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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  Bad Plugs - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bill - May 8 - 8:21 pm

  For the first five years car has been great. Not happy with interior. Upholstery wearing out much to soon. What really steams me is that at 38000 miles the plugs, coils and power module have just gone out. With this mileage I cant believe it. I have been a loyal Ford BUT!

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  Great purchase, wonderful car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Dennis - May 8 - 10:55 am

  Bought new during the cash4clunkers program traded my Merc G/M and had some fear going from such a large car to the Focus however I can now say that after driving the car for 7+ months through the worst winter in Philly history I have no concerns at all.`The car handles surperbly and I am able to squeeze 41 MPG on the highway. I have no problems to date not even a minor rattle. Ford has really put Quality #1 with this car.

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  Best little car you can get - 2007 Ford Focus
  By wpspan - May 8 - 12:45 am

  I bought this car right after a deployment and I can say with out a doubt people are in shock what I put it throught.I been fishing working same time anything possible I can do with it.WHere I am we had a rain storm same time very muddy I saw trucks get stuck on dirt roads his little car go throught with easy and same time handle like a PRO same time handling on tight corners is impressive I had a pontiac grand prix before the handling is alot more sluggish then this little focus.What I defently know is MPG is worth.Did road trip with it twice traveled 1600miles and cost me less then $300 down and back all I did was keeping the speed limit.

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  Escape two! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By cannon3 - May 7 - 6:38 pm

  Second Escape, our first was awesome, reliable and trustworthy. 80,000+ miles. This new one doesnt have the V6, but the wife and I felt we really dont need that extra cost. 4cyl is enough, its no race horse but it cruises nicely. Fit/finish is great! Love the Sync option. Wife is main driver and she likes way it drives. I like the safety options Ford has put on these Escapes now.

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  Wheres the spare - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Frank - May 7 - 6:29 pm

  Nice little car though I dont like low profile tires. I was not happy at all when we got a flat. Opened trunk to find a oversized flat repair kit, the type you whould find at an auto store only bigger, Ford you can do better than that

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  Excellent value for your money! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Alex - May 7 - 4:02 pm

  2010 Ford Focus is simply excellent choice for a buyer on a budget. Before buying it, I have checked Chevrolet, KIA, Hyundai dealers and let me tell you, nothing even come close in $13,000.00 - $18,000.00 price range. Give it a try and youll LOVE it.

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  First new car, LOVE IT - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By CaspianX - May 7 - 12:26 pm

  I have a 1987 Jeep Cherokee which I cherish, and only having 68,800 miles its my baby. When I turned 18 I wanted a second vehicle because my Jeep had been wrecked and was in the shop getting repairs and some custom work done. I stumbled upon my beautiful Dark Shadow Metallic Ranger. I love it and drive it everyday, leaving my Jeep as my weekend car. Ive had it almost three months and its only up to 1776 miles. LOVE IT and the gas is better than my jeep for being a 4x4 V6. Being 411" it is the perfect size for me.

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  Escape Limited V6 AWD - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Kat - May 7 - 8:16 am

  Love It! Previously owned a RAV-4 and this has so much more. The ride is great and I love the SYNC. Its fun to drive, handles well, and is very comfortable. A great truck!

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  Great so far no issues - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Enrique Jr - May 6 - 11:04 pm

  Well lets see I have had this van for over a year now and other then the minor stuff that my cousin damaged i would say this van is great everyone complains about electrical I am a chevy man and this is the only ford I like so far and its going on a road trip from Florida to New York and back needs new paint but previous owner used it for delivery he did the heads on it I did work for the van but only thing is its a pain to do any thing to the speed sensor and the plugs to do them take off the wiper shroud trust me its easy that way also killer is shifts hard into 1st gotta figure it out but does not slip well past 280000 miles but speedo is broken sad for the others who complain.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Utah Driver - May 6 - 9:36 pm

  Traded in a 98 Breeze 4 banger for this car, only 32000 miles on the Fusion. Getting 32 MPG on the Fwy. The Breeze only got 24.