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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  New Owner Review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mcoene - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Being 65" with a long torso, it was tough for me to find an economical vehicle both in terms of cost and fuel economy. I have a long commute and so far am delighted with my new ZX3.

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  Good truck....but - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Hifirush - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Expedition is a nice vehicle, overall. The independant rear suspension allows it to ride like a large car and is excellent off road. It is smooth and reasonably quiet. The 4X4 system, when working right, is also very good. I have had mine in the shop for 4X4 problems over 6 times and it is still not fixed. The interior is well thought out and is pleasing to eyes. The towing ability is great and my confidence is high with the large brakes, the brakes are excellent! When it is behaving, I love this truck.

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  Still Loving It, Except For... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MBC - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Since Day 1, I have loved everything about my Explorer-itÂ’s roominess, style, sound, handling, and more. 3rd row seat is great, although it may pinch your hand when lowering it from behind. Only 2 complaints; First, I keep finding plastic covers around my car that have come off where the seats are bolted to the floor; must be pretty useless since they have experienced only gentle use. Secondly, the front seat belts have gradually worn away some of the plastic framing at the seat belt adjustment location.

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  GT Convertible Impression - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By steve - August 4 - 4:23 pm

  Ive had my GT vert for a month and have put 2,000 miles on it. Love the appearance and all the compliments from strangers who just walk up and want to talk about the car. Wished the 2005 had some of the features that were in the prototypes but not included, like 18" wheels and the decorative intake cover. There were minor convenience things that were not included in 2005, like interior trunk release that I was disappointed in. The car is fast, but like many Mustang owners I want it to go faster. Computer thinks too much and the throttle by wire causes a delay when accelerator is floored for passing and merging. Would highly recommend but there are few tweaks that need to be done.

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  Love my Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By lori - August 3 - 10:13 pm

  I used to own a Honda civic. When I got rid of that my husband brought me a Focus from the dealership he worked at. I drove it the first time and realized what better pick up it has and better get up and go for going up hills. The Honda seemed to struggle with hills but not my Focus! More comfortable for my long legs. Being 6 foot tall, its hard to find a comfortable car. The Focus fits me well with room behind me for somebody to sit.

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  Nice SUV, poor transmission - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WRH - August 3 - 3:40 pm

  My second Explorer and my second bout with a poorly designed transmission. I like everything else about the vehicle, plenty of power, great auto 4WD system, comfortable, solid, tight, great in snow, and with the 3rd row seat, lots of room for our 4 teenagers. Rear axle seal needed replacement at 75K miles (minor expense) and rear wheel bearing needed replaced at 80K miles (major expense). I attribute these faults to the SUVs first year spent as a rental car.

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  Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By nana Lori - July 30 - 10:00 am

  So far I thoroughly enjoy my vehicle.......I think gas mileage could be better ( my v-8, 1997 thunderbird got better mileage ) I need something higher off the ground as I am tall and have bad knees........very glad I picked the 2003 Escape. I would probably get another if I needed to. Thanks..........

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  Progress Nearly Perfect !!!!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mconner - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This model truck has improved alot, but still needs to be worked on for the hesitation of the engine(5.4L), but as for the ride, it does not feel like the ride of a truck but of a luxury car.Also, the back doors could open out alittle more ???? The rear window seals should be better designed for leakage. But keep up with the improvements, it can only get better!!

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  Never let me down - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jblakeney - July 30 - 10:00 am

  After being forced into buying a car on rather short notice by a wreck, I decided that what I wanted was a vehicle which was able to haul me and all of my crap, be economical, and still be fun to drive. The Focus Zx3 has lived up to all of that, with the exceptions of interior quality and fuel economy. The fuel economy is partially my fault, as it has been so much fun to drive (fast), and in the summertime with the AC on, it can suck up a lot of fuel, even on the highway. I have experienced few mechanical problems (my ignition key stopped working once), and I have driven this car about as hard as I know how.

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  My ZTS - 2001 Ford Focus
  By gonegolfing - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a great little car. It is fun 2 drive and has many conveniences for a small car. It could use a little more power but overall it has been a great car for the price.