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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  i like it... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By nubian - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Im had my car for about 2 months...so far I love it. The car cash mileage is great. I also took out an extend warrenty. I had a good experience with my car so far. Its kinda fun. Its a good long distance driving car.

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  Look Elsewere - 2001 Ford Focus
  By THIS CAR SUCKS - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ford Focus for a year, with nothing but problems. First my driver side door lock breaks. I take it in, get it fixed, all is well until........my passenger rear door has the same problem. UM excuse me, this shouldnt happen once, but twice. The car is nice looking, and it has some zip, but I would recommend a KIA over this car, if you want a quality car, dont buy Ford, I will never buy a Ford again.

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  Always Japenese - Pleasantly Surprised - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Swimguy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Have always owned Japenese vehicles, however full credit to Ford, the Explorer is very competitive. V8 is hard on gas, but that is to be expected. Had the DVD system and sunroof put in and I now enjoy listening to Scooby Doo vs. a screaming 16 month old that hates her car seat. To all the families out their, "the DVD is worth the cost." Have the 17 inch BF Goodrich tires on - tire noise intrudes into the cabin. A purchaser may want to consider less aggressive tires. However despite the noise, the Explorer handles very well on snow and ice and I am sure the tires have something to do with that.

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  Engine just stalled after 8,000 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By scareddriver - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 XLT Ford Escape with 8,000 miles. Today I was driving home from work and the engine, and battery lights came on. The power steering went out and the brakes barely worked. When I finally got the car to stop it died. Luckily I put it into park and it re- started. I am scared to think of what would have happened only 5 minutes earlier when I was on the freeway. I read a lot of bad reviews about the Escape and its stalling problems. I thought maybe it wouldnt happen to me, but it did. I am afraid to take it into the shop and have to hear them tell me that nothing is wrong. This is a real shame.

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  Unbelievable Reliability - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Big John - June 30 - 2:26 am

  I cant say enough about this truck. I bought new in 7/04 and now have 58,000m, and as of 4/09, I had a blinker lightbulb go out. THATs IT FOR REPAIRS!!!! I changed tires and redid the brakes as was necessary due to wear and tear, but otherwise...not a single problem (other than a lightbulb) in almost 60,000 miles. Not even a squeek problem. If you can find this as a used truck, I would GO FOR IT. I long hauled my boat and at other times my trailer, and had NO PROBLEMS towing them over mountains etc. More than enough power on my 4.6L Triton V-8. Who needs the bigger V-8? Not me!!! One of the few truely quality items I have ever had the joy to own in my entire lifetime. (Im 56).

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  Great Ugly Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Suto - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  A surprising car. The 2.0 is significantly faster than my beloved 2003 Protege ES. The ride is nice and soft, yet the car handles really well. There is a lot of body roll during spirited driving, but this isnt a performance model. Big truck easily fits a lawn mower. Soft seats, decent dead pedal placement, high seating position. If you dont care about looks, this is the best American car. Better than Neon and Cobalt Now the bad: This is an ugly little car. It looks like something poor people would drive in the former Soviet Union. Also, the interior is cheap and ugly, and after a while the plastic starts to smell. The engine sounds really weak, and the transmission shifts oddly at times

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  just what I needed - 2001 Ford F-150
  By flyingart - June 29 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a full size truck that has room for six full size adults and want to park it inside your garage this is the 1. Comfortable and lots of leg room througout.

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  Ford tough - 2002 Ford F-150
  By DavidS827 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  After researching, driving and comparing almost every 4 door truck on the market I found that the F150 Screw couldnt be beat. I have had it for almost a year and havent had one problem. I couldnt be happier with it and HIGHLY recommend it.

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  Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By IM - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The best time of a day is when I drive my Mustang GT convertible. I love it.

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  My "cop car" - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By espici - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Im 510", 165 lbs, slim, and find it difficult getting into and out of the car. I also have trouble reaching the dash-mounted radio and climate control dials/buttons. R/W defroster control difficult to find. Tranny dipstick difficult to access.