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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  1 year of good time - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Alex - June 20 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car brand new for $12000 ,3 door hatch, SE with sport package (fog lights, leather steering wheel, aluminum wheels, arm rest). I wanted to buy quick, so I took the best hatch they had that time. Unfortunately my car doesnt have tilt wheel and cruise control. I survive without both but still want them. The only thing which calms me down - Focus steering wheel tilt isnt enough anyway. Oh yes, and the cruise control could be dangerous.:) I had one problem over the year - my car started to move while in Park. It was fixed under the warranty but took 2 weeks to complete. I had a loaner for these 2 weeks. I made several long trips in any weather conditions. Noise level is low, seats are ok, power is adequate.

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  i always wanted one - 2001 Ford F-150
  By deerman - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Great truck! Great on trips, what a cruiser. I love all the comments I get from other guys and even a few women about this truck. Sturdy ride and comfortable seating. Really a pleasure to drive around town and on long trips. Gas mileage hasnt been too bad.

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  Good Value - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By mike erickson - June 19 - 11:02 pm

  This car has given great value. It was purchased and used initially as a sales car but soon became the family car due to a job change that supplied a business car. The Duratech engine [24 valve] is an excellent power plant but the transmission lacks some responsiveness to the power. The new 2006 cars with this motor have a 6 speed available which may have helped. I would not hesitate to recommend the car to anyone even with its minor faults. I have performed maintenance as directed in the manual and kept good tires on the car and havent had to replace any suspension components including brakes in 125,000 miles of 4 season driving in the upper Midwest.

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  Fun To Drive - Easy To Park - 2004 Ford Focus
  By NY Commuter - June 18 - 9:52 pm

  A great car, wonderfully flexible and spacious interior, never felt claustrophobic like other cars in its class that I looked at (like Corolla, Matrix, Scion, Civic, etc.). 28 mpg average city-and-highway driving, and I drive in New York City. Zippy handling, comfortable ride, a real pleasure to drive. Why anyone who wants a small car buys anything else is beyond me. This car is a great bargain and completely reliable.

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  STYLE & COMFORT - 2005 Ford F-150
  By D.P. - June 18 - 9:00 am

  This is my 2nd F150 in 6 months. I drive for a living and this is the most comfortable truck that I have driven. I love the interior with the FX4 pkg, it is very "user friendly". My wife also feels very comfortable driving this vehicle.

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  Great Driving - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By George - June 17 - 11:55 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 2 years. Had to have one transmission put in, other than that no problems. Go to car shows and even took 3rd place with it. It runs great.

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  Best full size - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Rollyn (Ed) Miller - June 17 - 3:52 pm

  This Expedition is remarkable. I have over 20,000 miles now and it has never had any problems. I average 15 miles per gallon and over 20 miles per gallon on lone trips. I am so impressed with the passenger comfort even in the 3rd row that I sometimes sit in back with my 2 kids to watch DVDs when my wife drives. I tow a large deck boat and the vehicle handles the load very well. I am impressed with the brakes that stop faster than any other vehicle I have driven with anti-lock brakes. The rack and pinion steering and 4 wheel independent suspension give sporty ride and handling. My wife and I argue over who gets to drive she usually wins but I get to ride in the back and watch movies with the kids.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Bailey - June 17 - 3:18 pm

  I have had the two body styles before this truck. Hands down, this is the best F150 they have built. Great driving and running truck. I love the fact that I can have a full size truck with 4 doors and it fits in my garage perfect. I was worried about the 5 foot 5 inch bed but it has never been a problem.

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  Call me "Freestyler" now - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ronnie Scinto - June 17 - 5:26 am

  My partner and I looked at many SUVs when it came time to turn in our thirsty Lexus LS470. We test drove the Passport, Highlander, the Subaru B9, and the Explorer (mind you -- we were coming out of a Lexus). Not impressed with any till we saw the Freestyle in the showroom sitting lonesome. I got in and was happy. This car made me smile. We test drove it and I was hooked and so was my other half. I cant tell you how comfortable this car is (we are both over 6 tall). It drives like a dream - youll have to get used to the CVT, But quality and design is that of out Lexus and with more comfort. Our dealership was great -- no pressure and the friendliest group of guys ever! I love my Freestyle!

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  Best for the Price - 2000 Ford Escort
  By App zx2 - June 17 - 1:45 am

  As an avid ZX2 owner, I have learned a lot about this car though ownership and research. For a purchase price of $11,600 brand new, this car has been worth every penny. Performance was at the top of its price class at the time (and now), and few cars sold today that come close to the ZX2s average ~$13,500 price in 2000 can match it in this respect. Taut handling, brisk acceleration, a "drive-me" personality and outstanding fuel economy (depends on your driving style!) have made this a perfect car for a young driver (16- 22+ years). The back seats are surprisingly roomy for a 2 door coupe, with headroom the only vice for rear passengers over five-ten. Overall, I recommend this car!