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 Focus "A good car so far" - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Burnea - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall Its an exceelent care especially for a college student that likes to road trip alot.

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  CD Silver Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jeromeswink - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this vehicle and the support Ford gives when purchasing from them. My Mom drives it more than I do because she enjoys the Focus that much more than her car. Ive never owned a new car and it was a very big deal for me. I looked at the Mazda Protege 5, Toyota Matrix and the Ford Focus. Style, options and fitting my 64" frame into the car was big consideration. I LOVE MY FORD FOCUS!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ellen - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I am really happy with my 03 Focus! It is a fun little car.The back seat has lots of room and is very comfortable.The trunk is huge.The metallic blue color is beautiful! I really love this car!

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By J Kelly - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 5 speed 3.0 V6 and I love this truck! I owned a 91 nissan truck and I thought I would never find a better truck. The ride is very comfortable, the instrument panel and controls are perfect. This is a really fun truck to drive, and I like that the truck sits high, unlike the other truck companies. More truck companies need to learn from Ford and get thier trucks up off of the ground and bring them up a little bit. This truck gives me the power I need when I need it. She has no problems when climbing mountain roads or passing others on the road. I hope I can get 200,000+ miles out this truck like I did with my nissan.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By emailjwl - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 2000 Focus this spring for a Ranger. Had heard great reviews on the Focus and had nothing but troubles and recall notices from the start. So much for the "best new car in its class." I needed a truck, but having owned compact cars all my life I didnt want anything too big. I am able to use the Ranger for what I wanted it for; light hauling. It is easy to drive. For a truck it is not an uncomfortale ride. The gas milage has been great (26 mpg). And has already been more reliable than my Focus. The Ranger has been around for many years. It has a good track record. After the Focus fiasco, give me the tried and true.

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  Who doesnt appreciate a ford? - 2003 Ford Escape
  By luz - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a Ford Escort.. my second was a Ford Mustang and now I have the Ford Escape. Not only are Fords fun to drive,comfortable and last but certainly not least, built to last!

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  Excellent Small Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Tsantell - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Escape and I right away thought this was a cool small SUV I liked the SUVs since they came out on the market but I did not want the big size it was just not for me or my family so when the Escape was available my wife an I dint think twice this was it. I enjoy the driving the power and the comfort of the vehicle. TS

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  I LOVE MY BRONCO - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Buddy - August 2 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my 1996 Bronco after selling my 1988. This 96 was bought new while the 88 had been bought used. I was making trips to Kansas year round about every 2 months and in the winter you never knew what weather you might run into. I could drive my Bronco and not worry about snow. Because of the way my wife enjoyed driving my Bronco and since they are no longer, available my wife now drives a 2005 Eddie Bauer Expedition. I have at least 6 people who have been wanting to buy my Bronco for several years but its not for sale. Most dependable and versatile vehicle Ive ever owned. I find it hard to believe that Ford would discontinue such a good vehicle from their line of vehicles.

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  I Love My Expedition! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Aimee L. Jason - August 2 - 6:14 am

  Wow, what else can I say but I love my Expedition. I love everything about it the size, comfort, features, and everything is wonderful. In 2 years my lease will end and I will definitely get another one without a doubt. I am a true to heart SUV lover so I dont complain about the gas mileage. I know what I am driving so why go there! People as me about the gas and I always say, " Its not my trucks fault that gas prices are high as the sky and its a powerful V8 under the hood of my truck, not a push or pull 4 cylinder car." I love my Expedition! What more can I say?

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  Wed buy another one! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By pdavis - August 1 - 10:10 pm

  We have the XLS 2 wheel drive 5 speed manual and absolutely love it. We traded a 5 speed manual Ranger and the Escape gets better mileage and is much more comfortable.