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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  zx3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By kenny s - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car alot. Its fun to drive and handles really well since I had it only 6 weeks. I would definetly recommend this car for somebody who wants to spend between 14 and 15 thousands for a compact car.

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  Reliable car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By CVF - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a 99 Taurus Se and I am very pleased with it so far. Very roomy and comfortable.

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  2008 Ford Focus SES (5 Speed) - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jesse - August 17 - 5:30 pm

  Nissan lover who turned to Ford! I loved my 200SX SER for many years, but needed to buy a Truck. Throughout the years, I longed for a fuel efficent, sporty, compact 2 door coupe like I once had. Out of the blue, I thought Id take a chance on a 2007 Focus SE, and enjoyed owning it. When the 2008 Focus came out, I got excited, and I knew I had to "upgrade." The Focus is fun to drive, and its even better with a manual tranny. I have been very happy with my purchase. Ive read a lot of "Car Critics" review of the Focus, and they bash Ford at every angle minus the Sync system. Critics only like Japanese compact vehicles! For the price, you cant beat all the great features Ford offers.

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  Lacking in a couple areas - 2012 Ford Focus
  By txjetmech - August 17 - 9:24 am

  I bought my 2012 Focus on January 14th. The interior styling is nice. The car is responsive with the sport suspension package. The gas and brake pedals are a little too close together. This car is no speed demon in any sense of the word but it does well. I am not getting the advertized gas mileage even though the eco system says I am a champion. The car des seem to stumble a bit when parking in close areas. Dont plan on carrying passengers in the back seat unless you have short legs and can move the seats up. Average people forget about it.

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  Great First Car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Mere - August 17 - 6:33 am

  I love this car! Its my first car and I love the size of it. Its small enough to maneuver easily, but big enough to make me feel safe and stable.

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  Great truck for the money! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By T Almond - August 17 - 2:00 am

  3 years and 60K miles with no mechanical problems and a great ride has made me a fan of the F-150. High comfort design on interior and smooth styling on the exterior. I always get good comments on the truck expecially when they find out it is a 99 model year.

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  Fits me - 2004 Ford Escape
  By rcadwell - August 17 - 2:00 am

  this is my first SUV. I like the compactness of it, yet lots of storage. Feels good on the road, although, it does feel bumps more than Im use to. The V6 is the only way to go for get up and go. I love the way the drivers and passenger seats feel on my back..very supportive. Gas mileage is something to get use to. But Ill sacrifice a bit for the feel and cargo capablities of this car. Highly recommend it.

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  Good Car, Questionable 5 Speed Transmiss - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By John_2 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this sport SUV for my daughter but learned to like it. Overall it has been reliable with some problems that others have noted: inside door handle broke off, gas gauge broke at 60K, air vents are shoddy, FM cassett died at 100K. Only big repair has been 5 speed tranmission- shifting 1-2 grinds!! Repaired but grinds again! Important to change trans fluid and use the RIGHT fluid. Stability better with big tires, no air bags scare me. OK for running chores but dont like using it on the freeway.

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  RANGER REVIEW - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By RANGER OWNER - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is tough. The height to width ratio is such that roll is more pronounced that with wider vehicles. Torque curve is such that powering ahead is best in the 2000 to 2500 rpm range. The vehicle has good metal some of the newer vehicles of today leave something to be desired when it comes to skin thickness. The vehicle corners well. Its twin I-beam front suspension is such that outboard front wheel tuck is well mitigated because spring compression produces an opposing angle to wheel tuck. Its 4.0 uses no oil, and supplies ample power. Transmission is a manual 5-speed, which affords great versatility. Overall, I give the truck and 8.0.

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  Ford makes a great, durable truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Katie - August 16 - 9:26 am

  When I first went to the dealership, I was originally looking for a small car for my grandmother. I had gotten my license about a week earlier and had already put a down payment on a BMW, but when I saw the truck over on the other side of the lot I was thinking,” I bet I can drive one of those!" So we took it for a test drive and I was hooked ... the interior was beautifully designed, and it handled very well, I honestly was impressed, because I always thought of trucks as big, clunky hunks of work-type vehicles, but now I know otherwise.