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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  My SHO - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By pat muscarella - August 11 - 2:47 pm

  Great car I am the original owner and the car has exceeded my expectations in performance and lasting quality. As an engineer, I am still impressed with the power and comfort @ 111,000 miles.

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  Nice car but beware of paint flaws - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karl - August 10 - 11:26 pm

  I love the body style and the ride is very comfortable. Great trunk space and rear leg room. Quiet cabin and controls are easily accessible. American car with a Euro look. Problem is my car came with something I didnt pay for -- A TON of PAINT FLAWS. Also have some interior fit and finish issues.

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  Go Big One - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By tyancey66 - August 10 - 7:32 pm

  I have a 93 Bronco that was my dads and I love it! It has never let me down.

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  Needs a little improvement - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Doreen - August 10 - 3:36 am

  1st new car in 20 years. Good gas mileage without having to get a hybrid. Like the stadium seatting for the back seat. Roomy trunk for a small car.

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  Broken after only 3800 miles - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Ginger - August 9 - 1:14 pm

  I have enjoyed driving my car and it gets really good fuel mileage, but I went to get the windows tinted and the auto man showed me where there were screws missing from the doors. Then after owning the car for 3.5 months the starter goes bad, which dealer did fix.

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  Brakes - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Bruce - August 9 - 11:14 am

  I am satisfied with my new Ford Explorer, but every time I step on and off the brake pedal, I get a clunking noise. The mechanic at the dealership said this was normal for this model. I dont like the clunking, but apparently there is nothing I can do about it. Anyone else having this problem?

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  05 Ford Focus ZX4 SE - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Charles Smith - August 9 - 10:49 am

  Low rear view obstructed by high tail end. A kid could not be seen immediately behind the car.

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  2004 Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cagirl - August 9 - 10:20 am

  Its fun to drive, and gets great mileage. Only problem is squeaky breaks. I Love it.

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  Great car overall! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By weezielynn - August 8 - 6:01 pm

  I have owned my Escape since May 2002 and overall it has been a wonderful car for me. It is very fun to drive and really moves quick and easy. The only big problem I had was when the transmission went out at under 10,000 miles. Major upset for me! It was fixed under warranty but for a long time I was still pretty annoyed. Based on some of the other comments apparently this is a problem with the Escape. Otherwise I am very happy with my SUV.

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  Been a Good lil Car! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By gluis55 - August 8 - 10:04 am

  I bought this car since we had two kids, and the other car I had was a Beretta, (two door). We needed a 4 door. The car is quick, and comfortable. My wife loves driving the car. The only complaint is the oil leaks! When I first bought it it was leaking from what appeared to me was the front gear cover and oil pan. It wasnt too bad, now it is definitely getting worse. You can smell the oil burning on the exhaust when it leaks. So now it is time to fix it, but not sure I want to spend the $850 the dealer wants to repair. Car has 97k on it got it used with 62k. Have had no real problems with it. Just maintenance 26 mpg.