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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  The best new car on the road - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Joe M - October 16 - 5:30 pm

  I have had the Limited for about a month. I have driven Lexus vehicles for 15 years and this is more quiet than any Lexus I have owned and more fun to drive. It has great performance and a lot of technical features...my favorite is the adaptive cruise control and blind spot indicators. I have had many people want to look and at least two Mercedes owners looked at it and wanted to trade theirs in for this car. I think some may find the drivers space a bit confining due to the design of the console but the console itself is well put together. I have the tuxedo metallic black...really upscale looking

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  Replace Engine 66,8000 miles - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Spencer - October 16 - 3:54 pm

  Bought Expedition in 12/04. Had a number of problems with rough engine noise, power seats stopped working etc. At 66,800 mile a valve broke off and dropped in to the cylinder. We only put about 12,000 miles a year on engine. Called Ford to see if they would work out something with me but was denied. I have to pay $7400.00 to replace my engine.

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  think before you buy - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Roger Snyder - October 16 - 3:51 pm

  this car was bought new sight unseen,What a mistake.Interior has little to no design.If you like plastic you will love the interior because other than the uncomfortable seats it is all plastic.Cup holders are non functional in the standard shift model.The back seats serve no purpose.exterior look is ok but needs some accents.Handling is not very good at higher speeds.Engine has some power but nowhere near as responsive as the older models.(2000 and older)The best way to describe the ride is to drive a dump truck with concrete wheels.Needless to say the 2008 mustang gt is not a good choice.Try the new chevy camaro,better looks and more speed.

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  So far Great Car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Brandon - October 16 - 2:27 pm

  When I got my car, it had 45,000 miles. It now has 108,000. Other than brakes and tires being replaced which is a given for any car, the only other thing that I ever had to replace was the rear shocks. It has 108,000 miles and so far I havent had any issues knock on wood. Hopefully it stays that way for a while

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  Love my Focus - but not its radio - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Susan S. - October 16 - 1:47 pm

  I am very happy with the purchase of my 2008 Focus SES except for 1 thing. It came with the Moon and Tune Package. But the treble on the radio fades in and out constantly. A mechanic rode with me and told me its because my Sirius-capable radio is being interrupted by all the towers in the area and the only possible fix would be to renew my subscription. It drives me crazy. Does anyone else have this problem? Not sure I agree with him.

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  Ford Focus 4 door s Automatic - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Eugene R. Dawson - October 16 - 12:36 pm

  Steering and ride exceptional for a compact car. One of the most fun to drive cars in its class. Gas mileage about 33 mpg. Overall one of the best compacts available. Drive one and you will see what I mean.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Darko Avenged - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is amazing the handling is superb and the accerlation is excellent for a small engine. The interior design is new and inovative and extremely pleasing to the eyes. In all this a fun car to drive and youll look good driving it too.

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  Focus ZTS - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Tome Jons - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Ou performs many V6s in similar size cars. Great value for $$. Very economical to drive and to own. Out handles many "sport" cars.

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  Best Explorer yet! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ron B. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Our third Explorer,a 92(still have),99,and this 03( all Eddie Bauers). The 03 has more useable space, better mileage,handles & rides better,and is alot quicker. My 52" wife loves the larger size, as we looked at the Expedition and found it to be too big. The third seat is a blessing, and takes up -0- cargo space when folded down. Negatives: noisy tires,front end growl, a tranny that is slow to shift from reverse to drive,and rough idle.The rear window popped open as we were on the road, sometimes at speed. The rear door is WAY too heavy and difficult to handle. HELLO, anyone heard of aluminum?

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  Personal Experience - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By DALBJ - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I would buy another one today!