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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  Great value - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jordan R - July 8 - 8:52 pm

  Purchased a 2016 Focus SE w/Sport Appearance package as a daily driver. Mix of city/expressway driving. IMO the Sport appearance package is the best bang for the buck. You get a ton of features with it including: rear disc brakes, upgraded rear bumper, painted lower trim, fog lights, upgraded front honeycomb trim, paddle shifters, leather steering wheel, leather shifter, and 17" upgraded wheels and tires. All that for about a grand more. I will admit the "leather" on the steering wheel is nothing to write home about, but it is better than the standard wheel on the S. I liked the Mazda 3, but given the discounts and incentives combined with the better priced packages the Focus came out much much cheaper. Mazdas appearance package for example is 1750 and if you get it on the i-Sport you have to add an additional package further increasing the costs. MSRP on iSport and iTouring (how I would equip) were 1500 and 2500 higher respectively. Fuel economy has been right around the combined mark of 30, sometimes up to 32 combined. It wont win any races but the engine is smooth and has enough power for passing. I find the electronic steering very good, I never feel any vagueness or sluggishness. Its very direct and dialed in well. Prior years have had problems with the powershift dual clutch trans. So far Ive not had any issues, but Ive been driving dual clutch trans since 2007. There are certain quirks about them that arent seen in a conventional auto with a torque converter. I may end up buying the extended warranty depending on how others fair with the trans. I plan on keeping this car a long time. I love the multi-function display and its many options. It has a display with info on several catagories or you can focus in on one catagory such as a digital speedometer. The eco stuff is kind of goofy and seems pointless. Ive already achieved "Eco Champion" even though I have no idea how I did it. I dont drive with economy in mind. I did have the display freeze on me one time during a 40 mile trip. I attempted to switch from Trip 1 to Trip 2 and it hung up with a blank blue background with miles and gears displayed. The miles were stuck and did not go up. Once I got to my destination the screen stayed on with the key out of the ignition. Eventually it went out and came back to normal once I restarted the car. The miles did jump up to the expected amount. Has not happened since, so hopefully it was a fluke. Steering wheel controls are plentiful and work well. Bluetooth audio streaming works well and picks up quick. I prefer paddle shifters to the +/- on the gear shifter. If in manual mode and making a left turn - to shift into 2nd the upshift button will be up at the 12 oclock position. Its just awkward, but my GTI was like that as well. My Evo MR has it on the column so they dont move with the wheel. Back seat is a little tight in the leg room department, but I will rarely have anyone back there. Little touches like dual USB, hinged 12v power cover, coin slot, arm rest tray, and a plethora of cubbies are very nice. Has the three blinks option when using the turn signal which I prefer. It may seem kind of cheesy but I like the wipers. They arent normal in their sweep, they kind of come out of the middle. I would call it euro-style. This also means you dont get the half moon missed spot in the middle since they fold back into that spot. Theres a couple of minor annoyances Ive uncovered after owning it for a few months. First is the top of the dashboard is not dull enough and reflects onto the windshield quite a bit in the mornings driving directly east. Next is there is a slight dip in the dash where it meets the windshield (this is for the defroster). Normally this wouldnt be any sort of issue but it causes a visual distortion due to the reflection change. For example if you are driving along a road marked with a solid line to the right - you will notice the line will shift on the bottom inch or so of the windshield due to this. Once you see this it WILL annoy you. I had to point it out to a passenger and once they noticed it it bothered them too. Last the key I have is not smart (thats a different package) I wish however that it at least folded or something. Its a bit bulky and "old fashioned". Audi/VW keys for example flip out like a switch blade and as such fit better in your pocket. I am overall very happy with this purchase and would buy it again if I had a mulligan.

