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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  ZX3, Best driving experience - 2003 Ford Focus
  By markregel - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2000 Focus XZ3. This car has the best road-feel and handling of any I have driven. The ride is smooth and composed. Just finished riding a friends new Nissan Sentra. I didnt tell him, but no way would I trade it for my Focus. The ride was harsh and it sits low, like riding in a hole. Build Quality?

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  Sports car feel/economy price - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Flash - June 12 - 4:23 pm

  The 5-speed manual transmission gives this car a muscle car-like acceleration. Its the most fun-to-drive car Ive owned since my 79 Turbo Mustang was new. It actually has a quicker feel than that Mustang had. Handling is superb. The car easily accomodates my 6 ft 1 in 280 lb body. My 63" son is a frequent back seat rider and he never complains about the space he has. The hatchback easily holds my cart golf bag, and it would easily hold two smaller bags. Mileage is great. Im getting 29-31 average around town, doing a mix of 70mph freeway driving and stop and go in-town driving. I have a stripped version. My only complaint is that the manual windows feel like they operate backwards.

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  big man big truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By rob - June 12 - 3:10 pm

  Im 67 320 pounds. I had all the big trucks and this one is the best. I went from a Silverado to Escalade to a Ram and could not find comfort until I sat in the big dog then i knew this was my truck and of course I always go top of the line. This just made the truck even better you can say Im a Ford man now!

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  The best station wagon in the market - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Monded - June 12 - 10:25 am

  This car performs very well under any condition. Its contemporary European design is a plus. The interior is well thought out, elegant and quiet. Gas mileage is outstanding. The engine delivers its full power when needed and its fun to drive, both in city traffic and on highways. Ive had this car for years and I still find it very enjoyable and reliable. Its built to last. Visibility when driving is great. This station wagon handles curves very well even at higher speeds. Its probably the best compact station wagon in the market today.

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  My car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By golfer - June 12 - 6:20 am

  We have owned one Ford Crown Vic, then a Mercury Marquis and now another Crown Vic. We find them both to be the same and will always prefer them over other cars. We have looked at many and always come back. The ride and reliability is always great. When travelling we have always found great dealerships to help us out if there is a problem.

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  On par with other vehicles Ive owned - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Dave - June 11 - 11:55 am

  If you want a solid minivan then you should consider this one. I looked at the other competitors and theyre all great. I made the final decision on price and dealer experience. My second choice was the Nissan, third Honda, and last Toyota. I simply refuse to buy a Toyota because the dealers never budge on price. Ive driven Ford and Nissan products and will stick with them in the future.

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  Red T-Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kurt - June 10 - 9:47 pm

  I absolutely love my T-Bird. I put 5,000 miles on it in the first 3 months. The ride can be a little soft at times, but it corners like a dream. Plenty of horsepower. I traded in my 02 Mustang GT for the T-Bird and there is no comparison. The T-bird has a better ride, is more fun to drive, and gets 10 times more looks and comments. Also, the waves from other T-Bird owners is nice.

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  Awesome - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Zac - June 10 - 8:34 pm

  We bought our Escape in December and we havent had a single regret. A month after we bought it it snowed over a foot of snow and we needed to drive over a mountain pass around 9500 feet. The car just plowed right through. There is a bunch of space in the back which is nice for cargo or friends. All in all the experience has been great. We are planning on getting another one in the future.

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  Fords step child - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By DrtiBird - June 10 - 7:00 pm

  Most enjoyable car I have ever owned. I bought an 02 Thunderbird, but when I found out that 05 would be the last year it will be offered I traded my 02 for the newer. I think this car would have been a really big seller if Ford had just promoted it half as much as the Mustang!

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  Great for Atlanta city driving! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By JAL - June 10 - 5:33 pm

  Hybrids are great for the gridlocked, rush-hour driving in a city like Atlanta. Gas mileage is outstanding in these conditions. I bought this car off the lot, and did NOT pay the markup prices they were trying for. At the same time, in these times of high gasoline cost, dont expect the dealer to drop much if any below MSRP; just dont pay for the garbage "features". The Escape Hybrid has adequate roominess, and is surprisingly roomy for a tall guy like myself (64") behind the wheel.