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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  Top down - sunglasses on - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By houston - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a weekend toy, really an excuse to buy a 3rd vehicle. With the SUVs in the driveway, we wanted something a little more fun to drive. We priced and test drove the European convertibles such as BMW, Volvo,Saab and Mercedes. Dealers are pretty proud of these cars in Houston, TX. Just couldnt convince myself that these cars were worth 45-55K. It hit me, why not a Mustang GT convertible. Test drove a GT coupe that afternoon ( no convertibles in stock ) and was hooked. Convertibles came in next week and took one home with us!!! Sweet car and half the price of the Euro boys!!

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  Fun car with a lot of problems! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By kayakgirl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Focus for 2 years now, only 18000 miles, and it handles great, its spacious, and looks good BUT-besides 3 recalls, Ive taken it in to have the power steering pump replaced there was also the plastic guard below the windshield wipers falling off, trim along the passenger side roof peeling, the vinyl cover on the emergency brake with several cracks in it, and I also have this horrible rattle on the rear passenger side that has been fixed several times but keeps coming back! Despite the fact these have all been fixed under warranty-what is going to happen in another 2 years?

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  Nickle and Dimed to Death - 2002 Ford Focus
  By YellowBananaZX3 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I enjoyed my Ford Focus ZX3, but... It has been in the shop every month, for unscheduled repairs, for the last 4 months (three additional times during the year prior). It has left me stranded twice (once in a bad part of detroit). It has proven too unreliable in the long run. I was hoping for 160k like I got in my 91 Ford Escort GT, but it looks like I wont make it past 65k in the focus. This is my last ford purchase, ever. It has just proven too unreliable, and Ford customer service is simply awful.

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  I like my Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By mmazik - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I put a lot of miles on my vehicles. So far the Explorer has done well. The quality and "feel" are very solid. I feel safe when driving it because it is an old fashioned, heavy truck chassis with front and side airbags.

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  Was Never A Focus Fan...Til Now :) - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jihavoh - August 27 - 5:08 am

  I was looking for a high mpg car to replace my Sonata because I drive so many miles annually, it makes a significant difference. I went to a Ford dealership to test drive a Fiesta which was underpowered and too cramped. The salesman suggested the Focus and I was sold in seconds. It was still a little more cramped than the Sonata (obviously), but it made up for it in in every other aspect.

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  HAPPY SURPRISE - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By HAPPY - August 25 - 6:13 pm

  After talking myself out of my 04 Lincoln LS and into a "gas friendly" vehicle, I have been happily surprised just how much I really like my new Fusion. It just sips fuel, regular at that. Smoother on the road than my Lincoln LS and surprisingly comfortable. Wind noise, forget it! Finally......... Good job Ford!

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  Focus Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By GaryL88 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought a used Focus Wagon with 11K miles on it. Previous owner had put on 4 new Goodyear Eagle Aquatred3 tires on it at 7K miles. Now I have 29K on it and have chewed this set of tires - uneven wear. Anyone else have this problem? Yes, I had the alignment checked and rotations done.

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  2000 ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Ray Orlowski - August 22 - 2:03 pm

  I had to tow my son exployer with this truck.

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By David760 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, im pretty much an expert, basically, the shocks make it have a smooth ride, there is a feature in the front that absorbs shock from an accident, the braking was designed excellently, the truck puts out 80% of its peak torqe at only 1,000 RPM, making pulling heavy loads from a dead stop easier, and it has a quiet ride so you dont have to hear someone elses music at a stoplight. I would reccomend the 2004 Ford F-150 to anyone!

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  Breaks - 2005 Ford Escape
  By denjmel - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The rims of the front tires keep having break dust on them. Cannot keep clean. The service manager said all FORD trucks have that problem. I can not accept that as I have had many vehicles before and most recently have had 3 diffrent types of vehicles (Nissan, Chevy truck & Saturn)and have never had this problem before!