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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  Roundn Roundn Round We Go... - 2012 Ford Focus
  By acskurt - July 27 - 2:06 pm

  Bought the 2012 Focus April this year. Within 500 miles had it back in the shop twice due to tranny shifting bad. This transmission is the worst thing Ford has snuck onto its public since the Pinto. Even after reprogramming the transmission TWICE, the cars driveability is the most unpridictable of any car I have driven. When I pulled into traffic on June 5, it shifted from 1st to 4th within 15 feet and nearly got me killed. I took the death trap back to the dealer and gave it to them. Dealer says "talk to Ford" - Ford says "talk to the dealer". Ill probably Lemon Law the car unless Im made happy this week.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bruce Frier - July 27 - 10:56 am

  We have enjoyed this vehicle for over three years. It recently has developed electrical problems which include the "Door Ajar" light coming on when no doors are ajar the anti-theft- alarm going off several times in the day and night for no reason when the car is locked giving us no choice but to leave the car unlocked power windows randomly not working and when a brief stretch of loose gravel caused the Control-Trac to go in to 4-Wheel- Drive-High we had trouble getting it to return to two-wheel drive.

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  Proud Explorer Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Edward Costantini - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I still have a 1994 Explorer which I bought new. I now have a 2002 Explorer also.If I get the good service out of my new Explorer that I have gotten out of my 1994 I will be very pleased There is a world difference in smooth riding in my new Explorer.I have 8000 miles on my new Explorer now. But time will tell on quality.I have been to the Ford dealership one time with viberation in the steering colum,and they corected it.So far I like the new vehicle very good.

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  Much, Much Better than 97 Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Leo95 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The ride, fit and finish and features are much, much better than 1997 Expedition. The six middle and third row seats are all comfortable for adults and all have 3-point belts, and seats can split and fold flat. External rearview mirrors are HUGE. Rear DVD entertainment system is a hit with kids and comes with 2 wireless headphone. Kids can listen to movies while you listen to radio. Unlike other small cars, rear DVD does not eat into needed head room. Truck looks and feels much more solid and bigger than before. Handling is improved greatly. You can toss this 6000 lb truck around the bends without all the body roll and tire screetching from 97.

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  2002 focus x5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By rockinit - July 27 - 10:00 am

  this is a new car, have had it a couple weeks, and find it to be a very good driver, fun,even. Instrument placement is good, stereo w/6cd a no charge bonus. My only negative comment, and caveat to future buyers, is to check the upholstery for bad seam work. Day two, I noticed that the upper back seat back, had a 3 inch defect in the upper corner seaming, i could place three fingers in the hole, so beware of the stitch work. Personally i didnt sign off on the purchase order until the dealer orderred a new seat cover for the rear upper seat. This they did reluctantly, hopefully thats the only gremlin to be found.We like the car very much!

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  Great SUV..Needs better Quality - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Faz - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Love the ride and look of the Escape and for the price it is hard to beat. Had some small bugs with the low coolant light and the radio. The biggest problem was that the transmission went at 10,000 miles. Since then things have been fine. But not sure I am keeping this car after the warranty expires.

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  2016 Ford Edge SEL 6cyl - 2016 Ford Edge
  By David Cagle - July 27 - 3:07 am

  Big difference in Basic Model vs SEL on Tech Package and 4 vs 6 cyl engine

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  Love my Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pammyc - July 27 - 3:03 am

  I bought it used and never regretted it. Its roomy and comfy. Has everything I wanted.

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  No More Explorers For Me - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brian - July 27 - 12:42 am

  This was my second Explorer. The first was a sport model and required a new transmission 250 miles beyond the warranty. The second was this 2002 fully loaded Limited V8 4x4 and I purchased the extended warranty. Around 300 miles short of the warranty expiring I had four valve lifters replaced and then a month later I took it in because the water level began to drop for no apparant reason. Cause: a cracked engine block and the whole engine needed to be replaced for $6K if not on warranty. I have driven Fords ever since I first got my license at age 16. My best car ever was a 1970 Mach I Mustang, but I wil never buy another Explorer. In fairness to Ford, my worst car was a Mercedes.

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  100% impressed...highly recommend! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Todd in Nanaimo - July 26 - 4:24 pm

  Being in real estate, I put a ton of miles on a car in a year, and both me and my clients love the Edge! The few snow days were absolutely no challenge, the SYNC system is amazing. Leather and other interior features are very luxurious and are extremely comfortable even for a full day in the car. Fuel economy is what I expect for a strong V6. I have never driven a car that turns heads like this! A trip up to the ski hill with two friends and skis and snowboards was a perfect use of all the space and comfort and we passed many vehicles on the way up in the snow. Passing on the highway is a breeze..the power seems even more evident at full highway speed, it can snap your head back at 120kph