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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  Very satisied - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bhenderson - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 SuperCrew was an amazing truck; my new 2004 seems even better!

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  mustang gt yes!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By locutus - May 2 - 10:00 am

  this is one sharp car. fit and finish are excelent. power is there although a little more wouldnt hurt. leather interior is 1st rate. steering is right on and the brakes are very good. this is my third mustang, and by far the best. (my first was a 1966)

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  Greatest Truck in the World. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Van Langford - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The Ford ranger has an amazing compatability with any one in the world, this midsize truck is one of the greatest to buy.

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  I love my Eddie! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By WolfpackGirl - May 1 - 5:15 am

  This is a great SUV. Purchased it after getting tired of my sedan. I love the visibility and safety. The ride is comfortable, the seats feel like Im sitting on a sofa. When I retire this one I will buy another!

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  Solid SUV - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Chaz - April 30 - 1:31 am

  Bought this for spouse and she loves it! This SUV looks and rides great. Very smooth v6 motor and smooth shifting transmission. Heated leather seats are great. The 20 inch chrome wheels make this very look sporty. Had car for a year and the ride is smooth and great for trips!

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  My Ownership Experience with ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Douglas H. Sowards - April 30 - 1:01 am

  From July 2003 till the present, my ZX2 has not needed anything except two oil changes in the 10,000 miles I have driven it. Has not needed even minor adjustments. It has nice silver paint, A/C, automatic, tilt wheel, fog lights, CD player, AM/FM stereo, tach, folding rear seat, and spoiler. Ford should have continued building this car as it was reasonably priced and very reliable.

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  fun car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By banshee - April 29 - 9:44 pm

  I traded my v-8 stang for the more economical v-6. I enjoy driving this car as I am on the interstate every day going to work. I miss the sound of my v-8, but I definitely dont miss the premium gas or gas mileage it got. The 2005 is very good on gas, and of course, a Mustang is not a Mustang if its an automatic. Therefore, I can still squeal the tires in this 5 speed if I have to! I wouldnt have it any other way. I dont race anyone in this car, hence the much better gas mileage, but at 30 mpg, Id say my little red stang keeps up with them foreign cars in that area. As for the look of the car, its absolutely beautiful, and makes me feel good driving it!

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  unbelievably reliable - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Sab - April 29 - 7:29 pm

  I have owned my Escort for 7 years now, and have no complaints. I am a hard driver. I brake hard, drive fast, do a lot of u-turns, and am just plain aggressive, and my car has withstood it all. Ive always maintained it well, with regular oil changes, fixed the brakes every few years, but have never had to do any major repairs. Ive not rust-proofed it, and it only started to rust a couple of years ago, which I think is good. There seem to be virtually no blind spots either (with the exception of the usual one). I would recommend to anyone that they purchase this car. It would make a great starter car. Im not parting with mine, unless she finally kicks the bucket.

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  update on the car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By lifeisahighway - April 29 - 1:48 pm

  I currently have almost 3k on the car. Now that I have spent more time driving it, I think that using the S mode makes the car accelerate better from a stop. I dont know if that is true, but its just something that I have noticed. I know that in S mode that it holds the gears longer, so maybe thats why. The shifts also feel smoother in S. I dont use the select shift that much, because the location of the buttons on the shifter are awkwardly placed. I mostly drive in the city, and I have been getting an average of 29 mpg. What I love most about the car is how it handles. It just feels so solid and connected to the road!

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  Buy one.Youll be surprised! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By DW - April 29 - 11:16 am

  I have had my I4 automatic Fusion for a month and have 1500 miles on it; never been so happy with a car. Averaging 27.5 mpg with city driving! The car has great steering response, more like a sports car than a sedan. Sound system is top notch and the fit and finish is superb. I have owned 15 new cars in my lifetime and this car is at the top.