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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  A winner in every category - 2006 Ford Focus
  By oh no tokyo! - August 24 - 8:03 pm

  Owned a 2003 Focus SE sedan, but wanted something with a little more punch. Decided to buy the ST sedan, and it has been an awesome car every single trip out of the driveway. Sporty looks mixed with common sense, this only improves and already top- notch car. The ST is quick off the line, and holds its own out on the highway. Feels well put together. Handles curves with ease. Lots of good stuff on the inside--heated seats, mp3 player, side airbags, abs, pen holder (2 thumbs up), cruise, heated mirrors. One thing that deserves its own paragraph is the huge trunk the Focus has. You can fit so much stuff in here, tons of luggage, groceries, sports gear, tae kwon do bags...awesome

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  1994 T-Bird V-8 - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jason - August 24 - 1:14 am

  I purchased my 94 T-Bird V-8 in 2001 with 89,000 miles and it has been very good to me. The only thing that I replaced was the torque converter. The 4.6 Liter V-8 has plenty of power and gets nearly the same gas mileage as the 3.8 L. V-6. It also has a very comfortable interior. 155,000 miles now in 2007 and still running circles around Civics.

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  WOW! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jb1002 - August 23 - 5:00 pm

  I just picked up my GT Premium right before Memorial day (ordered it in mid January), and dont want to park it EVER! It is so fun to drive, it is everything I was hoping for and more. If you are thinking of getting one do it immediately. You wont be sorry.

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  Black Beauty GT Convertible - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang lizzy - August 23 - 11:15 am

  This car is the love of my life! Unfortunately the Colorado State Police pay way too much attention to it too! I bought a 5 speed & cant imagine driving an automatic. When I want to pass someone on our mountain roads I leave them in my dust & by the way - Im a baby boomer lady. I love the shift throw & have no problem with the clutch. I do wish the CD changer digital read-out was easier to see. My only problem with this car is the convertible lock down system. I also drive on some bumpy dirt roads & the convertible top shakes & shimmys more than it should. There are also some serious blind spots to watch for. I love my mag wheels & the Bullet sound! Not much winter driving tho.

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  Muscle Car Dream - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Miss Stang - August 22 - 11:35 pm

  This is my third Mustang, but my first GT. I purchased this GT for $5,000 and I have put another $4,000 into it. Its now a gorgeous car and fun to drive. Its my sunny-day-only car, so the mileage stays low. Ive had to do some engine and exhaust work on it, new paint and rims and some other cosmetic things, but other than that its a pretty sound vehicle. I wont be selling it any time soon. I really love this car!

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  The Real Deal - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Eagleman - August 21 - 2:40 am

  Ford hit a home run with this one. We now have over 100,000 miles on our loaded 2002 SEL and have put less than $2000 total maintenance (including tires) into the car since we purchased it new. It has been a great smooth and quiet ride through all the years. We get 29 mpg on the hwy going 85 mph or 55 mph. A great road trip vehicle.

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  Ford Focus - more than you think - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Alex - August 20 - 4:09 pm

  My Focus is easy to drive, its powerful (I also own a Mustang but sometimes I am quicker with the Focus) and its built very reliably. I had no issues whatsover and I drive it in any kind of weather and circumstance.

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  As Good as it Gets - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By NewYawker - August 20 - 1:33 pm

  This is my second Ranger and opted for an extended cab on this stepside Ranger bought new 6 years ago w/4.0 V6, 5 spd auto & off the road suspension. At 65K miles had first major repairs to brakes and front ball joints. Added step bars, spray on bed liner and a Fold-a-cover box lid. This go anywhere truck has been nothing but great, hauling loads with ease even with the leaf springs flat out. Rides well but always reminds you that its a real truck and not some cross-over thing.

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  Great! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By flumsteve - August 20 - 12:09 am

  I work in a sand mine where I have to constantly go into sand and mud. It handles very well in even the most loose of sand and if 2wd wont do it, than the 4wd will! Great truck all around.

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  Second Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Vince - August 18 - 10:25 pm

  This has been my 2nd Ford which I purchased used. So far it has been a good vehicle. The only issue I have is with the CD changer and playing my pc created cds. I planned on changing the radio so this is not a big deal to me. The 03 has the same turning radius that my 98 Explorer had so its really no different in driving it. The rear sonar is a big help when backing up and parking.