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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  My 95 ford probe GT - 1995 Ford Probe
  By CarpenterChick - August 10 - 7:04 pm

  I absolutely love my little car. It is still running good. I have to put a little money here and there but over all its the best Ive had. Its very quick, handles wonderfully in rain. Its very fast. I do have to be easy when using the gas pedal, it just gets up and goes... I wont trade it in for anything......

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  Great van with a few problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Lou - August 10 - 4:05 pm

  At 83000 miles, have replaced the intake manifold gasket, $1000, and ABS unit, $600. On second set of tires. Father-in-law is a car nut and says it rides like a limo, very comfortable for long trips between Houston/Denver. Styling is nice, no paint problems. Gas mileage has consistently attained the 18/24 rating. I drive conservatively and do all maintenance, so cant explain problems others have had.

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  Transmission Hint for You - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By C Perry - August 10 - 3:30 pm

  It sounds like this vehicle is hit or miss with a lot of folks. For us, its been a total hit with a few caveats. Bought used in 04 for $6k, from day one the cruise control didnt work and every once in awhile the dome lights will not turn off. Spray some W2-40 on all contacts for each door seems to fix (and a hint I read elsewhere). Otherwise, the master cylinder went out but no biggie. This thing holds a ton of stuff and is very roomy. Its been an awesome family car for us. Be aware there is 1 side door, not two like most these days.

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  Zippy, fuel efficient, and spacious. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By PJ - August 10 - 3:23 pm

  I bought a fully loaded Focus SEL with manual transmission. This car is simply designed beautifully. I am 64" and easily have plenty of headroom and can get 2 adults in the back without moving the seat. The stick shift is very smooth and ergonomically placed. This car zips nicely and gets me over 31 mpg so far. The sync system is really cool but the one complaint I have is the speaker placement. If you drive with the windows down like I do the wind noise really drowns out you stereo. They need to raise the speakers higher so they are closer to your head. Also,I got the SEL which makes the interior really nice. I noticed base models seem to have really cheap interiors.

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  Affordable Ford Fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Darrell NUssbaum - August 10 - 2:40 pm

  My SES is nicely equipped; it has just about all the options you can order. It handles like a jungle cat on a chase. Im very inpressed with the quality and comfort this auto presents. The fit and finish is excellent. Whether you are driving or just admiring the ZX3 you feel the tingle of ownership. It is a fine Detroit piece of workmanship with a look of things to come down the road. It is fun driving that is affordable with many creature comforts.

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  Great Family Car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By westwood mom - August 10 - 1:09 pm

  Have had this vehicle for two months and very happy. A big improvement over our Acura MDX (which it replaced) in terms of comfort, smoothness of ride, and gas mileage (about 2 mpg better).

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Madison - August 10 - 12:54 pm

  Just purchased this weekend as a commuter car (130 miles/day round trip). I really like what Ford did with the re-design. The old version was pretty ugly, but this one looks good for an econobox. After only 250 miles, getting almost 40 on the highway and 33 overall in a fair mix. Im 63" and the two door allows easy entry and exit - plenty of legroom. Performance is about what you would expect from a N/A 4-banger - not spectacular, but sufficient. Sirius is cool. First Ford Ive ever owned, so well see how it goes. Impressed by the fact they didnt need a bailout and they actually had inventory to choose from. So far, so good.

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  its back to GM for me.... - 2000 Ford F-150
  By chris - August 10 - 11:37 am

  Considering the low mileage, this truck has had an enormous amount of mechanical problems, including a tranny rebuild at 72000. The interior and ride are comfortable and the frame is quite strong and I think its a sharpt looking truck. But, performance-wise, it basically is the worst of both worlds--underpowered with poor fuel economy. I get 9 mpg while pulling the a relatively light trailer but still cant get over 70mph. Maybe with the 5.4 engine, it would be better but I think Im done with Ford for now.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ford Guy - August 10 - 2:30 am

  Bought this Fusion a few weeks ago and love it! Drives great - the steering is responsive - it really hugs the road. The car is fully loaded - leather interior - which is very comfortable. I did purchase it with an extended warranty - 3 yr / 36000 mi. - just in case since I bought the car used. The quality and workmanship has drastically improved when compared to my previous Fords. In fact - quality wise it is as good as our Toyota. Great job FORD!!

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  Would trade it in if I could! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jay Ward - August 10 - 12:39 am

  Bought this car used for my wife for daily commute to work. It had around 22000 miles. Within four months of owning the Ford, the tires were bald and the alternator had to be replaced three times because it kept shorting out. The front rotors were alos bad we were told. On top of this my insurance company charges more to insure this model of car.