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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  Fantastic Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By 330zhp - December 15 - 2:01 pm

  Traded in an Audi Q5 for better gas mileage and lower payment. Expected to feel like I was downgrading, but the Focus was quite surprising. Interior is comfortable and well laid out. Quiet inside with solid ride. Sound system is not quite up to Bang & Olufsen system in Audi, but not bad at all. I actually like the My Ford Touch interface better than Audis MMI. Lots of nice touches in this car that even Audi does not offer (e.g., LED interior lighting and a sunglasses holder that actually holds an adult pair of sunglasses). Test drove Elantra and Focus was much, much better. Car is brand new so averaging only about 28mpg. I hope this number improves as the car is broken in.

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  Love my car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By chuckangerstein - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have only had one problem with my Ford Focus ZX3, the check engine light stays on, Ive had it fixed multiple times and it just comes right back on. Other than that its been great. Ive driven it all over California. It handled the curves and turns on narrow Highway 1 like a $30,000 sports car and it can haul so much stuff its amazing. Its the perfect blend of utility and fun for me.

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  Great Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ryan Knutson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I think its a great car, I was really impressed with basically, everything on, and with the 03 Ford Focus ZX3. I believe everything should test drive it, to know how great this car really is for a ford vehicle. Acually any vehicle in the 03 ford focus price range for that matter.

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  Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By thescorpion1024 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love it, great car. Great gas milage and fun to drive. However your back will bother you on long road trips.

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  Lots of fun all year long! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By BlurryBlue - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive all year long, except when it snows! (I definitely need to buy snow tires this winter) Seat heaters are nice even in the summer because they relieve the tensions of a daily commute. The car sounds awesome for just being a 4- banger.

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  LX Sedan Review for Ford Focus 2003 je - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jellenmsu - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. The Focus was recommended to me from a friend of mine who had one. You feel safe in it. Fuel economy is great, especially with rising gas prices. It is fun to drive. It has a smooth ride. My only concern is that when it initially came out Consumer Reports rated it very highly. Later, it lower its ratings because of its realiability and customer satisfaction.

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  It is fun to - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ginger1001 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The day I saw this vehicle on the lot of our local dealership, I just knew it had to come home with me, and it did. I absolutely love to drive it. I can see better since I am sitting up higher and that makes me feel safer and more secure.

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  My ideas - 2004 Ford Escape
  By George J Gleissner - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and does anything you ask it to do. We have been in the mountains and the desert of the west with it and it has really been a good vehicle.

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  Best Damn Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JoeMon0001 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Lightning and i love every minute i am in it. The truck is amazingly fast and fun to drive. It has incredable pulling power. When ever you want the power you know it;s there

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  Daves F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By davidd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This ia a great vehicle. Ride is super. Towing capaity is just unbelievable. Power is just right. Beauty and function in one package.