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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  ok - 2002 Ford Escape
  By salgama1021 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  its power is very good and handling

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  Safe SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Maddox - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Regardless of what the media says about the Ford Explorer, I stand by its design. Unfortunately I was in a multiple rollover accident in my first Ford Explorer (2000 model) and received nary a scratch! Felt like I was in an amusement park ride as we tumbled over and over. Thats a good vehicle that can sustain the damage that we did with no injuries. My 5-month old infant son in the back thought it was fun. Theres no question in my mind that the Explorer is an outstanding vehicle.

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  impressed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By scott wheatman - October 8 - 2:00 am

  i am extremely impressed with what ford did with the new explorer. when i first heard about the new design with an IRS i assumed it would be an oversized station wagon like some of the comprtition.but it wasnt! its still a truck;that rides as good as the others and has an impressive amount of saftey and comfort options for the money. keep it up ford.

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  Rattles and stalls - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Junk - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought this explorer its been in the shop for repairs 5 times for 3 to 4 days each time. It has rattles in the dash, steering column and rear window. It hesitates when going into trafic. The alternator has been changed along with the left rear view miror.The rear end hums at 50 to 60 mmh. Ford said this is normal, I disagree and plan to sell the thing. JUNK

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  2010 Mustang GT Premium Convertible - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By gspfan - October 7 - 10:52 pm

  Just bought the car new a few weeks ago. Have been enjoying it ever since. Lots of compliments on the car, especially the color -Kona Blue metallic. Plenty of power, decent comfort and handles surprisingly well for its size. Nice stereo. Sync system works well but takes a while to figure out.

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  I Like This Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By NChawk - October 7 - 7:42 pm

  I bought this van new in June 2003 with 5 miles on it. About half the time Ive had it, there was a high idling, throttle problem. Once they figured out to replace the throttle sensor, and then the throttle assembly, it has run great....and Ive got over 140,000 miles on it now. I had to replace the transmission at 112,000 miles, which cost about $3,300. It gets about 22 mpg on the highway, and 17 in town. It has all the whistles and bells and they all still work....although I wish they had had the DVD instead of the VCP. Im happy with my Windstar and expect to keep it for another 3-4 years.

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  Head turner - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By rrobin2996 - October 7 - 7:40 pm

  Have had Carmeros and firebirds over the years including 67 bird 400 and 68ss 396 both hot tire burners. in the three weeks i owner of this basic automatic car the dark blue and 68 style has turned more heads the all the others. could be a little quicker shifting soft ride with firm handling gas mileage should be better but ok avg 20 well priced fun car- i think the grand daughter has her eyes on it in the next few years- great ride for two -kids only in the back-they dont mind they are in the cool ride. I will drive it in the northeast winter but the weight seems to be close to 50/50 should not be a problem enjoy ford better idea well priced

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  Very Reliable - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Immanuel - October 7 - 2:53 pm

  This is a decent, reliable car. Bought it 2 yrs old, at 36k miles for $ 9000, have driven it to about 129k, with no issues. So far I have spent about 250 for a water leak, brakes and oil changes. This car has been very reliable, a workhorse and inexpensive. Have gotten on an average 25 mpg for combined city and highway.

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  Falling apart - 2007 Ford Focus
  By GGL225 - October 7 - 1:47 pm

  Lots of things broken or falling apart on this car after only tw and half years. Today we had to replace the ignition switch as it locked down on the key and wouldnt release it. To the tune of $almost $400 bucks at the dealer. Their comment was , "This is a common problem on the Focus and Fusion. Yeah, Ford=Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  Solid Little Runner - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Gary in WI - October 7 - 12:07 pm

  I purchased a new SEL with two options (ABS/ESC and Auto Tranny). I now have 3000 miles on the odometer and the car has performed flawlessly. Gas mileage has been good - 35 mph and getting better. I bought this car as a daily commuter, putting on 75 miles per day and in this regard, it has been ideal. I looked at Madza 3 and the Mini Cooper, but the price-point and simplicity of the Focus appealed to me. Also, having rented many small cars, I have had better-than-average experiences with the Focus. Overall, Im happy with my purchase and would do it again.