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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  Not for the tall - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Tone - April 17 - 8:21 pm

  I like this car. I bought it used with 17k on it. Im 62" and its cramped inside a little. This is definitely a little person car. There a no power amenities. Reminds me of my old Ford Escort. It seems like the same size but I put on weight about 50 lbs, so this car is gonna make me skinny again. Overall a steal for under 15 thou. Good gas milage, handles well. But they need to do a factory recall on the gas cap. Almost every review I read about this car complaims about the smell of gas. I had to take mine back to the dealer and he tightened it up and reset the codes.

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  Still Getting My Moneys Worth - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By WNYFordGuy - April 17 - 1:42 pm

  My Dad recommended it because of the rebates/incentives/Z-plan discount. I was sold on the 3rd-row seat and very smooth ride. 52k miles later, I havent been disappointed - its been great for hauling kids/equipment to sports events, camping trips, and my short commute to work on our rough winter roads. Its interesting to read the other reviews - how can you complain about fuel economy (I get 15-16 MPG) when you run a heavy SUV with a relatively powerful 4.0 V6? I have no qualms about the tranny (though it whines in extreme cold at certain RPMs), even if it clunks into reverse occasionally. I agree that the rear hatch trim is lousy. For what I paid, its been a pretty good value.

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  SKIP THE F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hillbilly - April 17 - 11:36 am

  I bought this truck with 40,000 miles on it. It is a nice looking truck but looks are deceiving. It drives nice and rides good but the motor went out at 86,000 miles. The 32 valve 5.4 triton is a total disaster V-8 design. The overhead cam wore a keeper off of a valve and it fell into the cylinder ruining the motor. I opted to buy a used engine and still spent over $3,000 getting it back on the road. Also, the rear suspension is soft for hauling heavy loads. Truck now has 107,000 miles on it and Im keeping my fingers crossed. Another thing the front end brake rotors are garbage. I finally went to a salvage yard and got a set off a 07 model and so far are much better quality.

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  Nice ride - 2008 Ford Escape
  By smemch - April 17 - 10:30 am

  Got everything we wanted for $5k less than Toyota or Nissan. Very impressed with it so far. On a recent trip to Tennessee we had no problems at all and were very comfortable for the 3500 mile trip.

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  Crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By acmpam - April 17 - 9:30 am

  This vehicle replaced our 02 Expedition. We have doubled our fuel mileage and seem to have gained room for the occupants. Shopping can now be accomplished without folding down the third row seats (Expedition). Living in a hilly terrain the engine size is just right (not the fastest on the road but considering mpg just right). Ford has a winning vehicle with the Freestyle which we feel is a better buy than the Cadillac SRX .

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  small but good car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By lp09 - April 17 - 8:58 am

  fun car......sold it after egr valve went to hell, and plug wires were shot. axle went bad...but that was prolly my fault....i couldnt complain i bought it for $450 in perfect condition no lie.... i got a deal....ran great for about 2 months, then one day it just wouldnt go....cleaned out egr valve and changed plugg wires and sold it.

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  Great car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By J alsl - April 17 - 5:43 am

  This is my first car it is a great car its winter and i live in the country and it does great! Its a 5 speed with a Sunroof that opens with a crank it runs and drives great and easily shifts. I got it with 94k and it has 95k great car!

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  BUY AMERICAN - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By PDB - April 17 - 2:00 am

  XLNT PERFORNABCE ON FIRE ROADS.....AND HILL CLIMBS

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  Best Value For A Wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By FL Retiree - April 17 - 2:00 am

  With $4,000 rebates from Ford, you can buy this vehicle for $15,990 + Options + Dealers Prep + sales tax. This vehicle is roughly 1" shorter, 8" lower (height),and 1,000 # lighter than a Chrysler Pacifica (which is also a V-6) and save $10,500! Thats enough for a "free" 2nd vehicle.

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  Great car for its price - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By richfrompa - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car for its price. Lots of room, comfortable, nice looking.