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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  My First Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Dre - September 7 - 5:54 pm

  I just resently got a 98 Ford Escort LX as my first car. When I first saw it I wasnt very happy with it. It just didnt look quite right. Now that I have it I really like it. My Escort only has 74,950 miles on it! Not bad for a 98.

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  Last Ford I will ever own after 20 years. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By nobrandnames - September 7 - 11:12 am

  This is the worst car I had ever owned in my life. My first Chevy as a teenager beats this junk, and it was total junk. Good luck with getting parts made in Mexico Ford; like the transmission. I am buying VW for now on. This is the first car and with only 20000 miles I cant wait to trade it in. I would trade it for a lawn mower; at least it will get me places. transmission skips and you take it in and they say it is fine. My old sales man offered to trade for a fusion but afraid trading it in for one piece of junk for another. I feel sorry for the person who bought a fiesta.

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  Ford Should Have Kept Making Them! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By The Bones - September 7 - 10:10 am

  Last weekend took the family of 5 and the dog on a 1,500 mile trip. Extremely comfortable and got 15.5 mpg from the big V-10. BTW, the 2005 model is superior. Ford finally dialed it in this last yeer (2005). The climate controls, entertainment, ride and dependability have all been excellent. This one is a keeper!

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  WOW!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By adam swenski - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I like this vehicle soo much, when it breaks down in like 12 years, i am hoping to buy another. Thanx FORD!

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  I dont know what your problem is? - 2000 Ford Focus
  By rll - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 58,000 miles on my zx-3 in a year and half. These miles are combined freeway, mountain, and L.A stop & go. this thing has been perfect. Nothing to do but change the oil, Im still on my original set of brake pads. As a long time Benz owner(5), I bought this as a disposable car, I had no expectations of a E55 or similar. Ford has done their homework on this one, this thing is a blast to drive, especially on empty curvy roads. Im probably going to give this to my teen-age daughter and get me the SVT. Even with the dealers gouging, Im thousands ahead of the small Benz coupe, and it will be alot more fun to drive.

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  Focus SE fun & cool WHEN not in service - 2001 Ford Focus
  By dbhero - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I really wanted to like this car, it fits what I need to fit in it, and it is fun to drive. My hubby liked his, though he never bothered to fix some minor quirks. Unfortunately, mine has been in the shop TOO many times! The service light kept coming on for various reasons causing 4 return visits within the 1st 1.5 months & several since. The seatbelts broke in the back, the CD player ate my CDs. I traded in my van for this because I needed dependability, wondering if I should have kept 1997 van. Anyone interested in a class action /lemon law?

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  Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By rushmlr - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Good car with good gas mileage and great looks

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  excellent - 2002 Ford Escape
  By cafafd - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The Escape has been perfect. No problems. Its fast, comfortable, and very fun to drive, especially for a SUV.

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  Crown Victoria - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By David M. Stock - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Extremely good handling capability and traction. Comfort for long road trips and storage for required items to make the trip. Has the acceleration from a stop to merge in traffic and from the flow of traffic to pass and return to proper lane. Highly recommended for those who desire comfortable ride in fast traffic.

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  way underrated - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Suvin - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Have owned this vehicle for almost 2 years.. flawless, real performer. New interior plastics/cloths would be nice but not entirely necessary