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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  A Great Ford Sedan - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Steve Blest - May 15 - 9:53 am

  After five years in an Escape it was great to find a Ford sedan that caught my interest. The Fusion is extremely smooth and quiet. Interior room is fine for my family of four. Features have high quality. It drives like a Passat.

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  The Ford No One Saw coming - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bklue - May 8 - 3:46 am

  I had the Explorer for a year now its still works and looks like new. I added some upgrades like polarized windows, a new Sony stereo, sound system, and a gps system.

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  2000 Ford Focus ZTS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Hanuman - May 8 - 1:03 am

  Well, my Focus ZTS is a very good car performance wise; it has great power and acceleration. Also on the ZTS model, the seats and steering wheel are adjustable so I can customize to my liking. My complaints with it are several: 1. All those darn recalls. 2. The cheapo organic brake pads installed with the front disk brakes. 3. My transmission leaked a little 4. Squeaky OEM windshield wipers

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  Impressive Safety - 2003 Ford Focus
  By geo50000 - May 7 - 1:23 am

  My ex wife totaled our 2003 Focus at 55 mph on a mountain road; Every corner of the car was demolished - but she walked away with only a small bump on her head. The cabin was completely intact. I recently bought another one just like it. A good, solid car for the money.

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  Focus 2005 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Liz Glascom - May 6 - 10:40 am

  I purchased my Ford Focus after getting into a horrible car accident, in another Ford Focus. I would have been seriously injured if I was not in a Focus. My 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 has helped me continue to feel safe. My only problem with the vehicle was my transmission. About 11,000 miles later, my transmission blew. With my warranty I was able to get a brand new one. I am pleased with my Focus.

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  The car is good but the dealer is BAD - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nanjihu - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The most impressive if fuel economy: I drived 200 miles and only used 5-6 gallon gas with 5 people in the car.

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  Great Multipurpose Vehicle - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Driver8 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I have driven 60k miles in the past 3 years and have experienced no problems with my focus other than having the brake pads replaced at 50k miles. I have driven a great deal on every terrain imaginable from ice and snow to sand, mud, gravel and pavement in my quest for adventure, and the focus has been a real trooper. Actually, my last car was a Trooper, and had nothing over the focus except a penchant for gas and oil. The wagon bed is big enough for sleeping, too. My only complaint is that fuel economy is surprisingly low for such a small vehicle (avg. 26 mpg in the past 3 years, 50/50 hwy and city)

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  Its A Fun Ride - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sjs - May 6 - 10:00 am

  It is a good ride with good power that just needs some fine tuning.

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  Excellent Sports Car, Reasonable Price - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By weatherbee - April 30 - 11:53 pm

  The 2006 V6 model Mustang is a definite improvement over the aging 1999-2004 models. With 210 flywheel HP, there is a noticeable and noteworthy acceleration with this car. However, do not expect to get anything close to V8 performance. It is reasonable, and will help keep insurance cost, and gas cost (compared to a V8) down. The fuel economy on this vehicle suffers when caught in stop and go traffic. I have averaged roughly 14-19 MPG, while on the freeway 23-26 MPG. For a V6 engine, the gas mileage is a slight disappointment, though I can be blamed for wanting to stomp the acceleration for the pure joy of it. Exterior design is great, while interior design feels a little cheap.

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  Blue Transit Connect 2010 - great design - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By John Jones - April 30 - 8:56 pm

  Gas mileage good. Power good. Style good. Interior room . Awesome. I traded in a Ford escape. Been on trips, mostly drive in town like most of us. Stops great. Some gmc cut over in front of me the other day and the transit did extremely well. I do wish they had a luxury package or more add-ons. Fab for hauling stuff. John Jones Stone mountain, ga.