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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  A Kick - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By knutwicksell - May 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Mustang and I love it - fun to drive and comfortable. Peppy and Reliable. The last one had more than 140,000 miles with only one clutch and one set of brakes.

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  Mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By keaklek - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car for get up & go. Speed there when you need it. Driver confort perfect while passengers complain abit

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  Good Pep For The Money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joshandjess143 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical about this car at first, but came to love it shortly after driving it. I love the 2.3 engine its got more pep than i ever expected. I would recomend this car to any one on a buget and wants a fun car to drive!

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  Great SUV for the Money - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Andy Z - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Cost me about $16995 plus tax with all the rebates and discounts. Great vehicle for the money. Would have loved better fuel economy -- but its a SUV so what do you expect. Very practical for around the home -- 5 pass and a pick up bed with a cover -- cool

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  2002 sports track - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RC - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I like it overall, improvement over my 95 F150. Solid, no rattles.

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  Buy Something Else - Its Crap! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Cathy I. - May 18 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I liked about this truck was the warning sensors for how close you are to objects when you back up. Other than that, I dont see myself buying another Ford Expedition (or Ford Anything) for a long time. Im glad I bought it - Easier to get rid of it when you own it. Ive only had it for about a year and it feels like its going to break down already. So many things squeak and there are so many interior noises that it makes the truck seem cheaply made and unsafe. Ford does have a wide variety of models to choose from but Id have to guess that one model is as bad as the next. On a positive note - the horn works well?

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  Great Little SUV, commuter only - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By bartimus - May 18 - 7:06 am

  Just a couple 100 miles on it now, getting better than the EPA sticker so far! Due to weight savings, lots of plastic, interior feels a little cheap. Front grille came loose/off the 1st week and needs to go back to dealer. Coming from a Volvo XC90 the Ford ride is lighter, peppier (feels like a V6), way less room. Dont expect to fit 3 child seats in the back seat. We can barely fit a car seat, a booster, and our 6 year old in a seatbelt, its very cramped back there. Zero cargo room. Without NAV system so all hybrid info is on the dash near odo. The 3 hybrid info buttons are in a bad spot to the left of the wheel, (should be on the steering wheel). Stereo/climate buttons are confusing.

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  Best Ford I have ownsd - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Walter Davis - May 17 - 10:07 pm

  I have owned a new ford every 4 or 5 years since 1953 (have pictures of 12) this 09 FLEX is like riding on rails.It has great exceleration and habdles like a dream! BUT< with the windows in the back doors down at 50+ mph it starts a noise that makes my kids cry ,gives me a headache and made my wifes ears ring and we all get sick to the stomach! There is a terrible vibration up to 60 mph! The service department manager said "JUST ROLL DOWN THE FRONT WINDOWS A BIT" and it will stop! That aint right! I love the FLEX cant something be done?

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  Not bad for the price! Focus SES 5 speed - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jesse - May 17 - 6:49 pm

  First Time Ford/American new Car Buyer! Fords Fuel economy/reliability record w/ Focus/fun to drive vehicle caught my attention! With the Focus SES, I got a fully loaded car w/ leather seats! Great combination of sytle, electronic gadgets (sync, 6 CD w/ bass box, Sirius, Sunroof,etc.), sport handling/comforable ride, solid car feeling, smooth engine, fuel economy, and its been a pleasure to drive w/ a manual transmission. Exterior fit and finish could use a little more refinement (the front hood alignment is a little off w/ the body). Overall, not bad for the price. ney. 8+ months later, the Focus is still a thumbs up.

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By EHF - May 17 - 4:26 pm

  I now have over 8500 miles on this car since June 07, including several 400+ mile trips. Gas mileage has been better than advertised, averaging over 34 miles per gallon composite city and highway driving (I do drive with economy in mind and have filled my tires with dry nitrogen which also helps economy). The ride remains very smooth, comfortable, and tight. Acceleration when required is good. Handling is quick and nimble (that doesnt make it a sports car though) and there is still no sign of tip-up while cornering. This vehicle continues to be everything I had hoped for and more, thank you Ford for making it available and please build more hybrids for us (e.g., a Ford Fusion Hybrid).