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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  In the shop with only 200 miles! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By slvrzts - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall I like the car you get for the money. I have the ZTS with everything but leather. In the first week I had it in the shop to have the airbag computer replaced! The next week I was having trouble getting it into fourth gear. So in the shop again! Turns out it was the spring for shifting it into reverse had broken somehow and was blocking fourth gear. Anyone else having these problems? I like the car just not enthused about the defects already. Chose this over a civic coupe and am now having second thoughts.

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By PFN - November 20 - 10:00 am

  We love the vehicle far more than we thought we would. It is a joy to drive.

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  Harley Heaven - 2001 Ford F-150
  By BadRon - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This will be my third F150 and Ford finally got it right this time! The Harley F150 Crew Cab is a great looking truck and truly fun to drive. My wife keeps trying to steal it. The only draw back is when you go out for a drive you end up attracting a crowd.

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  No Buyers Remorse - 2001 Ford F-150
  By shovel77 - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned over 50 cars and trucks in my life and this is the only purchase with NO buyers remorse. I like everything about this pickup. And I especially love the real saddle leather seats. With 20,000 trouble free miles under my belt, this is by far the most pleasurable car/truck that I have ever owned. Just a bit diappointed with the limited color choices though. Would prefer a lighter color (mine is dark blue).

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  katie - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By moondust - November 20 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned

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  Incrediable - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Rex Stefanhauser - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I simply think Mustang are the best cars on the panet!

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  Outstanding - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Motcee - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a great looking truck both inside and out. It is as comfortable as a car, handles like one and boy does it have some get up and go. This is my third suv. The other two were broncos. They handled like trucks but being an suv person, I liked them anyway. I thought I would miss the room in the broncos but the escape is perfect. I find myself thinking up errands to run just to drive it. I am more than satisfied with it.

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  Exceeds expectations - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Steve - November 20 - 9:48 am

  I rented an 09 Taurus early this year and, once I got past the stodgy styling, really loved it. I was waiting for the 2010 model to make a purchase because, from the pictures Id seen, the 2010 just looked racier. But when I actually saw a 2010 I found it lacked the visibility and interior spaciousness that are what attracted me to the 09. I now have over 5,000 miles on the car. Quiet, roomy, effortless to drive. Best back support and seating position of any car I have ever owned. Synch feature is great for hands free phone conversations.

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  Disappointed with Dealer/Ford HQ - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Will - November 20 - 7:09 am

  19K miles and vehicle stalls. Had it brought in to dealer in Lafayette, said no problem existed. 3 months later, vehicle stalls and towed back to dealer. Fuel Pump, Fuel Regulator all need to be replaced. Informed my Service Manager that is normal wear/tear for fuel pump and regulator. $1500 to replace. Called Ford, no help. Once out shop, vehicle start problems. Im so MAD. Ridiculous pump going out, and I average 5k miles per year. Was told that was the reason for pump failing, lack of driving. So if you buy a Ford, ask how long its been on lot, so say the fuel pump/regulators go out if they sit

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  Focus Review - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Terry - November 20 - 4:00 am

  I never thought I would get out of my F150. I bought this to save gas and it really does. I get around 35 on the hiway. Its a really fun car to drive so my truck sits in the drive most of the time now. Thanks Ford. Buy American!