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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  Sport Compact to the - 2002 Ford Focus
  By rockin svt focus - November 16 - 2:00 am

  handles on rails. low torque number, but it doesnt feel taht way. great car, relaible enough for such a car, and so much fun to drive

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  jujus review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By juju9 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive named my little beauty Snow White and I just love her. However Id really like the extended warranties that are now available.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By A Ford Guy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I stepped up from a 1988 Bronco and what a differance. It has lots of gizzmos and you will find yourself going back to the owners manual quite often. The 10 MPG Im getting could be improved. The ride and handling are great. Some switches and indicators are blocked by the steering wheel or the shift and signal levers. Front and rear climate control system takes getting used to. Otherwise, a nice truck.

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  Love the improvements - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DeputyDan - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1993 Explorer and got unbelievable service from it. Changed to a 2002 after searching for a car but just couldnt find anything that we liked as well as our old Explorer. Am running the XLT with V-8 and love the power and ride. Did have the "shattering" lift gate panel problem but dealer fixed it. (They had a service bulletin explaining the problem) Dealership has been great with follow-up since sale. I dont know if all Ford dealers are as good as mine but mine is great. I havent run it a full year yet but love the ride, power and auto 4wd. Puddle lighting is nice and overall a nice looking ride.

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  the pimp - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jeremy Fulcher - November 16 - 2:00 am

  wonderful looks, and great engine but, horrible shifting(too hard on the clutch) and doesnt shift smooth. Ford should reconsider putting in an import cars transmission.

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  MY ZX3 BABY! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By pixiestixslova - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost 2 years now.It is my angel. It has definatly saved me from a lot of accidents. Its nice and roomy. My friends dont complain about haveing to sit on top of each other. So far, I havent needed any work done on my car.Its great and affordable.

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  Fun Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By troywe - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. For such a small car, the interior is exceptionally spacious. The car feels like it has great quality.

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  2000 better than 2004 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Nighthawk779 - November 15 - 11:33 pm

  This is my third Explorer and my last. My 2000 has been the best of the 3 2000 03 &04, All 3 had the transmission rebuild, but only the 2000 has had nothing else repaired. Everything works as well as new over 205,000 miles on it now. The engines have never been a problem until now. We now have electical and rear end noise now. The 2000 pulled trailers boats and what you could get on the bumper with no effort. I wish they would bring back sun visor recorder. Also the 2nd sun visor. But I am looking at Highlanders now. 3600 for a new transmission had me looking for a different manufacturer. P.S. we did change trasmission fuild every fluid at 30,000 at the dealer no less.

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  Mustang Bullitt - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Jeff - November 15 - 10:32 pm

  Does anyone make a better, more fun to drive car than this for the money? Plenty of power, great brakes, and handling. Gas mileage is greatly improved over my 5.0L. You can use 87- 91 octane. Feels a little more edgy with the high octane stuff but not essential for driveability. Great leather GT500 seats. The Tremec 5 speed is a dream.

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  3rd Ford Ranger - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By John - November 15 - 8:49 pm

  I just purchased the 4x4 XLT extended cab today, so I cant judge longterm on reliability. So far its great, very comfortable, the 4.0L engine is responsive and powerful for highway driving. I think the ride is good, and the interior although the almost the same as my 98, is practical and easy to use. The styling is nice, and I like the fact that is indeed a true compact pickup. These little trucks are a good value for those not needing a huge rig, and the inconvenience that comes with large trucks, i.e. parking. Yes, this truck hasnt changed a lot in the past decade +, but I think the styling and overall design is fine the way it is, why mess with a good thing?