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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  Ford GT Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Steven Wilmarth - November 24 - 10:07 pm

  The heritage lives on. What a wonderful American sports car that combines affordabilty with performance. The GT achieves a 0-60 time in 5.6 seconds and does with style. The premium package is a bargain to add to the GT car. If youre in the market for a fun to drive, reliable and affordable muscle car, this is your ride.

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  Fab Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By bobby240 - November 24 - 9:55 pm

  A fine-handling and looking car with plenty of lux touches for the price. Performance is great with good economy. The interior is refreshingly stylish - a feature ruined on the 05s. The quality of interior materials is only so-so, however my car had numerous trim defects. The hood is of too-thin metal and lacks an underside pad. The heater fan is noisy on higher settings, and using air con saps engine power considerably, esp. in 5th. The car is a little slow off the line (in 1st), but picks up in the higher gears. With the sloping hood its hard to see the corners of the car. Overall, for the money the 04 Focus SE is a great buy.

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  12 years and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By xlt - November 24 - 8:19 pm

  This is my second Ranger. The first was an 83 that had over 150k and as far as I know is still going. The 93 has been a real work horse for me and now has 100k on it. Basic mechanical wear with very little rust. I live in the Boston area and the winter conditions are hard on all cars. The Ranger has performed well. I am now looking to buy a 2005. Only because I would like some extras this time.

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  Not Too Shabby... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Rob281 - November 24 - 7:18 pm

  A LOT of noise in the rear differential. Kind of unnerving. Now having transmission troubles. Soon to be replaced(again). But performance is INCREDIBLE!

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  Takes a likcing and keeps on ticking! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger919 - November 23 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this Ranger with 65k miles on it. I never intended to have this many miles on the truck, but it just keeps running. I had a pin hole in the radiator at 165,000 replaced the transmission, water pump, clutch and ball joints at 185,000, (nothing was broken I just thought it was time to replace before they broke. My next vehicle will be a Ford Ranger! But not until I am done with this one.

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  Becoming Disenchanted - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By BC - November 23 - 4:53 am

  Loved this vehicle when I first bought it. First sign of trouble after only 3 months - rear pinion seals were shot and leaked. Have had to replace 4WD computer and idler/air valve. Now, with 90,000 on the car & I am told 3 out of 4 wheel bearings have to be replaced. Funny how they all went at the same time. ABS light goes on & off, as does the service engine soon display even though I am told by the dealer that the brakes are fine, and the service light is only a dummy code. Paint is starting to come away in different spots near the roof line. Leather is coming off of the steering wheel and leaving bare spots. I bought this car because of prior reviews, but now wished I hadnt.

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  05 SES Focus wagon - 2005 Ford Focus
  By robert - November 21 - 10:20 am

  This car is very roomy and easy to get in and out of. I am average build and over 6 foot tall and am comfortable in front and back seats. My parents have a new full size 4 door Jaguar which has significantly less head/leg room and is more challenging to enter and exit. Focus wagons cargo area is very impressive for a car of this size. Visibility and ease of driving are very good. ItÂ’s fairly quiet and good riding. Pickup is good, but not like a sports car, but definitely adequate for merging onto freeways, etc.

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  Frosty - 2012 Ford Focus
  By JEH - November 20 - 9:55 pm

  Ford stands by their warranties

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  after 3 months of wonership... - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - November 20 - 7:46 pm

  Bought my C-Max SEL in January 2013, model 303A with pano roof. I have 1800 miles driven, primarily in city and suburban settings. Bought this vehicle mostly as a commuter car, but wanted rear hatch to have flexibility carrying larger objects. There has been a lot of chatter about the mileage published versus real life. The EPA tests are not real world. If I can get in the 40s I am good. Would buy a C-Max again. If you want solely the highest mileage get a Prius, but dont expect much of a driving experience. The C-Max will give you some fun an dfeel while driving.

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  My Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DestinyT - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought my car. I really enjoy it. It has all the features that I was looking for in a car. The performance was much more than I expected. I would highly recommend this car to anyone interested in buying a sports car.