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 SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By floridadriver - December 28 - 8:04 pm

  We bought our Expedition brand new and it has been great to us. Love everything about it. We had an Explorer before that we also liked but we needed a bigger car with the dogs and the boat. It is great for towing and long trips- so comfortable. I hope to drive it as long as it lasts- but I would not hesitate about getting another Expedition down the road.

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  A great truck - 2008 Ford Edge
  By BlairWitch749 - December 28 - 4:58 pm

  We wanted a family vehichle that would be versitile and thats what we got. Comfortably has 2 car seats and we got an 8 foot Christmas tree inside. Its very comfy to drive and it did well in the recent snow storm

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  Good Looking and Zippy - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Michael. E - December 28 - 6:56 am

  I decided to go for The 2016 Ford Focus SE Hatch, this is my first car and I think this was a good choice for the following reasons 1- Loads of safety features (back up cam and parking sensors) 2- electronics, sync is great it helps keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road and 3-ease of operation, this car isnt complicated, during my permit phase I was learning how to drive in a fiesta, I LOVED that car. The fiesta reminds me of the focus (except the focus weights more) so if you drove the fiesta then you will be very familiar with the Focus. Now the juicy details : ENGINE - Peppy, good amount of grunt but the computer is laggy when you need to put your foot down to quickly change lanes or merge on the highway (i believe if your in manual mode you wont have this issue). INTERIOR - Not bad, no squeaks or raddles (yet) every panel seems to fit. I have the appearance package so I have leather seats, they are OK but nothing to shout about. There is a lack of storage cubbys but this forces you to keep your car clean so I am not complaining to much. My car also was equipped with a leather wrapped steering wheel gives you the feeling of driving something that is more luxurious. EXTERIOR - looks great, I like the aggressive look that ford is giving their new line of cars, I opted for black on black theme which means the black 5 spoke wheels and black paint (the leather seats are also black) It has a police interceptor look. I also love the LED running lights on this years model, it makes the car look futuristic in the day and a bat out of hell at night. DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND DAILY USE - I do a mix of city and highway driving and I was very impressed with its highway performance, the cabin noise is low, ride quality is OK (not to stiff or bouncy) and the hatchback and fold down seats are awesome. Overall great first car but i am debating on returning it at the end of the lease. I want to keep it but accessory support seems to be limited to Factory parts at this time and I am very scared of the troublesome for power-shift transmission. I guess time will tell.

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  good; but not a Honda - 2005 Ford Focus
  By JIMC - December 28 - 3:36 am

  Good inexpensive car. I dont think it will prove to be as dependable or have the same quality or resale value as the 3 Japanese imports of Nissan, Toyota, or Honda.

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  99 Ford ZX2 5 speed - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Randy - December 27 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased with 89K and so far it has been a steal. Fun to drive, very peppy and handles nicely. Have the primo sound 6 disc changer and it sounds great. Gas mileage mostly highway is 29mpg. (moderate driving speeds/acceleration)

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  2006 Mustang GT Fastback - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By peckinpaugh - December 27 - 2:16 pm

  Driving the Fastback is an experience like no other. I love it! We now have 2500 miles on the car and IÂ’ve never enjoyed a car more. Mine is black with red and black interior. We have the fancy dash you get with the leather interior. Ive had the windows tinted black and the cops follow me to the grocery store. Are they surprised when a grey haired lady steps out. Ive had Mustangs before, but they were 64s, 65s and 66s. The gas mileage is better then we had expected, although it really didnt matter to us at the time we ordered it in June, 05 I would tell anyone thinking about buying a stang, that they better do it fast, so as not to waste time. Love it, love it, love it!

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  fun car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By tmk - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car to look at---fun to drive as well. Lots of power, even on the v6. I have to say that there is one major issue, and it involves the cupholders. They are placed in a horrible spot--behind the gear shifter. So every time you go to change gears, your arm/elbow smacks the cup. I dont know how ford let this one fly.

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  03 Crown Vic - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JayB - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The new Crown Victoria has several design and mechanical innovations for 2003 that improve its ride and handling, but it will always be what it has always been - a large, traditional, body-on-frame, rear-wheel drive sedan that comfortably transports 5 or 6 adults. It is excellent value for the money it costs, and maneuvers in city traffic more nimbly than one would expect of a car this size.

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  Perfect City Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By DCdupont - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great value for the money. This vehicle is perfect for urban driving in Washington, DC...its size and reverse sensing make parallel parking a breeze. Maneuverability in traffic is awesome. Build quality is first rate and on par with the Japanese and German makes. My only complaint is that seating comfort on long trips leaves a bit to be desired. Bought from Academy Ford in Laurel, MD. Dealer sales and service experience has been first rate.

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  2nd Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By eng21 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger. I loved my first ranger and kicked myself after I got rid of it. Now, Im back in the saddle with a new 03 Ranger. Rides nice (for a truck), smooth engine, smooth shifting transmission, decent cabin space. Some things havent changed hardly at all, like the climate controls are practically the same as my 1991 Ranger. But as long as its functional, who cares! Ive read the 60/40 bench seat is uncomfortable for long trips. Its not a Cadillac. Im sure the bucket seats are better, but the 60/40 arent uncomfortable at all.