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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  Best bang for your buck - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Julio - June 28 - 10:35 pm

  I bought V6 5 speed red Mustang in 2005 and has 47k miles already. No mechanical/electrical issues. Cons: no real pick up in first gear, tires of low quality (poor track in winter/rain conditions), stereo of low quality (keeps the cds inside), some cabin noise, reverse shift difficult to engage, plastic interior of low quality, cupholders useless in current location, dings and bells for seat belts and other conditions extremely noisy and loud. Pros: almost everything else: design, speed, comfort (for 2 passengers of course), trunk space, fuel economy, reliability, etc.

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  Focus Rally Car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By focuszombie - June 28 - 8:07 pm

  The Focus seems to take a beating in the reviews, but mine has been pretty much what I expected. I bought it used (lease return) and it was cheap transpo. Maintenance? Ive replaced brake pads once (Im at 42K miles), tires once, and done oil changes. Thats it. Not bad. Resale value? Holding its own with current gas prices. I downsized from a Ranger 4x4 the Focus is like driving a sports car to me. Mountain roads are more fun and the road trip to Trona where my Focus left a Toyota PreRunner 2 miles in the dust on desert dirt roads, now that was a blast! Ford, whyd you kill the hatchback? Hatchbacks rule for small car utility and capacity. Bring it back! Yeah, I like mine!

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  Dependable car I will miss driving! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jill - June 28 - 5:34 pm

  After 8 years with no expenses (aside from basic maintenance), I have had a great experience with the Contour. I only wish Ford didnt discontinue the line! This car brought me back and forth across the country with great control, comfortable handling and no problems. After 120,000 miles and many years, its time to move on. I hope my next car treats me as well as the Contour has!

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  Perfect Big SUV - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Barry Alexander - June 28 - 1:57 pm

  This is the first Ford I have ever owned and, in fact, the first domestic car since I was a kid. We tested every large SUV from the QX 56, to the Denali and Sequoia. The Expedition was the best priced and best balanced of the entire bunch. The independent rear suspension does make a difference in handling in comparison to the GM Yukon/Tahoe variants. The interior is well thought out and, while there are some rough edges, no where near the interior disaster of the new Toyota Sequoia. If you have a large family and need to tow, this vehicle serves its mission well.

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  Great - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Rich3910 - June 28 - 12:34 pm

  I traded in a 2004 F150 and was not sure if I wanted a smaller car. Gas mileage to me if great window sticker said 17 city - -27 highway. Im getting 22.6 in the city and 32 Hwy with cruise. Gas mileage is great compared to some forgien cars that you see on TV. All I can say buy american!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By cyprinella - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Would do it all over again. We love this SUV!

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  nice ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By leader - June 28 - 10:00 am

  i bought this new with all the options for a good price. actually paid less than buying a nissan with 4cyl. car is solid. drive very well. i expected a cheap cat and got a gem. for has come a long way in quality. so far no problems and hope i have none.

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  Our third Ford, and its a Charm - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Rubygross - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We decided to retire our 1996 Ford Escort and give it to our son. We researched the Ford Focus LX Sedan, found a great deal from the internet service manager...and went to purchase. We found a beautiful color which we call seafoam green and Ford calls Terra. Received a $3,000 rebate at time of purchase, great incentives, power train warranty...the whole shebang.

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  Upgrade - 2003 Ford Focus
  By sgomez - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded my less than one-year-old 02 Focus ZTW for one of these babies in Pitch Black. Its hard to believe that they belong to the same family. Dont get me wrong, the little wagon was extremely competent and reliable and always a sweet ride. The 5- doors SVT is in a whole together different league, hard to compare. I have had the car for less than a week so I am rating 10 to all items in the survey. If I change my mind I will let you know

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  Pretty decent car - 1996 Ford Probe
  By er23 - June 27 - 5:29 pm

  Ive had my Probe SE for two and half years now, and I have loved the car. I have, although, had many problems with repairs. I have spent more money on repairs than I have to buy the car. The exterior has very nice styling other than the SE rims. The interior is very nice and comfortable, and the visibility is perfect. I would say the biggest plus to this car is the handling. It honestly handles like a dream. It is overall a solid car despite the constant repairs.