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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  Fun Car - Great Value - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Steveinorange - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The Focus ZX5 or 3 is the best value for your money. Ive had it a little over a month and I cant complain. I test drove one with an automatic trans and found the manual is by far the better choice. The auto is too sluggish with a small engine. My ZX5 came with leather seats, sunroof, antilock brakes, power windows, door locks etc., all for under $14,000 with dealer discounts and mfg rebates. The ride is ok, but you have to remember, this is not a Grand Marquis, it is a small car. The ride is just as good or better than other small cars. Its fun to drive too.

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  Great car so far... - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Dingle - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car 2 weeks ago and been having fun ever since. Sporty looking and great driving. I havent noticed anything wrong with the car yet - not even a dust blemish on the paint. It drives like my in-laws Mercedes C180 Sport (German model): solid driving experience, just needs more power and low-end torque. MPG havent been close to EPA specs, but I havent spent much time cruising on the freeway.

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  98 Windstar has been a great car - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By hartnj - December 23 - 12:41 am

  I bought this pretty basic model Windstar about 7 years and 100k miles ago and it still runs great - a bit scratched-up, but runs great. Loads of power and still a smooth ride.

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  Really like my first SUV. - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rodney C. - December 22 - 11:53 pm

  I love driving my Limited Escape. It handles very well and has lots of take off power and speed. Its a lot easier to park than you might figure. It also has plenty of room on the inside. It has a lot of interior features, including a nice radio with a 6 CD player. The only thing Id like to have different on the interior is I wish the seats were a little thicker and the gas tank held more gas.

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  Second Limited Excursion Owner - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Biermand - December 22 - 6:34 pm

  I too traded in a 2000 Excursion for a 2004 thinking it was the last year. Never want to drive a smaller vehicle again. Greatly improved ride and quiter than the 2000 model. Improve the gas mileage and keep building these. They shrunk the Expedition and I dont want to go back to that! Need to keep building these!

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  Fusion wins out after testing 10 sedans - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Doug Harby - December 22 - 3:37 pm

  After testing and ranking all available midsized sedans in this class in order to replace my wifes 2013 Subaru Impreza we chose the a 2016 Fusion 2.0 liter AWD This was not my 1st choose as I preferred the Mazda 6 GT for its MPG, handling, and looks. However after receiving a sudden snow storm here in Montana we both agreed that AWD would be a must. We then test drove 2.0 liter with AWD and immediately realized that it matched the Mazda in handling and looks. We recognized that we would take a significant hit in MPG,( I own a 2013 F-150 with an eco-boost and have yet to meet the advertised MPG). After running some quick numbers the additional cost for gas will only cost us about $25 per mouth, not much to pay for the power of the 2.0 liter and the safety of AWD. Ford was really ready to deal and we paid about $8,000 below the MSRP. We have driven this car about 1000 miles so far and love it. It is very solid and the intelligent AWD results handling on par or better then anything test drove. During our break-in drive we went over several very icy passes and this AWD system out performed the Subarus we have owned actually pulling us around corners. The 2.0 liters performance and smoothness matched the V-6s we tested in the Camry and Accord and far out performed the 2.5 4cyl in the Mazda 6. Im 64" and must actually slide the front seat up a little to get comfortable. The rest of the interionic is very nicely done and competes well with the best of the class. The stereo upgrade is outstanding and the climate system is also very easy to use.

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  Proven Winner - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Proven Winner - December 22 - 1:23 pm

  You ever notice how many emergency vehicles and fleet vehicles are the Econoline. There is a reason there are nowhere near as many Chevy/GMC or Dodge vans chosen by the pros. This is my second E150 conversion and I put over 250,000 miles on my 1st (88) but couldnt pass smog in SoCal so I had to trade it in for this one. So far, only had the alternator go out on this one and my 88 went a quarter million mile on the orig motor and transmission without ever a problem. Take care of these American Icons and they can last nearly forever. In the 70s I used to drive an Econoline between SD and LA for years as a Bonded Courier. Would not want any other ride because I never once had a problem!

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  tonis zx3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By toni ann - December 22 - 2:36 am

  this is my first new car. and i love it. its fun looking i have an yellow and black car. its drive smooth. everything a 22 year old can ask for.

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  Flat out the BEST Mustang ever built! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin - December 21 - 11:13 pm

  This car has everything you want from an American made Muscle Car and nothing you dont! It has all of the power you need and the styling and comfort you desire. Ford has definitely turned the tables with the 2005 model. I feel sorry for those people who settled on a good deal on the 2004 models Ford was quickly trying to phase out at the dealerships without test driving the 2005 first. The sound system cannot be beat with 1,000 watts of power coming from 10 speakers. The Mycolor gauges are a very nice added touch. The fit and finish of this vehicle is near the top for Ford standards.

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  01 XLT - 2001 Ford Escape
  By howiez5150 - December 21 - 11:07 pm

  I owned an xlt 4X4 for 4 yrs and just turned it in on lease. It was my wifes car and it was the first car she has owned and like for over 2 years. We had it in shop a couple of times for minor issues, although it was making a weird transmission noise when we turned it in. Overall, very nice to drive and decent mpg considering it is a SUV. Definitely get the XLT version for a nicer interior design and stay away from 4 cylinder (it has no power). The v6 takes off and has lots of jump at any speed. We would highly recommend over other SUV in its class.