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 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Desiree - September 1 - 12:50 am

  So far, very happy with vehicle. Very responsive, gas mileage not bad if you drive sensibly. (I average 20 mpg which is a combination of mostly city and some highway driving). Air Conditioner works very well! Stereo system pretty good as well. Perfect sized vehicle for my needs. Vehicle has firm ride.

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  Underrated Car for the masses - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Ian - August 31 - 5:08 pm

  My Duratec 24V engine Taurus has been utterly reliable. Ive covered 39,000 miles since 11/02. I service it myself and use synthetic oil and high quality filters, which I change every 10K miles. I got a repair shop to change the serpentine belt, changed brake fluid and auto-fluid too. This helps maintain the cars life and reliability I feel. Regarding performance, only use the overdrive 4th gear on freeways, stick to the 3 speed around town, gas mileage will improve as the box is not hunting up and down all the time. Great road holding and comfort. Seats are hard, but good for my back and there is oceans of space inside. Controls are easy to use. Brakes are appalling, as is wind noise.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By LisaR - August 31 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for a fun, reliable, convertible, this is the car for you. Nice solid ride with plenty of power. Not ideal for long road trips, but well worth the lack of space. I would not purchase any other convertible.

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  Check Engine Light - 2000 Ford Focus
  By LCM827 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We have had this vehicle in the shop 10 or more times since we purchased it. All for the Check Engine light. They have replace everything, The last time it was in the shop for almost 2 months, They told us the engine needed to be replaced and then they replace the values on cylinder 3. We pick up the car and within 2 days the check engine light came on again. Then they told us the values on cylinder 2 need to be replaced. We like the car but this problem we are having doesnt seam to go away for long.

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  Best SUV for $$$ - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Splurph - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Im coming off of a 2dr Sport and was close to buying another one but Im glad that I went with the 4dr instead. The ride in the new explorer is unbelievable compared to its predecessors due to the independent rear suspension. They also added larger brakes, this was a much needed improvement. The interior is kind of chinsey, especially the cloth seats...I think they used "Plether". The exterior is sharp. The radio is decent also. Bad weather handling is very good with the addition of the Michelin tires. Overall, I would seriously consider this car if you are looking for a roomy, sure footed, SUV.

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  Sporty - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By daveshack - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Great truck for every day around town use. Very comfortable for long and short trip.

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  Sporty little car - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Angie - August 31 - 12:59 am

  We bought this car when it was about two years old. It had around 29,000 miles on it. My husband still has it and it is being handed down to my teenage daughter. My son put fake sporty things on the hood (Im not into those things but it makes it look like the car has a powerful engine.) Anyway, my husband replaced the CD player with another one. Well, that was a mistake. Every time you went over a bump, it starts the music all over again. Anyway, this car has 87,000 miles on it now. The body of the car is pretty good still. No rust or anything like that. It has a moon roof (which isnt used much). We have had quite a few compliments on the car (one being a couple days ago).

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  Nice But Also Irritating - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Martman - August 30 - 11:18 pm

  Back window motors needed to be replaced twice under warranty. After the warranty expired both back window motors broke AGAIN and the windows dropped into the back doors. They are now held up with tape. Get this ... it will cost $400 per door/window to replace. Ford doesnt care, its out of warranty. Crazy. I cant leave anything of any value in the car since the car cant be locked. I refuse to pay $800 for this problem! Its their problem. Other than that I love the car.

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  So so car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Evil Focus - August 29 - 9:31 pm

  I have owned this car for about 2 1/2 years, and I would have to say I have had my share of problems. A few months after I got it, I was left stranded because it just wouldnt start (only clicked). After replacing the solenoid at 30k miles the car did ok. The tires seem to wear down quicker then any other car Ive had. About a year went by with no problems then I got a transmission leak at 55k miles. Cant forget about all the recalls including the fuel pump that died on me as well. Also about a month ago the ignition decided to lock up, leaving me stranded again. And just the other day my alternator went which cost $350. Besides that, the car isnt too bad. I would recommend a newer model.

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  Great for Price - 2005 Ford Focus
  By N0v4c41n3 - August 29 - 1:03 am

  Im pretty critical of vehicles myself, but overall i was very pleased with the vehicle. Unfortunately it is not for the die-hard performance fan. Granted it definitely has the potential. No major problems with the car but it does rev too high between shifts, clutch is not as responsive as the engine needs, the engine does not lose rpms fast enough for serious performance use and takes most of the fun out of it, corners well, accelerates rather well, but cannot use the torque of the engine to drift in corners because the engine does not wind down. But for under $20,000 we shouldnt expect it to handle like a Porsche