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 LOVE MY CAR!!!! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Marinewife831 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car going on 1 year soon and I love it. I have put a few performance parts on her and she runs and looks like a dream. My husband and I even named her lil lemon. I have a 5 yr old little boy and between us three there is no comfort problems, she is wonderful on gas, since my husband will drive it every now and then from the AV to Camp Pendleton and it will fit all of his marine gear with NO problems. I LOVE MY CAR!

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  ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By outlet - July 28 - 2:00 am

  terrific to drive......a lot of head room for large bodies

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  Good car for a good price - 2000 Ford Focus
  By dlm04 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I got this car with 165,000miles on it only because it was a really good deal. I have only put on about 4,000 since i got it but nothing has gone wrong yet. There is the burning smell that comes from the engine, like oil or something. Its a great car but its not to dependable in the snow, but since its light its easy to push out.

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  Focus SE 2009 - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Ray - July 28 - 1:36 am

  Ive been a driver of a Ford Ranger for the last 18 years (2 different trucks). My driving needs changed in the last 6 months and I needed a car. I looked at many different vehicles, Mini Cooper, VW, BMW, GM, and Dodge. For the price, features, and performance to my needs the Focus was the best choice for me. I was very pleased upon getting in and out of the vehicle that it was at a comfortable level. Coming from a truck I didnt want the vehicle to be to low to the ground. The gas mileage has been great. I drive about 90 miles round trip to work now and its a combination of highway and city driving. Ive been getting over 34 mpg. The ability to use my iPod with the sync system is great.

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  Life saver - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By The Blue Beast - July 27 - 10:11 pm

  I had a 92 Bronco that was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver in a 67 Ford LTD. He didnt make it. Anyway, I bought a new 1995 Bronco and am still driving it today. I must add there were a few issues in the beginning. 6 transfer cases, 6 transmissions, 6 drive shafts later, no more issues. I installed a 4" Rancho suspension lift, 33" BFG tires, Bassani headers, Auburn limited slip, and 4.11 gears. The truck still runs strong and I would it sell it for any amount.

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  03 Cobra Coupe - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BRIAN - July 27 - 7:08 pm

  It is very responsive, great drift car, loves 3.73 gear swap, just needs sticky tires. Torque is always available. Tight suspension doesnt lean on turns

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  Second 07 ZX3 - 2007 Ford Focus
  By 45solo - July 27 - 5:58 pm

  This is my second ZX3. My first 07 was totaled in March. Both of these cars are/were 5 speed S models. The only option on both was A/C. I have gotten 39 to 40 mpg on both these cars without running the air. With the A/C on I get 34 to 35. This car is a lot of fun to drive and the only negative comment would be the road noise-- its not a problem on good roads. Maybe Ford will make another hatchback soon. The second one had Goodyears the first Hankook tires. The Goodyears are not as quiet but they are holding up well at 17,500 miles. This is a great car for the money. I can recommend it highly.

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  Very Fun - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Chris R. - July 27 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased my 99 Ford Ranger Sport 4x4 in the summer of 07. Its been pretty good, all things considered. A 4.0L OHV (245 CID) V6 makes this truck take off very well with the 5 speed auto. Its been a very fun daily driver / project truck for me. This is probably one of Ford better products by far. The "Sport Package" really gives this truck a nice edge by replacing the cheesy chrome body accents with painted accents that match the body. This truck is just what I need, not too big and not too large. Id say the pound for pound use you can get out of the truck is much better compared to the full size truck on the market. The Ranger is a very great value!

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  I like the warranty ... kind of - 2005 Ford Focus
  By The VA Lady - July 27 - 4:50 pm

  I bought the my car with only 11 miles. I put about 30k a year on a car and wanted something with a good warranty. At 90k the CD player went out. At 93k my alternator destroyed my battery while I was 300 miles from home. The part was covered under warranty but the dealership wouldnt have it for 2 days. My "warranty" wouldnt tow me back so I was stuck missing work for that time. When it was finally repaired the battery light came on again only about 100 miles down the highway. I admit, this isnt disastrous but I am concerned that I will be in a world of hurt at 100k when the factory warranty runs out. The customer care dept better wow me or it is hello Hyundai!

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  Tough as nails - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Ritz - July 27 - 2:18 pm

  I unfortunately just had to trade this in. It was my first ever vehicle and very first truck. Had 230,000 miles but was still kicking strong. Never ever let me down. Every month I came home from college- 5 and 1/2 hour drive no problems. Had the 5.0L V8 and it was a beast. Sounded amazing with dual exhaust. Had four wheel drive which routinely got me through 2 feet of snow in a northern WI winter. routine repairs for a vehicle with so many miles, but never anything serious. I cried the day I let mine go, but with gas at 4 bucks a gallon and being a college student, I couldnt hold on it to anymore.