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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  I love it! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 03stangboy - May 15 - 10:03 am

  I purchased my 2003 V6 Coupe in Nov 2004, with only 17000 miles on it. It is now May 2006 and Ive put nearly 22000 miles on it since I bought it. Not a single problem has shown up. Nothing has broken. I change my oil regularly and service my air filter when necessary. I get great performance for my uses. Im a college student, and driving home on the holidays is such a joy in my Mustang. I think its a GREAT car for anyone. Mine is black, so it has definitely forced me to learn about proper car care and Im glad for it. Ive entered several local car shows and everyone who looks at my car compliments me on how clean it is. The Mustang V6 is a great car for anyone!

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  Police Interceptor Tough as Nails - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fordmustang_27 - May 14 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car from auction in september 2011. Its the 2001 crown vic P71. Had low miles og 86k. It was a take home detective car. I bought it b/c it was in such good shape. Mechanically perfect absolutly no promblems what so ever. I loved the look, power, and comfort of it right away. It looked like a regular street car since it has the street package but i transformed it to a legit cop car. I did tint, center caps and spot light and came out great. Its silver and look very sharp with all the black I incorperated into it. Iv put 5000 miles on and i had no problems with it. Just did two oil changes and brakes thats it. Very reliable and dependable car. I will definitly buy another.

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  great car for the money - 2002 Ford Focus
  By a1awind - May 14 - 10:00 am

  since i bought it in july i have put 18k miles on it i have driven from miami to pittsburgh and back 2 times and to tallahasse and not a problem yet ( my ac compressor leaked .. but it was fixed under warranty ) it is a great travel car if you cant afford a crown vic and i would recommend this to anyone it feels like a $20k+ car inside

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  Hard Seats - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Mark - May 14 - 7:04 am

  Enjoy everything about this truck except those hard unforgiving seats. My Mercury Mountaineer was like sitting on an easy chair but this pickup is like sitting on a board. Everything else great.

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  Taurus or Fusion - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Roger Anderson - May 14 - 6:33 am

  I currently own a 2011 Taurus and I was looking for another one. Then I started seeing these Fusions on the road, I really love the way the front end looks. The rear could use some work though. I only drive about 8 miles per day so it wasnt a huge sacrifice on comfort not getting a Taurus. So I bought a used 2014 w/1.5l eccoboost and its very responsive, that was my main concern. It still is very comfortable for the size and has a nice quiet cabin. Test drive one and see.

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  Good van for the money... - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Calc - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Our Windstar LX with 37K miles is comfortable, has a strong engine (but alittle noisy), and has great crash test scores. Some people seem to have reliabilty problems, but so far the only thing to go wrong for us was a tie rod end in the front suspension. I would recommend this van to people on a budget looking for a good safe ride for there family. Also good for towing. If money is no object and you dont mind quirky styling, get the Honda Odyssey.

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  03 SPORT TRAC... GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MoMan - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my eye on a new vehicle for some time now. When I looked at the Sport Trac I wasnt quite sure about it. Then I test drove one and was so impressed with it that I bought it right then and there. I have driven all brands except G.M. (its a personal thing), I think this vehicle is fun to drive. It is perfect for my needs as Im the President of a Construction company and need to entertain clients as well as visit jobsites. It is both comfortable and very versatile. I have only had the vehicle for a short period and already have great respect for what Ford accomplished with this vehicle. I cant say enough positive things about this vehicle.

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  Still Focused - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Hombre - May 12 - 9:39 pm

  Im the original owner and after 5 years and 60,000 miles Id definitely do it again! Zero problems, couldnt be happier with my purchase. I cant believe all these Focus horror story reviews. Maybe I got the only good one produced in 2001. Sorry bout your luck.

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  Nice little truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By TM - May 12 - 4:31 pm

  The truck drives well and handle adequately. It does lean a little too much due to the stiff suspension. The only major complaint is the gas mileage. I have the large engine with the 4:11 rear end, but the mileage is less than 17mpg. Pretty bad for a little guy. Also the base cost of the vehicle is a little high.

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  Ups and Downs.... - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Baltimore Guy - May 12 - 10:38 am

  I bought this car as a demo with 2100 miles on it. It operated well for the first 4 years - recalls were handled promptly - but then the problems started. Normal wear (brakes, wipers, battery, etc.) to be expected (but not appreciated) but alternator failed, fuel pump went bad and other assorted "minor" problems (which arent cheap to fix) before it hit 50,000 miles. Have always enjoyed driving the car - especially on long trips - very comfortable, easy to drive - wish gas mileage was a little better - but dont mind sacrificing that for the comfort. Not sure if Ill buy another one though.