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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  Silly gearing - 2012 Ford Focus
  By my2012focus - July 28 - 5:56 am

  In summary, the car is fine for what I wanted, which was a fuel-efficient back and forth to work car. I am extremely happy I bought the S package instead of paying for more ammenities. Had I paid over $20k for this I would have been very disappointed. This car has very low torque below 2000 rpm, which combined with gearing makes it difficult to start and slow to accelerate. Once you get to a certain RPM though, it takes off.

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  Even the Fox Body still has IT - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Cip - July 26 - 1:26 am

  I bought my LX convertible from a guy that refurbished the entire body and had the car repainted bringing it back to its luster of 14 yrs ago. The car has less power then I thought but that might be the age showing. Still drives smooth which at this point is what I wanted in a gas saver vehicle.

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  Another Great Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Jon - July 25 - 10:17 pm

  This is my second Ranger, and I have loved both of them. I upgraded to the Edge and love all of the additional bells and whistles (especially the sound system). My only complaint would be the gas mileage. I do more than the average driving, so I spend more time than the average at the pump.

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  A mixed bag, but more fun than a Honda - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kevin - July 25 - 1:36 pm

  This car was well worth the wait. Its a blast to drive, and people love to look at it. Ive only had a few problems with it (mentioned below). I do wish it had more hp. I know that sounds insane, but it should have hp equal to that ugly GTO that Pontiac is making. This car is rated less than the 98 Camaro. Seven years later those cars should not be able to keep up with Ford. That said, this is way better than any Mustang ever made, even the 69. Classic car guys will disagree, but this one beats in in quality, performance, sound system, mpg, paint quality, crash tests, and driveablity. Love the car.

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  2005 My Ford Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Philip Sanders - July 25 - 10:56 am

  My 2005 Ford Taurus is comfortable and well appointed. It also handles well. It is the third Taurus I have owned.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - July 22 - 6:41 pm

  This has been a great car. It never missed a lick. Only replaced battery once, regular maintenance, changed brakes. This engine is great with great response. Average 25 MPG. The car will be missed.

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  2003 SE Zetec - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tim - July 22 - 12:16 pm

  I had my problems; first the cold idle is still very rough till it warms up. Dealer couldnt fix. Also the rear camber adjusters were factory defective which made the car handle terrible in the winter and ate the rear tires up at 20,000 miles; dealer installed new adjusters and tires under warranty. I told the dealer to take the terrible low-profile Firestones and chunk them as we live in a snowy climate. Engine has plenty of power. Transmission has a harsh 1-2 rolling shift if you dont stop completely. Brakes are excellent as far as stopping power, steering is nimble, ride is acceptable, gas mileage is way below what it suppose to get. All this said I do like the car but my review at 60,000 miles may tell the story.

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  Short on POWER & POOR mileage - 2004 Ford F-150
  By joe hubbard - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Unit came low in transmission fluid! It has rough shifting up& down! Air is not functioning properly! It starts blowing hot air set on 70 without having cooled unit! If I lower thermostat it cools again for a while! Mileage on road 14.2 @ 70! Has no power! My 97 4.6 was better performing! Owning FORD STOCK, I am very concerned! It could just be "THE ONLY LEMON"! I have been to ford shop & after having it 6 days it was as delivered! NOT FIXED!

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  Love mine. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By blupencl - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Love it, but am disappointed in the mileage. Got the least fancy one on the lot (no huge tow package, for instance) and still get only 14 in town. Ive been told that this will improve after 5000 miles. We shall see.

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  crown vic performance - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jim morgan - July 22 - 10:00 am

  with the handling and performance package, performance is must better, however fuel mileage suffers.