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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  Rebuilding - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Brian - February 4 - 5:30 am

  Have had very few problems with this car over the 12 years. On the road it gets an unbelievable 30 miles to the gallon at 75 to 80mph and this was triple checked because I couldnt believe it.

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  Good looking poor quality - 2004 Ford F-150
  By fbi08351 - February 2 - 1:49 pm

  I love the way the SuperCrew looks and drives, however the workmanship is below par. I have had to replace the front drivers seat twice before the warranty expired because it was falling about at the seams. The back seat had to be replaced because water was leaking around the cargo light on the top. I was told this was a common problem. The seats stain if any liquid is spilled on them including water. Also had to have tranny repair at 25,000 miles. I am a business man that only uses vehicle for light duty.

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  Quite impressed - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Wes - February 2 - 6:43 am

  Ford has a huge winner on their hands. I cannot believe the great ride and build quality of this car. Very upscale looking interior with very well appointed materials. Very bold, tough styling go great with the quick performance and excellent ride quality and noise dampening. Absolutely HUGE rear seat room and trunk. I absolutely love this car, there are no compromises with this one. I have never been this satisfied with a new car.

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  Good at First - 2000 Ford Focus
  By nada - February 1 - 9:47 pm

  When looking for my first car I wanted something affordable, reliable, and good looking. I bought it used with about 55,000 miles. And over the course of the last 4 years with this car I have replaced the ignition 2 times, replaced my alternator, had to have the trunk fixed because it wouldnt open, had my brake shoes fall off while driving (probably not a defect with the car, but it was one more thing I had to pay for), my power door locks broke causing the driver door to not open, which meant crawling through the passenger door. And the back door open sensor is busted. I have a power steering fluid leak. And a valve in the engine blew, which was approx $350 to replace. Just be wary.

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  GREAT SUV - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Peter Waldman - February 1 - 6:10 pm

  No problems here! Only oil changes on my V10 with 79,000 miles Got free tires from Ford at 65,000 so can go another 75K or so before I need them again. I get 13.4 MPG with a full load (trailer, 4 passengers, gear) at 75 miles per hour from PA to FL. Without the trailer I get the same MPG with speeds of 85 on Interstate 95 just going with traffic. My Jeep Wrangler only gets 17MPG Very happy all the way around. Was thinking of getting the new Expedition LE to replace it but after renting one for 3 weeks when in NM I think I will keep this one for a few more years. Its not the money - I just like it sooo much. When towing my 7500 lb trailer I dont even know it is back there. Get 1!

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  I loved my STANG! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Seeson99 - February 1 - 4:41 pm

  I bought my Mustang as my first large purchase and a good one at that. I also bought the extended warranty (which I recommend for any car). I changed the oil every 3,000 miles and had all the recommended work done. I had a couple of leaks here and there, but nothing that wasnt covered under the warranty. I bought it at 20,000 miles and drove it until someone hit and totaled it at 70,500 miles. I was Ted on a city street very hard and the Mustang held up like one of those ancient tank cars. Im very sad now, but I will always love my Mustang!

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  Watch Out! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Matt - February 1 - 3:58 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004 to replace my ailing 94 S-10 with 240k miles. I am less than happy with my car. Things that went wrong under warranty. CD Player - dead within weeks, replaced. Heater Core - dead within 18 months and leaked all over interior. Replaced part but not interior. Wobbling - found no problems, but I paid to rebalance, still wobbles. Unfixed issues - starting, the car just sometimes will not start. AC - varies from cold to warm randomly. Interior stinks, as one person mentioned "rattlebox". Engine seems loud, and Ive been told its just injector pulse. Interior can get loud on highway. Currently, blower on level 3 does not work. No leg room, tilt wheel stinks.

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  Great car for fun driver - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By George Schwab - February 1 - 8:25 am

  Bought this for my wife and we both enjoy driving it, and owning it. Its not a hot rod, but has plenty of power. Smooth ride and very fun to drop the top and cruise. If you want a Corvette, buy one (I probably will) but dont sell the Thunderbird short. Its a keeper, in my opinion.

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  so far so good - 2006 Ford Focus
  By timotee - January 31 - 2:27 pm

  I have had my car for a little over a year now. I must say that I love this car. It really is too bad that Ford is doing away with the hatchback! My only single complaint is the fuel economy. I do mostly spirited highway driving and I average about 24 mpg. I realize the EPA sets these numbers so its really not their fault. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Ol Reliable - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Chattavegas - January 31 - 10:13 am

  Purchased from private owner at 70K miles. Needed vehicle to lug my two kids (5 and 2). This truck has been great for that. Can take the abuse-- though resale with the cloth interior will be nauseating. For its size and v6 engine, gets poor gas mileage--on par with v8s that are much bigger, heavier. Cheap materials on dash and cabin--but economical. Paint coming off of center stack facing. But after 132K miles, engine still strong and is very reliable, so no complaints there.