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  Sweet Surprise - 2004 Ford Focus
  By John Royce - July 8 - 10:59 am

  We purchased our Focus as a commuter but we use it so much more. We never buy 4 cylinders with automatic transmissions, but here its perfectly mated. Steering is direct with good on center feel. The 2.3L PZEV engine is refined and responsive. Its quite roomy and the hatch lends SUV utility. At 40,000 miles, it has been totally reliable. Its solid, tight and remains an absolute pleasure to drive. Plus, the Audiophile in-dash 6CD stereo package is amazing in such an inexpensive car. Its also reasonably quiet, although better sound proofing could make this car nearly perfect. All in all, a dynamic, fun, surprisingly premium experience.

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  "D-day" 4 the competition - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Jon - July 8 - 4:23 am

  Loving it. Mine is Silver Birch with a rear spoiler, power moonroof and nice tint. I have had mine for a week now. I test drove this 4 times to make sure I was not hallucinating. The power of the dohc v6 is excellent. I would have bought the 4 cylinder if the deal would not have worked out on the v6. The styling is strong, distinguished, classy, understated, smart and masculine with "man-grille" up front anchoring this good handling ride resting on sweet styled 17" alloys. Handling is great for this segment. Fit and finish makes this easily the best Ford sedan ever. It is the "poor mans" CTS and does have Caddy drivers looking.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By RJ - July 7 - 7:03 pm

  Large well equipped sedan purchased for 2 to 4 week trips by a couple who needs large trunk and clothes bar. Quiet and comfortable on both the interstate and back roads. Good sound and A/C. Easy access even for older folks. Can see over the top of most cars. Dangerous drivers will say its underpowered. Safe unticketed drivers who look and plan ahead say power is adequate. If things get tight it will go. Mpg exceeds expectations. Has stability and good feel of the road. Firmly sprung but smooth enough. Finish and fit are great. Everything works. For the money it looks good and does the job for us.

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  Return of the King of MUscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By madskillz - July 7 - 3:03 pm

  All I have to say about this car is AWESOME! I have never driven such a awesome vehicle before. It looks like a 1960 or 1970 Fastback which was a awesome car. I would recommend this to anybody who wants a awesome vehicle that is a legend reborn

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  WORKS FOR ME! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Harleys&Horses - July 7 - 11:31 am

  This truck can do it all. Always dependable, always ready - great for getting around and great for getting the job done.

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  Jasons 2005 Mustang GT Premium Coupe - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JHN1976 - July 7 - 12:13 am

  This car is awesome. Its like "whoa!" Its a drastic improvement over both of my prior Mustangs (2000 & 2003 models). It doesnt even compare to either of them. Theres so much room inside. The retro exterior styling is a definite head-turner. The rev of the engine puts a smile on my face. The screech of the tires as I go "zoom" makes my heart race. I feel like a kid with a new toy in my Stang. I think Id live in my car if I could figure out how to permanently install my computer in it.

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  takes a licking, keeps on tickin - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By isides - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  Ive had this truck for 6 years. What can I say I LOVE it. Good power for the 3.0, good brakes, 4x4 low in deep snow, mud or sand is great! But it still needs a 4x4 locker stock (I installed one a few years back).

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  FX4 Awesome to Drive - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By afmkolo79 - July 5 - 8:43 pm

  Ok so I traded in a VW Jetta and got this truck. Friends of mine were like what am I thinking, but when we took it off-roading for the first time everyone was impressed! A friend has a Nissan Frontier (2006) and I was able to get through stuff and his frame was scrapping. So much for that wider body on the Frontier. I love this truck and the price for what I got was unbelievable. All those people that complain about not having a crew cab, maybe you should consider a sedan cause trucks haul things not people.

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  05 F150XL work truck package - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mike - July 5 - 1:38 pm

  It has the best ride of any previous Ford trucks. The frame is stiff enough to cancel out the pothole vibrations that usually shake the beds of most trucks. The V6 isnt fast, but it hauls well with the 8ft bed full of gravel. If you drive with the torque instead of revving up, it returns about 20 mpg. Dead reliable for over 30k miles now.