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:

• 

  Great Car/Bad Brakes - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dan - January 14 - 3:13 pm

  Great car, but watch out for the brakes especially the front brake pads that go quickly. Also the radio tend to be cheap. My wife and I both own 2001 Focus cars and have found that they both experience the same troubles at almost the same exact time. I have enjoyed this car, but hate the dealership and the service they provide.

• 

  2005 Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By jimnix - January 14 - 11:07 am

  Quiet ride on the highway, Actual mileage 13-14 MPG city and 17-19 MPG highway driving. Very happy with ride, performance and comfort but did have to take truck back in for repair. Back passenger door had a popping sound when opened. The cause was from the factory missing some spotwelds on door post. Door no longer makes popping sound. Very satisfied with purchase of 2005 EB Expedition.

• 

  My 2007 Mustang GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Alan VanTassel - January 14 - 2:43 am

  This 2007 Mustang has been a particularly great car. I have owned it now for 9+ years. I bought it new in 2007. I loved driving the car then and I love driving it now. This car is a great improvement over other year Mustangs I have owned. I will drive it for as long as it will drive, then I will put it up on blocks and keep it for a future classic.

• 

  Cure for mid life crisis - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mike Lombardo - January 14 - 12:48 am

  Call it middle age crisis, but I love to drive it and be seen in it. As soon as I get behind the wheel I feel 10 years younger.

• 

  Great Little Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By great car - January 13 - 7:11 pm

  This has got to be the best car I have ever owned. Phenomenal reliability and durability, especially for an American made car in the early 90s. Other than brakes and exhaust, this baby has everything else original, and I cant ever remember a time it has refused to start, drive, or generally perform like I wanted it to. Too bad they dont make the Escort any more, as the Focus appears constantly plagued by a slew of problems, both cosmetic and mechanical. If you can find a used Escort anywhere between 92-99, grab it & hold on to it you wont regret it.

• 

  Were very satisfied with our Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Escape - January 13 - 12:39 pm

  We bought it for my wife and she likes how it looks, and the response when driving it is very good.

• 

  Ford Ranger Splash X-cab - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Roger - January 12 - 9:49 pm

  Owned this 8 years with few problems, but Ive been living with flaky stuff like mirrors adjusting only one way, radio cuts on and off, many mystery things. Good truck to drive, but Splash model has a low tow capacity. Looks good. Paint along door and rain gutter peels, discolors easily. Looking back Im happy it has lasted this long but not happy with the little things. Hardly used the rear seats but the space in the back is useful. Shakes a bit much "sometimes". Quite mysteriously flaky. Pulls a small 2000lb boat OK.

• 

  Fun Ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By joanne - January 12 - 8:47 pm

  I love my new 2005 Mustang Convertible. I ordered it through Ford and got the options I wanted. Ive had the car now 10 months and it rides great. Ive not had a bit of trouble with it. It is my 2nd car so I only drive it when the weather is good.

• 

  FORD FUSION - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 2010 fusion GREAT - January 12 - 8:10 pm

  the new fusion is a mixture of sportiness of comfort! and has enough room and comfort to haul the hole family around in comfort and style while getting over 48 mgp!!! wow that kind of MPG is something new for me coming from a toyota camery hybrid that could not touch the fusion on style performance handling and the overall build quailty!!! FORD HAS TURNED AROUND AND IS PRODUCING QUAILITY PRODUCTS!!!!! GO AMERICAN

• 

  Sweet Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By J - January 11 - 2:27 pm

  Just bought my ZX2 in November with 17,000 miles on it. It came loaded with everything leather seats, cruise control, 6 disc cd player, and a sunroof. My car also has the 5 speed transmission. This is an absolutely amazing car it has power to spare and looks good too. Mine just hit 21,000 miles on a trip to Texas from Pennsylvania ... it ran superbly. I averaged over 40mpg the whole trip! I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality car (there have been NO recalls), with performance, and good looks for not a lot of cash.