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:

• 

  2.3L makes the car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By mtk - July 18 - 5:47 pm

  Bought a year ago and absolutely love the car. Unfortunately Ford decided to drop the 2.3L in the ZX3 for 2005 which I believe was a great combination. I had a 6 cylinder Ranger that sucked gas and this car does better but not great. I tend to "drive" the car and get around 24 mpg city without the A/C on - average, not bad. The car only cost me $10k brand new (with rebates and A plan). Ive spruced up the interior a bit as there are many aftermarket items out there for the Focus which personalize without being gaudy. Fun to drive. No problems to date - go out and buy one used if you can find one. Make sure it is a manual to maximize the fun factor. Did I say it was fun to drive?

• 

  Very nice car - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus - July 17 - 7:55 pm

  I have only had the car a short time but so far, Im very impressed. Very nice car for the money!

• 

  Better Then All Domestics & some Imports - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - July 17 - 3:15 am

  For the price (MRSP $35,300), purchased for $25,454 that cant be beat. Very well built compared to any domestic brand. The only other SUV I would consider over this would be the Honda Pilot, but that costs more for the same features and no rebates. Second Ford, not sure of any problems, the 1st (Mustang 04 GT) had a few. Do hear a weird whinny/whistling sound from time to time and only has 1200 miles in two months so it worries me. Found two interior bits not well attached. The GT was plagued with that too.

• 

  Love the car, but... - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Griffy Baby - July 16 - 10:56 pm

  Have had my Shelby for over 3 months. The car has 3,000 miles and she has gone to the shop about every 400 miles - blown radiator hose, replace tracking sensor, engine check light, etc. My father bought an Edsel. I believe this car is its reincarnation. Maybe someday I will get the bugs completely worked out of this car. Ford could have done a better job of quality control. This is the one and only Ford I ever intend to own in my lifetime.

• 

  Love my Ford Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Great Truck - July 16 - 4:05 am

  Bought my truck from my father in law. His loss. It is a fantastic truck. No major problems. It is a four wheeling beast in the sand dunes. Never was a Ford fan before but my next truck will probably be a Ford again after my time spent with this one.

• 

  Lovin my new Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By John - July 16 - 2:51 am

  I thought I was a Jeep man for life (I drove a Grand Cherokee for the last 7 years), but I ended up in this Explorer, and I love it. The ride is excellent, the V6 is strong enough for my needs, and it sits higher than I expected. I especially love the third seat. When my kids are back there, I can barely hear them. Especially if I am thumping the Audiophile system. The only negative is the fuel mileage. It is only getting 15 mpg average, and that hurts. Overall, a great truck.

• 

  Another Bad Ford Transmission - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By bunnytwo - July 16 - 12:40 am

  After replacing 4 transmissions on a Windstar, and another on a Taurus SHO, we still bought another Ford. Now the 2006 Five Hundred needs a new transmission with under 100k miles. Here is the funny part. The dealer said we had the new CVT or VCT TYPE tranny, but the 2nd opinion mechanic said we dont. How could the dealer be mistaken? This is my LAST Ford.

• 

  Much better than expected - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By tharpomaximus - July 15 - 5:42 pm

  I bought this vehicle for several reasons: 4WD, 9 passenger seating and price. I have not been disappointed at all. Yes, the brake dust is bad, but I knew that when I bought it. Of course the gas mileage is not good, but I knew that too. For the money, this vehicle is hard to beat. I have the smaller V8 and it has plenty of power for me. The base model I purchased has all the basic power options plus adjustable pedals for my short wife. The biggest shortcoming is limited storage behind the 3rd row (please build an extended version!). Therefore, I have both hitch mounted and roof mounted luggage carriers. My wife loves this car. AWD is much smoother than my Sierra Z71.

• 

  2005 Explorer XLT Sport - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By ksc - July 15 - 5:25 pm

  Excellent vehicle ... Fun to drive. Overall excellent Ford quality. 3rd row seat excellent idea. Dealer was excellent.

• 

  Solid Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By alf150 - July 15 - 4:41 pm

  Truck now has 123,000 miles on it and has yet to have a problem. Ive keep up with basic maintenance and the truck has been good to me. Will drive this one until the wheels fall off.