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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  2nd Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jacqui - November 29 - 2:06 am

  This is the second Explorer DH & I bought. The first was a 2000 that was nice but nothing to brag about. When Ford redesigned the Explorer for 2002 I fell in love. I love the NBX model because it has a fun feel. It seems everywhere you turn someone has an Explorer and it was nice to buy one with some difference; however the roof rack does weigh down the truck. The truck itself drives beautifully (much better handling than the 2000) and the third row seat has come in handy plenty of times. We also have a very dark charcoal color cleanable interior on the truck which I absolutely love. I hate light color interiors which show so much wear and tear and the dark interior on the seats and carpet helps.

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  Great economical sport hatch - 2012 Ford Focus
  By grizpin - November 27 - 4:29 am

  I searched for months to trade in my Dodge Nitro (19mpg) for a more family friendly economical/sporty car. Nothing I found compared value wise (space + economy) until I found the Ford Focus Hatchback (32mpg). I enjoy driving again with the Focuss German designed handling. I am able to maneuver swiftly through traffic so I not only save money on gas but I save time from my commute. I also still have enough cargo space to take my kids on weekend road trips when we want to get away. The dual clutch transmission takes about 2k miles to break in but once it does she runs as smooth as a standard automatic so drive it like you stole it for a while ;) Great car!

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  Good SUV. Great Hybrid. - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By CaesarTheDay - November 22 - 5:56 am

  Two days of driving - so this is a first impression. The car is well designed inside and out. Microsoft SYNC is very impressive and I find this feature the best of all in the car. Acceleration is sluggish - but the car does fine on the highway. Im still in the burn in stage - so the MPG is around 27 but Im hoping itll improve with time and driving. The car is surprisingly roomy for the over 6 driver and is accommodating for kids in the back including a car-seat. Rear cargo room is ample, but there is no cargo net, or tie-down hooks to install one.

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  Solid Car - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rob54 - November 21 - 11:40 pm

  Well built; they improve it every year. The "old" platform makes it a great value and it makes for a quality car because Ford has all the "bugs" out of it. It does have one minor wind noise in the driver side window, however. If you arent a car snob, this is a car to look at, and you cant beat the price.

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  Damn Ball Joints - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By big c - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall its been good, Only issues are squeaky brakes whenever I brake between the speeds of 35mph to 50mph since day one Took the truck in 3 times regarding this...never could find anything they replaced the brake pads only once. EGR sensor failed. And 2 replaced ball joints in 2 years. I dont off-road either. But its been dependable.

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  Great car, dont complain about MPG. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Socktown - November 18 - 7:10 am

  Someone complained about getting 26 mpg in the ST? The window sticker on mine clearly stated 21city/32highway. Its a high torque, short geared engine. Its not going to sip gas. Please dont criticize a machine for doing EXACTLY what it said it would do at the time of purchase. Now, I traded a Mustang GT Convertible for this. New baby and all that. I couldnt be happier. Acceptable gas mileage (I also get around 26), great fun to drive quotient and excellent room.

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  My kids call it a firetruck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By WalyWrld1 - November 14 - 11:56 am

  My experience over the last two years with the xpy has been great. I have had no problems with it. It is a well built, very comfortable highway cruiser. Average 16.5 mpg. I have the 4.6 L V8 and it has adequate power for my use. Super truck and would buy another without hesitation.

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  improvements - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dj Rama - November 10 - 10:00 am

  is a great car and attract a lot of looks but the even for a v6 the breaking system is not good enought for the weight of that car need improvement in the braking system

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  J.F.S Review Of The Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By J.F. - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I must say this is a great car. The Ford Focus is a very reliable car. It runs so smooth even on the bumpiest roads. The comfort level of this car is unbelievable!

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  Happy with my Ford Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By chris s - November 10 - 3:16 am

  I went from a Toyota Camry XLE to the Ford Escape XLT. It was a little bit of an adjustment going from a luxury vehicle to a rugged one. However, pleased with the style, color and overall design. The pickup on my 4 cyl Escape could be a little better, since the Camry was also 4 cyl and never felt the difference with acceleration. The interior is a nice Stone color and I love how the cupholders are positioned. Almost like I have 4 of them to use.The purchase of the Escape was wonderful. The best process I have ever encountered purchasing an SUV. I received below invoice pricing based on my company discount and was treated like anyone else. The Escape does suit my needs at this time.