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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  A good start - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Chi-town-er - March 24 - 3:46 am

  After my Acura finally broke down, it was time to get a hybrid. So far, everything has met expectations. While not a great performance car, it has adequate pickup and meets all other requirements of typical driving. The interior features are a step above what one would normally expect from a mid-price Ford. Sync, Sirrius with 30 presets, decent speakers, rear-camera, side-view warning, etc should go a long way to winning a new generation of Ford buyers.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By otterbout - March 24 - 2:03 am

  Driving and owning this 6th E.B. model in a 4-wheeler is no disappointment. My husband has the 5.4 in his Lightning and happy to say I can still see his tail lights when we leave a stop light. Dont do it often but nice to feel the supreme power and handling in a really big truck. The interior appointments include nav, DVD, htd seats and awesome sound. Greenhouse is supreme except for blind spot at A & B pillars. Easy to miss objects while backing up so like rear sensing device. Overall, Ford has done a 100 on this vehicle when it comes to design and features. General tires awful. Replaced with Goodyear Forteras for outstanding performance, handling and traction. Will get another.

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  My first Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Joe R - March 23 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV and am very happy with the Escape. The automatic 4WD is easy for my wife to use on those snowy Northeast days. Power is more than adequate, interior and exterior design is excellent as well as build quality. Very fun to drive and is a good vehicle for those not wanting or cant afford the bigger trucks. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  nice - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Priddy - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Of all the cars that I have owned, this is the best car that is out there. Me and my wife drove to Florida in this car right after I purchased it, it was very nice.

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  love my little hatchback - 2003 Ford Focus
  By grammie - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my little Focus. I am a Grammie and it is the best car for the bucks. I feel very secure and comfy in it and it handles well. Perfect for traveling back and forth to work and milage is excellent.

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  the ride of your life - 2004 Ford Focus
  By YourHonesty - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car its fun and FAST! Great for teens of all ages! Im 21 and man it is aa awsome car!!!!!!

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  good - 2004 Ford Focus
  By a person 129872459 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  the ford focus is a high quailty. it has great performance compared to other cars

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  focus to the focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dreama - March 23 - 2:00 am

  i would just like to say that i have had my focus for a year and there isnt one thing that i dislike about it. its the most practical car and the steering makes you feel like your driving a race car. it could be a nice family car, or it could be a sleek sporty car. whatever your needs are the focus is the best choice!

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  The sweetest car around - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Storms826 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love the ford focus. It drives great! It hugs the road when you drive, you dont feel like you are going to lose control. I have never felt seats that have been so comfortable. I have taken 13 hour drives in it and my back never hurt once.

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  I Love MY car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By FocusGal - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it for 3 1/2 MONTHS and I Lover it so much! It drives so easy and is very cute! I cant imagine having any other car!