still under $550 and in 3 years shes all mine! His Accord is financed for five years and still has a higher payment with fewer features at 4.5% and we both have great credit!

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  First New Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Tracy - October 22 - 2:40 am

  I just bought this Focus zx5, and I love it. I drive it to work every day and with the price of gas these days I cant beat it. This is our first new car, and after all the used cars Ive owned I think this will be the one from here on out. Dont let the smallness fool you; I have 2 children and we have more than enough room and plenty of space in the trunk. I would recomend this car to everyone!

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Rick - October 21 - 6:32 pm

  I bought a 2008 mustang V-6 base model in Vapor silver. The car looks great, is quite comfortable, is well equiped and performs very well (for a v-6 5speed). I have had BMWs, A Corvette C-6, and some other great cars, and this little Mustang measures up against them quite well. Very nice car for the money!

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  F-150 Super Crew Lariat - 2002 Ford F-150
  By nevadapac - October 21 - 2:53 pm

  Although Ive only owned for 4 weeks I have been very satisifed with my new F-150 Super Crew. Comfort is outstanding. Rear seating is as comfortable at the front seats. Ride is smooth for a 4 wheel drive. Truck bed is short, but with the tailgate down it still handles 4x8 sheets of plywood. Gas mileage is as to be expected with the 5.4 engine, towing capacity is exceptional.

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  Great Ford vehicle - 1999 Ford Contour
  By ozzie - October 21 - 10:40 am

  Purchased in Feb 2008 with 91,000 miles on it. Put in about $400 worth of work into her (oil change, power steering fluid, timing belt, fuel injection service, tranny oil change & fuel filter) Has run like I drove her off the lot brand spanking new! Now I know its only been about 7 months but I can tell you that I am very happy with this very, very well built car. Great handling & packs a punch under the hood.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Jaren Packard - October 21 - 2:00 am

  After owning over 17 cars/trucks/suvs in the past 12 years this is by far the best, not only for Ford, but any manufacturer. Ride is like a Mercedes without the cost, interior even on the XLT is luxurious and comfortable and space utilazation combined with the innovative features it offers are superb. Triton V8 is so quiet and handling is more like a car than a Truck. I would highly recommend this to anyone in the market for a full size SUV.

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  Great SUV TO OWN - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By frankaarthur - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Before buying a 2004 Ford Expedition Xlt model.The wife and I owned a 2001 Toyota Highlander V-6. It a great car for two people And I would recommend it,but if you have a family I would not. In 2002,the wife and I became the pround parents of Twins. Suddenly we had no more room in the highlander the double stroller would take up half of the rear area. I wanted to buy the Toyota Sequioa, but it was too much dinero$$, so we shopped around and found a suv that not only had the room and space but was affortable. All I can say we are very happy with Expeditation.