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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  Great car - expect some quirks - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ZIPYSVT - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I sold my 00 Mustang GT and bought a new Silver SVT Focus with the red interior, audiophile sound system, and sunroof. At the time, there were no rebates available, and the car was about $18,000. I have about 8,500 miles on the car, and it has been very reliable and fun to drive. I havent missed the Mustang at all. It rides and handles extremely well, the stereo is impressive, the overall ergonomics are top notch. It has pretty tall gearing, but the 6-speed has great feel. It does have some performance car quirks - the cold idle is rough, and it needs RPMs to launch well.

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  Nice ride. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By WiseJake - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This wagon rides like a Cadillac. I had a Focus 2 years ago, and was always recieving recall notices in the mail. I was leary about getting another one; Im very happy I did.

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  Steal This Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By juanabee - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I was the lucky guy who snagged a 2002 model for under 15 grand. The love the car and it would be a wonderful machine even at list however knowing I paid economy price I still pinch myself to see if Im dreaming. Ive logged 7500 miles so far with one long trip and it has not shown any weakness. I even took it over a jeep trail in Colorado to the surpise of the many SUVs at the top.

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  Nice Ride! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jhead50 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  From the quality of the interior to the torque monster powertrain, this ride is one of the best in its class!!

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  Awsome Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Skippy42 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  There not much to say about this truck except one AWSOME TRUCK!!

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  Love It!! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Richko - July 16 - 10:00 am

  2nd SUV- bad luck with Honda (transmission)

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  comme ci comme ca - 2003 Ford Escape
  By KITTY - July 16 - 10:00 am

  i bought my car with every possible feature yet it doenst even have a trip computer or a compass and every other time i drive it, the back up sensor device beeps solidly when in reverse and then out of no where it works just fine. the other day i had to turn the key three times before it started??? and it only has 700 miles on it

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  Love my Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By brad - July 15 - 11:33 pm

  This truck does everything I ask. Great gas mileage, excellent room inside. I only have 2 problems with it. 4 cyl. needs a little more power and the jack and tire iron rattle, but going to fix that. When I bought the truck never thought I would get compliments on how it looks but it seems every where I go someone tells me how clean or good it looks, its completly stock, I guess its just a good looking truck.

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  Best Ford Ive owned! - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By lonewolf54 - July 15 - 11:23 pm

  I purchsed this vehicle from a dealer with 20,000 miles on it. Great driving car and got it at a bargain price. I cant believe Im actually getting over 31 MPG hiway on several trips at 65mph with cruise. Sweet! I had leather interior installed and chrome wheels. Not your average fleet. The engine is strong and tranny shifts flawlessly. Very happy with this car! Quiet, strong, smooth. I traded in a 2005 Suzuki Reno 2.0 that got worse gas mileage than this Vulcan 3.0. Go figure!

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  NICE TOY - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By JEFF - July 15 - 9:10 pm

  Quick -- hard to keep tires from braking loose -- holds the curves well -- see people looking at the car as I drive down the street -- got 19 miles per gallon on first tank -- cruises smoothly in fifth gear and accelerates well in fifth -- fourth gear runs well all the way down to about thirty mph -- good sounding exhaust -- a little more growling from the exhaust would give the car more appeal. Nice toy.