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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  Focus ZX3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bchicky - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the FocusZX3 in Nov of 2001 it has been a soso car, but when I went to have my oil changed at 6000 miles (not by ford) the shop told me my transmission was almost out of oil most likely because in production they barely put any in, they filled it up free of charge,im glad to I was taking a trip to Frisco that weekend and surely my transmission would have burned out. I owned a VKSBeetle before and that car had more power and better steering than this car. Overall I give it a 7

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  Fantastic Vehicles!!! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Love Ford Trucks - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Had to respond to the last post. Ridiculous!!! On our Second Expedition. 97 XLT 100,000 miles, not one problem!! 2000 EB 36000, not one problem! Ps. try towing anything other than lawn cart with a japenese SUV

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  Great Ride - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Franklin Stork - November 1 - 1:52 am

  A buyer will get a lot of pickup for a very reasonable price. I purchased my STX at the end of the 2014 season so it was very well equipped with an excellent purchase price for a new vehicle.

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  Minivan? We Dont Need No Stinkin Van! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By New Car Owner - October 31 - 2:46 pm

  Thank you Ford for giving us a good alternative to the minivan. We get all of the benefits of a van, without having to purchase a SUV that would never see a dirt road. Performance is acceptable, once you figure out "jamming the accelerator to the floor" to pass. The CVT does fine, although it takes some getting used to its lack of shifting. The vehicle is not a sports car, but it serves its purpose well, and is quite comfortable. It has the same handling characteristics as a van, but is very predictable in panic type maneuvers. Braking is consistently good, but some fade is noticed on long downhill situations. We average 25 MPG in mixed driving. So far we are pleased with our purchase.

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  Money well spent - 2003 Ford Focus
  By nativejayhawk - October 29 - 2:00 am

  A great little car with a lot of pep. I owen a 2004 Mustang and I enjoy driving the focus just as much. Great stereo system. The focus has a smooth ride. With few exterior upgrades like I have done it really an eye-catching vehicle.

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  one hot truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By svt2001 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  ilove this truck nothing in my mind will ever touch this truck in power and performance cant wait till the 05,s come out 500hpunder the hood

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  lemon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By mimmigoo - October 29 - 2:00 am

  3 weeks to the day from pulling my new car off of the lot the transmission fried on it. the service department says it will take 2 weeks to repair. what is the justice in this??? they dont even feel the need to rush.

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  We Like It! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By KarlS - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Much improved over our 1998 XLT Expedition with the same drivetrain... in all aspects.

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  retry American - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By tomx15 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a 96 Honda Odyssey (a totally reliable auto!). Build quality improving but not on par with Honda. Int layout and seating fabrics vg. Drivers seat is like an ironing board. (99 Accords more comfortable). Gas mileage is awful - 16mpg on daily commute of 70mi. 1mpg better on the highway. Rack an pinion steering very good and ride very improved over 2002. Dealer VG. This truck is not as versatile as Odyssey. Noticed that seat belt shoulder strap is wearing on plastic trim and cutting it as well (hope not a safety issue).

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  Lemon?? - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Lizard - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car at first. THEN into the dealership it went. Again and again for repairs. First the break pads AND rotors had to be replaced at only 25k miles! All normal they said. Break dust on the wheels is horrible and now at 37k miles my breaks are squealing and grinding. Outside parts are loose, falling off. I have an oil leak. The ignition switch broke and had to be towed and was in the shop for a week. Seat belt in the back is jammed. Gas guage does not always work. Not to mention the recalls. In all defense, I was rear ended very hard and the bumper held up fantastically.