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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  Nice car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By T. Dunst - August 6 - 11:37 am

  98,000 miles so far. Replaced alternator and battery at 60,000 miles. No other problems. 38 mpg. Very fast vehicle, good acceleration. With the manual tranny it is quite sporty and handles well. I will buy another after this one has 200,000 on it. Its been to California (from East Coast) and is my 134 mile a day commuting car.

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  cabin car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Jerry - August 6 - 11:21 am

  Purchased 5 years ago at 29000 miles. It had been dealer maintained, driven as second car, never in salt, paid $3600. I have alloy wheels (I had on a Mazda)and hi performance tires. We drive summers only as our (2 people) only car during that time. Now with 86000 miles replacement tires and front brake pad only. Nothing has failed. It is a great car for local use. Mileage with automatic, driven in a spirited manner is 30mpg locally, 33-4 at 73mph using cruise. On extended interstate trips it is acceptably comfortable, shifts out of lockup on hills when using cruise. Very reliable, economical utilitarian vehicle. Nowhere as comfortable, peppy, sporty handling as our 2004 Mazda 3.

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  Excellent deal - 2003 Ford Focus
  By linuxevangelist - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Handling is nearly unbelievable. Braking performance is awesome as well. Low-end torque is missing so its a little slow of the line but once it gains enough RPMs to hit the power band it really takes off. The interior design is really nice. Stereo system is awesome. Seats are comfortable and the back seats are surprisingly roomy. There is a slightly noticable problem with rough idle that appears from time to time. This is a known problem by Ford and can be made better (but not fixed completely) by having the computer reprogrammed by an authorized SVT service center - this issue was fixed in the 2004 model. Im very happy with my purchase overall and would certainly recommend this car.

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  review of 2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan Sturdevant - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Intended to trade 2003 F150 4wd for 2004 model of same. Did not care for the cumbersome large car feel of newly designed truck. Test drove the Escape and found it far more comfortable and easier to handle. Having driven a truck for the last fifteen years (I raise horses and cattle), but also having other trucks to do the "work" I opted for the SUV. I have not regreted it in the least, and would not hesitate to do it again.

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  Great Ride & Good Value - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mboard - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Explorer because it is comfortable and safe (Ford has resolved the rollover/tires issues that may have scared some in years past). Im impressed with the quality and the ride. The interior room is exceptional for its size and the stereo sound system is very nice. Im willing to give up alittle gas mileage that some of the smaller SUVs have....the trade is a smoother, quieter ride with more vehicle to protect my family.

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  Terriffic Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By grmsky - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Explorer. I feel very safe in it which is very important when traveling with babies. I have never had anything go wrong with the vehicle. It drives great in the snow and even with AWD, I still get about 18 mpg around town as I dont do much highway driving.

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  Nice car but a lot of service trips! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ThePole - August 6 - 8:16 am

  Over the first 12 months, the car had no mechanical issues. A lot of the interior trim had to be refastened and for a $30K auto thats a little cheap. Probably average 23MPG. Wide open interior make it great for kids and trips, more comfortable than the Explorer. BUT after 1 year things started to go wrong. Issues with brakes, traction control, oxygen sensor. Has been in for unscheduled service 4 times in the last 4 months. Left us sitting on the highway once, almost crashed when traction control went out. And...the CD changer stinks. I would NOT recommend buying this vehicle, at least not a 2005. Unless you want to buy mine.

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  MY STANG - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MIKE - August 6 - 1:40 am

  GREAT LOOKING CAR. QUALITY IS SO-SO.

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  HOT in Texas - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Anthony - August 5 - 11:51 pm

  We had our 2008 Edge limited just 11 months before it was totaled in a very bad car wreck. My wife got T- Boned at 65 mph, and walked away from the car with no broken bones. If you saw the accident scene, you would be surprised that anyone lived. I am 100% sold on the safety of this vehicle! It had a very comfortable ride and was fun to drive. There are 2 significant problems: A/C is VERY weak (especially in TX), and we have never gotten better than 16-17 mpg (even highway trips). The window sticker said 16-24 avg mpg. What a joke that is... With that being said, we are looking at buying another one!

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  love my truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sparkeyjr - August 5 - 10:21 pm

  5sp. which apparently is rare in this configuration. came with a shell. I live in CA where we instantly lose 3+ mpg once we enter the state so I average around 15. Out of state I get around 20. A little stiff for fun off roading. I use it to pull trees and brush out of canyons and generally drag stuff around. I also use it as a sports car and commuter car. For an all around vehicle for someone who does a little of everything this is it. Tight suspension and steering with the BFGs make it scream around corners in the mountains of so cal. Good turning radius and truck width. Great towing rig! The front tow hooks are perfect and get used a lot. My favorite truck!