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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  Like It Sporty - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tom - May 30 - 9:16 pm

  Best car I ever had. Got the Merlot Red finish, with black cloth seats. The cloth seats are softer than the leather, though the leather ones are better looking. Transmission is smooth, love the added extras like the buttons on the steering wheel that work the cruise control, volume on the radio and the temperature control on the climate control. Other nice features are the autodimming mirror and moon roof. Best of all, the car has great handling on the road, hugging the corners with ease. I did 70 and barely went above 2000 rpms. Nice.

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  Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By 1997 Ford Explorer - May 29 - 7:35 pm

  I love my 97 Explorer, but it has been giving me problems lately. Bought it from my parents they put 96K miles on in it 7 years. Around 97K, a month or so after I got it, the tensioner went had to spend 4K to replace the engine. The car failed emissions test, had to pay $200 for a new part plus service. Recently the fuses have been blowing. Fuel economy stinks since I replaced the engine- <15 city. Love my car but may replace with more fuel efficient/reliable car once I can afford another. Positives are: great towing, lots of space, comfortable, safe.

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  No major problems yet and 5 yrs old! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By ExpedOwner - May 28 - 3:15 pm

  I really like my Expedition. I bought it with 3 miles on it and now with 110,000 miles I am still just as pleased with it. I plan to keep it as long as it runs.

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  Satisfied Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By triple_tap - May 28 - 11:58 am

  We bought this vehicle to move across the country with, and in hopes that it would last us without any problems for the 3 years I am in law school. 2 years down, 1 to go and the only thing of any consequence was replacing the brakes! Very satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Joe Midzalkowski - May 28 - 11:39 am

  Im 67" and my wife is 54". This is the first vehicle weve owned that is very comfortable for each of us to drive. Ive hauled a full load of luggage and my three dogs while pulling a heavily laden trailer with no loss of performance. Yesterday I picked up a half ton of cattle feed and three square bales of hay and still was able to pick up a major grocery order. Some of us DO need a vehicle this large.

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  Very fun daily driver! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Pat - May 27 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my GT 6 months ago and have already put 10,000 miles on it. Its a very fun and surprisingly comfortable daily driver. It looks good, goes very fast, sounds great, and can cruise on the highway "sipping" gas too. Its still in great shape, minus a few scratches from being driven thru the winter and its an overall great car.

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  Brians Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bjhfla - May 27 - 2:43 pm

  The Focus gets great gas mileage. As far the interior of the car I think its cheap and does not wear well. The engine is great, the A/C is no good it stopped working after a year and half. Have never had problems with tire wear. I had gotten 55,000 on the first set and are only on my 2nd set. As of now, I would most likely not buy another Ford product when I do go to get a new car.

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  Company Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By bstephens - May 27 - 11:45 am

  You know, this car isnt quite as bad as I had originally thought it would be. My company gave me this car 8 months ago and I handed over my 97 Honda Accord to my brother. First let me say that the Taurus drives nowhere near as well as the Accord did. Its too sluggish. When I punch the gas to try to pass someone it always hesitates. The engine revs up for a few seconds before it kicks in and goes. Also, when I have the A/C on the belt is always chirping. My fiance has a 2004 Accord EX that just blows this car away. I dont understand how Ford could ever expect to compete with a Toyota or Honda and win. We definitely drive the Accord on trips together. Goodbye Taurus.

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  priced right - 2001 Ford Focus
  By stan - May 27 - 10:44 am

  The Focus has been a good solid car. No major problem but seems to heading for the repair shop more now that it is off warranty. I would suggest to get the extended warranty if possible. Problems with the radio volume control and trunk leaking.

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  2003 ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SilverOne - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 ZX3 before this and I loved it. I put way too many miles on it and just had to get a new car. I decided on the ZX3 once again because of how much of a great vehicle it was. Its very fun to drive, has very good performance and power for a 130hp engine, the handling is great and it has lots of room. They have made many improvments on the newer models and fixed a few things also. I know Im going to like this car as much as I did the last and will probably get yet another Focus after this one! Sounds crazy but I really do like them.