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 $100 Escort - 1991 Ford Escort
  By pevey2469 - December 24 - 12:59 pm

  I obtained my Escort from its grave. It had a broken timing belt, which in turn means it need a cylinder head. I put one on it at 145k and that was all. Ever since I have driven my "Little Go-Cart" over 10,000 miles with out a hitch. Engine is original and will probably need replacement around 165-180k but since I am a journeyman mechanic for 20 plus years,I believe it is worth it and a good all around runabout. Ford Rules!

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  Do use as a Drivers Training Vechicle - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tracey Barrett - December 24 - 11:29 am

  First off I love the look of my 2014 Focus SE Hatchback. Its a beautiful car, comfortable to ride in, fun to drive, that is until the transmission started acting up at a couple thousand miles. I took the car to my dealer and he explained to me that the car has a manual as well as automatic transmission. He said when you drive a manual transmission the car will roll back and hop until you finish shifting. I told him that I know how to properly drive a manual transmission and I dont hop around when shifting. I have to keep apologizing to my students that its not them thats the problem, its the car. We teach the kids how to do maneuverability for their driving test and after about 10 minutes of driving forward and backward through the cones, the car will no longer go in reverse and the transmission overheats. This if my 4th Ford and my 3rd Focus and also my last if something is not done about this issue. I have had it in and it has been "reprogrammed: 4 times in 2 years and I finally have an appointment this month to finally fix the clutch. I loved my 2010 Focus. It was one of the best cars I have ever owned. Ford really got me this time. As soon as I am able I am trading it in even though I will probably take a loss on it.

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  Never had a problem - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Lovetoescape - December 24 - 11:18 am

  Most of my driving is around a small town or long road trips. In either situation I have been pleased. The back seat is comfortable for passengers. The vehicle drives very nicely. I purchased my Escape as a brand new vehicle. I have 20,0000 miles and everything is like new. This vehicle performs beyond my expectations.

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  Ok - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Gary - December 24 - 11:16 am

  Well I just traded in my 2001 with 89k miles and have been the only owner. I have loved and hated this truck throughout its time with me. The tranny went at 44k miles and I was told thats common on these trucks. I ended up getting a broken stud in the exhaust manifold that was going to be thousands to fix and I was told thats common. I decided to trade it in and I admit was hard for me to do. The poor gas mileage is something I will not miss though.

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  Most reliable car Ive owned so far - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By mgoodwin16 - December 24 - 10:31 am

  I picked this up in Sep 06.I really liked the styling and still do. Since getting my D.L. 26 yrs ago, Ive owned 6 Fords,1 Chevrolet,1 Buick, and 1 Pontiac. I had at least 2 issues with each of them. 11 with the Buick.I have not had a single issue with this car after 51k miles. The OEM tires wear quickly.Softer rubber,better handling,means quicker wear.Replaced with Michelins.I believe, due to the Mazda 6 underpinnings,Ive noticed little, if any, difference in handling with the tire swap.I purposely chose the manual.More engaging in my experience and the manual with the Fusion is just as good as 2 others I have owned. Being a sedan manual is a plus. Great looks, dependable,and fun.

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  2 Year Update - 2002 Ford Focus
  By urlacher_fan54 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my zts about 2 years ago and am still pretty happy with it. If you are looking for a cheap car, this is a great option. Overall it is still a nice car. One of my rim caps fell off ($20). My dealership didnt send me my extended warranty papers and when I went to my dealership I got the run around. My front passenger speaker is blown and my stereo sometimes (rarely, only 3 times in the 2 years Ive had it) shuts off when pushing the buttons in the middle where it disconnects. The center console was not made well and doesnt latch well anymore. Im thinking about taking my car in to fix some of these problems but not looking forward to it.

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  Beautiful, but bad quality - 2004 Ford Focus
  By isbllvaz - December 24 - 10:00 am

  First week I have purchased it, the fuel bump went bad and had to be replaced (about $230, the car dealership has replaced it). Two more months and the alternator went bad ($120), so both the alternator and the battery ($60) had to be replaced. On top of it all, the wheel got stuck one day and the whole key set ($200) had to be replaced. My car has been towed three times in the first 5 months that I had it. Also, the a/c, when is turned on, does take away the performance of the engine... the car does not go as fast as if the a/c was turned off.

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  The Best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bob Z - December 24 - 10:00 am

  It is the quietest riding, and the most comfortable I have ever been in... I handles the road more like a car than a truck....

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  Chevy and Dodge Cant Even Compare - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bandit1 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This Truck Is great. I live in Montana and it handles awesome in the mountains, as well as the city driving.

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  The Best Ive Owned - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By vlovett - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Our Eddie Bauer Explorer makes travel very enjoyable. Very comfortable and quiet--we swapped our OE tires for Goodyear Fortera--really smooth and quiet. Rear Entertainment Center keeps my two grand daughters to occupied to ask how much farther. This Explorer handles so much better than my previous 2000 model. We just love the vehicle.