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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  This is a great car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Marcuus - February 26 - 9:39 am

  The zx2 not only gets much better gas mileage (28-36mpg)once its broken in but it is also quicker accelerating than not just the Focus Zx3 but ALSO the Focus SVT! I mean one wonders why all this marketing effort is going into hyping up the slightly restyled (new edge) yet still old fashioned euro box hatchback style. Brakes from 60-0 in 128 feet. To compare the mustang does in 127 feet. Thats safety folks! The Japanese cars and VWs are far worse than that.

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  Read this - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Frank - February 25 - 2:36 am

  One word sums up my Focus, surprised! I was set on not buying a Ford. Reading the reviews my heart was on a Corolla, Civic or Mazda 3. However after all my research and actually test-driving I can honestly say Im very impressed w/ my Focus. Quiet, great handling, good mileage and solid. Power isnt impressive, but more then adequate (if youre looking for power get out of this car class). Lots of car for the money!

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  WooHoo - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By claude - February 23 - 2:23 am

  Incredibly fun to drive and comfortable. Acceleration is exhilirating and stopping performance is above expectations!

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  Loved the first, hate the second - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By So-So - February 23 - 2:00 am

  On my second Sport, after enjoying number one, traded for number two. Sorry I did, quality is low, air conditioner has an inherent buzz and the attention to detail is at an all time low. Ford is really tying to save money so dealers are trying to keep warranty claims to a minimum. Squeak, rattles and rolls, its a Ford.

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  Definite Keeper - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tyson - February 22 - 8:43 pm

  Great interior features. I have the dual temperature controls and stereo is excellent. I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel mileage for such a heavy vehicle 5600 pounds(18 mpg combined). Road feel was solid and easy to drive which is a wife factor.

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  Love the Car but...... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By duecer - February 19 - 9:30 am

  I have very near 3,000 miles on the vehicle and have few complaints with the exception of the fuel mileage. Ive read the previous reviews which speak of 20 and more miles per gallon and Im just not getting that. My best so far was 17.5 mpg on the highway. I purchased the Freestyle to replace my beloved SportTrac because I needed the cargo space and the Freestyle comes through. Plenty of space and comfort to boot! No problems getting used to the CVT and although there is some road noise it is acceptable. I have read the reviews of the interior style being plastic, but think it is modern and stylish, I like it!

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  A good compromise overall ! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Dozing4dollars - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Really FUN to drive! It is peppy and handles great for an SUV. It feels more like a sedan/coupe in performance than an SUV at times. It is a good compromise between a viable SUV and a decent handling sport sedan/coupe. If you are looking for a stylish, entry level, around town, SUV with excellent acceleration and handling performance, 4WD and superior cargo capacity, you have found it! It is very easy to park and manuever. Just remember-it is an entry level, smaller size, SUV in its price point. You can load it up with options but you cannot change its basic build materials and quality a whole lot.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Krug - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It has good looks with comfor and and most of all great features such as hid headlamps and a indash six cd changer with subwoofer. I previously had a 20th anniversary gti but actually like the svt focus more in regards of the options it comes with. It even has a nicer closer shift than any other stick I have driven which includes a hist of great cars. Great price for a awesome car!

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  Decent Overall SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By iris49 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a decent overall SUV but does need to improve the seats and the engine to really make it a much better one. I tested a Buick Rainier and its seating and 5.3L V8 are far superior to the Explorer but the Rainier is hard to get in and out of the backseat and doesnt come with a third row seat.

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  Cant believe 55 MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Cant believe MPG - February 18 - 2:53 am

  Bought the 2008 Focus for the price and gas mileage. I am still on first tank and the mpg keeps climing. Can I believe this? Sometimes for long stretches it says I am at 55MPG. Usually goes to 43 or so. Only when I am going slow or accelerating fast does it drop. Could this be true? I have driven it 3 days now and my gas gauge as barely budged! Other than that the car is OK nothing exciting. Black window trim came loose before I got it home. I had to snap it back in myself!