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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  Traded In 1998 for 2002 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By limbert08 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 explorer is a significant upgrade to my old 1998 XLT. It almost feels like 2 different vehicles, the 02 has great handling and quieter engine. I got a used 2002 with 18,000 miles on it for less than $20,000. I think it was a fair deal

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  2013 ford c-Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tl6446 - March 25 - 3:13 am

  I purchase this vehicle a month ago expecting to get about 47mpg and all I can say is (NO WAY) will this car achieve/even close to that mpg. I feel cheated by Ford Motor Co. Its a nice car quiet and cumfortable but that is it. I was told by the dealer that the fuel economy would improve after 2,000 miles, well now I have 3,000 miles and the best I can get is about 35mpg. I go by the miles driven and the amount of gas I use and not by the computer that reads 37 to 38 mpg! I actually get 35-36 mpg not even close to 47! What a joke! 12 mpg off. There needs to be class action law suit because this car is a rip. I have a 2010 Prius that consistantly achieves 47+mpg overall but its cheap plastic

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  I got the lemon - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By tkr2good - March 25 - 3:00 am

  I bought the car 8/31. The ABS brakes went out on 9/3. Dealer had car till 9/7. I drove it one more day and now 9/9, its back at the dealership for same problem. The 3 days I drove it was very nice. My challenge was running entirely on the electric motor. I bought the cheapest model and got it for $1000 under MSRP. "Never pay sticker or mark up!"

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  Shelby GT 500 - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Ralph Mangum - March 23 - 9:53 pm

  This is a very quick car and is very much fun to drive. The car handles well and is good on gas if driven without flooring it. The workmanship is very good. I have not had any problems with mine, just a lot of fun. The car is hard to hook up in first or second gear but different tires could make the difference.

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  2005 Ford XLT Supercrew 4.6L - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Cliff - March 22 - 8:36 pm

  My Texas edition Ford F-150 is a really good overall truck. Power from the 4.6L engine is lacking and the transmission is always shifting whenever there is the slightest grade in the road. Ive had my truck in the shop four times in the last year. First three times was because the air conditioner wasnt blowing cold air. After the third visit, the dealer ship figured out it needed more freon as it wasnt serviced properly at the factory. The fourth visit was because when I applied my brakes, the front end would shimmy. The dealer got it right the first time and machined the rotors. The truck only has 25,000 miles on it, the brakes should not have needed machining that early in their lives.

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  Pleased Customer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew Donovan - March 21 - 7:26 pm

  The Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is a great vehicle. Perfect for family use. Roomy and comfortable. It can fit todays on the go lifestyle. Storage is more than ample. Comfortable, smooth ride and remarkably quite interior.

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  Good Safe Transport - 2007 Ford Focus
  By NewJew06 - March 19 - 11:53 am

  I traded a 2002 PT Cruiser with 73,000 miles for this car after having starting problems with the Cruiser and the locking device going haywire--locking and unlocking by itself. So far, I really enjoy this Ford Focus more than I did the Cruiser. Granted, I miss the retro look. But, the Focus has a great European style design. It kind of reminds me of some Volvos I have seen around town. It brakes extremely well, and has a quick take off for a 4 cylinder. It gets better gas mileage than the Cruiser I had. Also, it handles much better than a 2000 Neon that I also owned previously. I can feel weight to the car as I drive it, and I like that. It corners well, and I dont feel excessive leaning.

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  Great design but lousy assembly. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By not too happy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Interior and exterior design superb. Redesigned suspension is unsurpassed. Just plain awesome. However, FORD, please, (and I say again please) pay attention to quality control. Terribly assembled body. Squeaks and rattles galore. Plus, my XLT Popular model has no temp control in Max A/C; heater bypass valve optional. For the price I paid, this is just beyond ridiculous.

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  Love the XP - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Vancouver XP - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 3500 km, so far so good. The back door rattles incessantly over bumps, I havent had this problem serviced yet, so I hope they can fix it. The fuel economy is abyssmal, but its a huge vehicle. The handling is surprisingly good given the size.

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  My review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By car watcher - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car not too long ago, and it has proved to be a pretty good car. It has a good design, its comfortable, it is a good car to ride around in,and it seems to be reliable.