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:

• 

  THIS IS WHAT COOL LOOKS LIKE - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JOY215 - February 15 - 9:53 am

  This car handles so precisely that its fun to drive. I was ready to trade in my beloved Bonneville (2000) and got a really good deal. The factory incentives sold me, not to mention that my husband sells Fords! I love the style, both inside and out. Interior is very roomy and comfortable.

• 

  Focus Forever! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Chelly - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with the look...Now the whole experience. Excellent handling & response. Great fuel economy, I have a 2002 ZX3 and Im averaging 28-32mpg. Not bad for a 2.0 that gets a good workout from time to time. Speed, pick-up, 0-60...All FANTASTIC! The most I hear from ppl. is "nice car, how do you like it?" "Roomy inside...you wouldnt know it by the outside." "I want one!" Love this car!

• 

  focusonfocus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By clintondee - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Sterring is great. fuel economy so-so. get up and go so-so. Rides nicely.

• 

  Focus Forever! Part II - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Chelly2 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car! I really love it, but there are some little things that could be improved. Isnt that true with most newer models?

• 

  Ford F-150 Supercrew XLT 2WD 4.6L 3.55LS - 2002 Ford F-150
  By grepa - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Well built, well designed. Fit and finish superb. Quiet and comfortable, even at highway speeds and long distances that I drive each day. Even the small V-8 has plenty of power; coupled with the 3.55LS it will tow up to 6600 lbs w/ an automatic. Mileage ranges from 16.5 to 19 mixed, mostly highway. Review done at 12,000 miles after 4 mos. of ownership.

• 

  Perfection - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Jiggz - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is perfect. It is for those young guys looking to impress the girls.

• 

  04 Mystichrome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mystichrome - February 14 - 12:29 am

  Great car to drive. Unreal power. Miles ahead of the 98 Cobra I had before this one. K&N cold air kit, Bassani cat-back exhaust and a Predator computer tune really improved the already good power.

• 

  I Like it - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Rich - February 12 - 4:58 pm

  It is a good truck but lost some of the old ways of doing things on the inside, like seats that do more and visors that block the sun all the way around but overall it is a great truck.

• 

  We love it! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Kent - February 12 - 1:55 pm

  We dont tow but carry larger loads and the space is amazing. But, its the comfort we enjoy. The SUV is so fun to drive and the Powerstroke 6.0L diesel has to be driven to be believed. The acceleration is like a big V8 but we are getting 18 mpg on the highway--and only have 6,500 miles. I feel my wife is VERY safe in the vehicle and long trips are a dream for my whole family. We have the DVD player which is truly fun for our two boys on trips. Looks large, drives like an Explorer.

• 

  Love It - 2004 Ford F-150
  By SLO Bigdog - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my new F-150 Supercrew FX4. The only thing I dont like is the 5.5 bed, however I will get a lot more use out of the full size 4 door rear cab than I will over the bed. The optional bed extender makes a big difference. The ride is smooth and I love the feel of my leather captians chairs and the look of the flow thru shifter. I choose the power moonroof instead of the over head center rail console. The flow thru center console has plenty of space. All I need now is a humidor...