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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  American Convert - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By phaaqua - June 1 - 12:20 am

  I never thought Ford or any American Auto Maker would be on par with a European or Japanese Maker. I got the spirited 3.5L sport engine to the detriment of fuel efficiency. I do not regret it, the car is fun to drive and rock solid. The fit and finish inside and out is very good. The center console is button happy, plastic surfaces look good except for the glove box. Do not care much for the tiptronic transmission. Sync system geared towards native English speakers. I have to anglicize too many Spanish names when searching. The outside is muscular, at times the cars seems to begs for speed. A bit much chrome on the front grill. Good suspension. It takes road abrasions with aplomb.

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  Not a bad SUV... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By driver - May 31 - 5:05 pm

  I traded in my Mustang GT for an Explorer since I needed a bigger family car. At first we looked at the Escape but decided on the Explorer. We bought the truck in July and went on a family trip in Sept., drove over 4000 miles with no problems. I think though that I might be getting some problems with the tranny now, the truck has 23000 miles. Ill take it in and get the dealer to check it out, under warranty. Aside from that the truck drives/runs/works great. I love it, never will go back to a car... unless gas hits $10 gallon!

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  Ford should FOCUS more on Quality - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jim johnson - May 31 - 3:22 pm

  I bought my Focus SE used it was only a year old - just off a fleet lease in 2003. What got me to buy the car initially was the smooth/comfortable ride for such a small car and the awesome sound system. It was just fun to drive. Im going into my 3rd year with this car (31,500 miles) and problems are arising already. So far: CD/stereo volume control seldom works, 3 out of the 4 heat/AC fan speeds dont work, the AC doesnt work at all, the fan whines & sputters when it does "work", no power to extra outlet, trunk lid closes shut 1/2 the time. Its becoming more & more clear to me why Toyota & Honda sales are rising and American car companies sales are declining. I see a Toyota in my future.

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  Frugal Fun - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jim Miller - May 31 - 10:14 am

  Other than wanting more power, particularly in the lower gears, my 2006 Focus ZX5 is a joy to drive.

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  Hybrid SUV -- Feels Like Cheating - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bullwinkle - May 31 - 4:40 am

  I simply love my Escape Hybrid. I have all the room I need for the wife, 2 kids, and the dog in the back, and yet I regularly get fuel economy close to 30 mpg average per tank.

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  2006 Ford Focus ST - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Bill - May 30 - 9:06 pm

  The Mazda 2.3 engine coupled with the 5 speed manual transmission make for a fun car to drive. Very precise steering and plenty of road feel give this economy sedan a truly sporty feel. Rear wheel drive would be a real plus. Gas mileage suffers as one keeps the revs high to fully appreciate the performance capabilities.

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  Red Power Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Fred - May 30 - 3:53 pm

  My Red Power Ranger Edge is a trip! I added a carpet bedliner, camper shell, and step bars. Although it could use a bit more power, it never lags on the I95 raceway. Best addition, engine wise, was a K&N air filter (which I also use on my 95 Ranger and motorcycle). I have no major problems and would buy another Ranger.

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  Love it but it rattles. - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Redwoodmeg - May 30 - 10:46 am

  I love the idea of a hybrid SUV and I am happy to "buy American" I have had my new Ice Blue Escape (I call her Sky) for about a month and I am getting about 35.5 MPG! I am a high mileage driver and was driving a 2002 Explorer and getting about 15 MPG. That was my 2nd Explorer. I am dissapointed at the hardness of the center console and the arm rests. The leather is a little stiff and I have a rattle in the center console where it meets the dash. My biggest concern is a rather loud noise in the back hatch that appeared after I drove on a slightly rough road in the 2nd week. It seems to be coming from inside the door near the Ford emblem. I dont want to "accept" this or get used to it.

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  Its all about fuel economy... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By bryce - May 29 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had this car for about 3 months now and am pleased with it. I bought this car to get better fuel economy and it has delivered. Driving like an old man I can get 30-31 mpg with mostly freeway driving at around 65 mph. Driving a little more spirited with higher freeway speeds and more city driving I get between 25-27 mpg. Aside from fuel efficiency the cornering on this vehicle is a bit rough (sway) which is kind of annoying since I make a lot of U-turns. Also, the inside is very bland and there is a lot of road noise, but what do you expect for the price? Will I buy another Focus? Probably not, but I am very pleased with my purchase and expect to have this car for many years.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mellon fry - May 29 - 5:32 am

  This is a great vehicle. I get 20 mph on the road. I am not tired after a 1000 mile trip in one day. Very reliable. Much better than the Mercedes suv that I owned.