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:

• 

  Love IT! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Tess - September 9 - 8:26 pm

  I just traded in a Land Rover (Freelander) for this Ford and can not believe how much better this is. I had the Land Rover for only 13 months and had no idea how much I disliked it. The Escape is a great value and very, very comfortable and I am very happy that I made the trade.

• 

  should be a class action lawsuit against ford - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Beezies3 - September 9 - 6:48 pm

  Ford has known since 2003 that the dual clutch was no good yet they put it in my 2012 Ford Focus.

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dave - September 9 - 4:20 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I drove some 2002-2003 Corvettes looking for a good performance vehicle. This SVT is as good a performer as the Corvette in a straight line unless you get the ZO6 option. This has been a pleasure to drive and have had a ton of good feed back on the truck.

• 

  Shuttering Take Offs - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Penny Boyles - September 9 - 1:10 pm

  My 76 year old mom bought her a Ford Focus brand new. The road noise was terrible - to the point you couldnt hear the person sitting next to you talk. Cresent Ford in High Point NC kept saying there was nothing wrong. I went to the dealership with her and after much conversation and driving the model above - Ford Focus Hatchback - she decided to trade. She got an extended warranty to cover the car during the entire loan. Now this car is doing the same thing and more. The road noise has increased - similar to the previous Focus. In addition, the car has a shuttering when you excel from a stop. We took it back and after several months waiting on a part - the dealership fixed the problem (so they said). It has only been a couple of months and the shuttering has started AGAIN!!!! Im going back with her again. They are going to fix this car or give her one that doesnt do it. Dealership wouldnt make it right. They said it was "normal" and was not anything that needed repair. If that was the case, why did they try to fix something that wasnt broke? We was able to work with another Dealership - Modern Nissan - in a trade. She now drives a Toyota Camry and is thrilled to be rid of her Ford headache

• 

  ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sarahsnell - September 9 - 2:00 am

  i love everything about my car!!

• 

  Issues but cool - 2004 Ford F-150
  By green falcon - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice pickup but milage is worse than my 2001 F-150. Been to the dealership twice, both times unit would not start and went into engine failure mode, at this time Ford has no fix for this issue.

• 

  F-150 is a great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FO - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I dont have as much money to spend on vehicles as a lot of the folks I see writing reviews out there. I opted for the XL 4x4 and added towing package and cruise. I dont live in my truck and dont need fancy radios and all the creature comforts. I do need a truck I can drie to work and hunt and fish out of and not need to worry about getting stuck or getting it wet and dirty (vinyl floor is ideal). With that, I got F-150 attitude, quiet ride, easy to engage 4x4, towing capacity. My father owns a loaded 2004 Chevrolet C1500 4x4. I drove it and thought I wanted one. Then, I drove the Ford. Hands down, the tightest ride in the fleet!

• 

  2004 F-150 supercrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jacksogh - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Ride is not smooth,harsh, viberations Squeek in drivers seat rattles throughout Rear seat design sucks Like old design on tilt wheel better would not buy again

• 

  great suv - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jade2323 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I just lover my new suv especially after having a isuzu rodeo. There is no comparison. My insurance went down also because of the safety rating!

• 

  Very Fun, Great Buy - 2006 Ford Focus
  By TB765 - September 8 - 9:37 pm

  I bought my 06 Focus SE sedan brand new and the car has never disappointed. The engine is very peppy and have great all around pickup and performance and it makes a great sound. Gas mileage is alright. i get between 28-32 mpg in normal driving. This car is probably the best handling, most fun to drive small car on the market. You can throw the tightest bend at it and you can take it very fast, and with absolutely no drama at all. Yes, the a/c compressor shuts off during acceleration, but it turns right back on so i dont really mind. The only bad things about this car is the quality of the interior and it hydroplanes sometimes in heavy rain. The finish on the radio is coming off in places.