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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  Not bad at all - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Santiago - October 2 - 10:00 am

  First of all this is an impressive car at an impressive price. While there are some build quality issues, the powertrain and engine are solid, and the engine (not a Zetec) does a decent job. My other car is a camry, and I must say that I would rather be in the Focus than the camry. Just wish I had waited a year for the ZX5

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  Realistic review..... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By desi - October 2 - 10:00 am

  A nice combination of minivan & luxury car inside. Compared to some "luxury" SUVs, the full size, upper end offerings from Toyota, GM & Ford are all quite decent. We like the heated / cooled seats, DVD, etc. Crash test ratings are better than Toy/GM models -- excepting for probably a high rollover tendency all SUVs have. Also, initial quality survey for 2 years is better than Toyotas. The electronic stability system (AdvanceTrac) -- which is a bit tough to find in 2WD models. Overall, excellent value for the money (as far as overpriced, full sized SUVs go) & probably appealing to people who hate minivans. Buy the 4X2 if you will not go off road.

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  Ill stay with General Motors! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Bu_BU - October 2 - 10:00 am

  After buying Vehicle @ 40,000 Miles, Dealer Was terrible. I gave them the Check and was told that there was only 1 Key and they wanted $65.00 for key and programing. Engine makes a noise I never heard before it sounds like the engine is rattling after you restart engine when it is warmed up. Noise Goes away as quick as it comes. V=6 SOHV is under powered for towing and 5 speed trans. is ok when it shifts. The Best Part of a ford is the transmission as they Shifts smooth unlike the G.Ms. Lack of Torgue. It does have a Good turning radius. Feels like the Rear wheels stop before the body,Need I say any More???

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  Someday ford will build a good transmiss - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Hotrod joe - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I work for ford and bought the 99 taurus se because of incentives. Love the 3.0 dohc motor it really moves also because of the 3.94 axle ratio. Now well talk shop the transmission needs more fine tuning by engineering when driving in traffic to go around another car pushing the gas pedal a 1/3 or 1/2 way down at 30 mph it kicks all the way down to 1st gear very annoying!!! It got stuck in front of house on ice and blew the trans at 18,000 miles took it to Elder ford they its covered by my bumper to bumper. Also ive had 3 escorts every one those shifted better than the taurus the new trans doesnt engage properly when you first start it.

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  Still going after 110K - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Jon - October 2 - 1:14 am

  Had little problems with this truck. Used it like a truck, towing, hauling and long distance travel. Had to replace clutch at 95K, my fault, towing a boat long distance that was too heavy for my truck. 110K now with no major problems, "door ajar" light always on so I just removed fuse. Wipers turn on more frequently, but Ive read elsewhere that is common for this model year Ranger. Added an electronic brake controller,heavy duty rear shocks and class III hitch for towing. Truck is a little sluggish now, but full synthetic oil, K&N filter and new plugs and its still running strong once it gets going.

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  Nothing beats it !!! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By cape - October 1 - 10:43 pm

  For the price, nothing can compare. Most bang-for-the-buck. Excellent reliability. The v-6 has sufficient power, but we would all like a little more no matter what were driving now. Gas milage is surprisingly good. Decent mobility even in the snow; mine has 4 snow tires mounted on steel rims. Overall great value for the money

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  Ford Focus Superstar - 2006 Ford Focus
  By jezmanuk - October 1 - 9:37 pm

  I purchased my 06 Focus new. Wanted Grey, hatchback, Stick, shopped around and got a 3 door SES with leather moon roof and winter package for $14000. I have had ZERO problems with it for 26000 miles, service has been excellent from dealer (even replaced a wheel with a good used one for free when I kerbed mine). The car is fun to drive, very reliable (Consumer reports rates it with Civic and Corolla), looks good and I have had a very stress free ownership. The Original Pirelli P6s (unusual size205/50 ZR16) werent great and had lots of road noise. I changed all 4 due to a sidewall puncture @ 24K miles for BF Goodrich G-Force Sport which are much quieter and have much better dry traction

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  Happy & In Love - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Happy & In Love - October 1 - 8:26 pm

  This is the first time I purchased a Mustang and I love her......It is so much fun to drive and take sharp corners. I wouldnt trade it for nothing. Oh and by the well her name is Mustang Sally......

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  Love it....Still have it, only - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Cobbstone - October 1 - 7:34 pm

  I am 66 Years old, and bought it new in the Fall of 1999...Only has 28,000 miles to date.....Still smells new...Only problem ,I let my Battery acid leak down on some of the cables I corrected that, but have to use the Emergecy release to get it out of part, when I drive, and from reading some others,,,I think I should have my tie Rods checked.

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  Vehicle runs very smooth and comfortable - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Janet - October 1 - 3:26 pm

  So far I am very happy with the new Focus. I am impressed with the comfort of the seating, front and back. The soft leather interior is great. The engine sound is minimal. Handles turns nicely. Cant wait to take this vehicle on a long road trip. Really impressed with road mileage on fuel. Exterior is sound and the colors are marketable. I love the keyless entry and the security that I have with my Focus. Overall so far I am impressed.