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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  Great car! - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Titman - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Unbelievable a car this small could ride like a Linclon and the JAG engine is awesome, fast, fast, fast, 25MPG overall. Transmission like silk and option to manual shift or auto shift nice. 6K miles and not the first defect of any sort. Trunk small and cockpit only made for two. Had a few nice sports cars in my time and TBird the most fun and get a lot of thumbs up from other motorists. Yup, its definitely a head turner and we get a lot of compliments.

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  The Real SUV - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Hot Tuna - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a real sport utility vehicle. If you live in a large city like I do (Chicago) you need a car that can fit the smallest spot and can carry all of your things when engaging in your annual move to another apartment. The audiophile sound system is bar none and the exceleration for a sub 20K, 4 cylender car is exceptional. People may smerk when you have a focus (those that dont know what an SVT is) but when laying the smack down on an eclipse GTS, passengers soon realize that this focus is on roids.

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  Ford Explorer EB - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By WADDy - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I like my ford explorer eddie bauer a lot no problems 183000 miles very nice vehicle.

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  awsome truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By fordsarebest - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Ibought my ranger in 2002 and all I have done to it besides oil changes is a new battry.I did have the transmission suddenly lock up going 65 mph but it was my fault.I replaced it and I dont hink I will ever have to but another truck for a long time .Ithas 133000 mile and still runs like new .lots of power and great gas mileage I con get up to 450 miles to a tank. the only thing is it is not too comfortable on long trips,but i can deal with it because this truck is great.

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  recall tranny - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By fordsarebest - September 8 - 2:00 am

  i bought my taurus in 2000 and i love my car but the transmission kicks out of gear often when i stop at redlight or turnoff.i took it to ford garage and theysaid it was a problem with all of them from that year. i think they should recall these cars for safety reasons and fix the problem.Other than that I love how it drives still and gas mileage is decent for a big car but could have been better.very comfortable on long trip,and has the best engine (3.0) I think has ever been built.

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  The best Mach Ford ever built! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Machman - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Pretty much the perfect Mustang in every way. It has plenty of power, Retro styling, luxiorious interior, great handling and brakes. I have no complaints. I have met several people who own this car as well and they agree with me 100%!!! I also own a 93 LX 5.0 and it was NOTHING like this Mach!! PERFECT!!!

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By DanteGreen - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the car on the 27th of June, and I have had the car for a lil under 3 weeks now and I have to say I love my car thus far, its everything I expected it to be and more. I purchased it for $14,000 flat with license, title and fees. I felt as if I got a great deal and thats including the destination charge, weather package, and the 6-disc changer with audiophile package, not to mention I did get the best ZX5 available in the Premium, so I did well in my mind. The car is faster then I expected also. Over all, the car is great and with the new powertrain warranty, things are looking well!

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  Its been a great little car! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Blondibear - September 7 - 9:23 am

  I have owned 18 cars since I started driving in 1978. This is the first brand new car I purchased after owning at least 10 previous Fords. I have truly enjoyed this car. Its reliability has been 100% - I have never been left stranded. It rides and drives like a much more expensive car, and has plenty of leg and headroom for this tall, plus sized girl! Admittedly, I do favor Fords overall, but when I go to buy another car next year, it will most likely be another Focus.

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  Drivers Seat Design Flaw - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ken Vinson - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2-door SVT and the only problem I have experienced is with the drivers seat. If you drive with the seat bottom raised up in the back, you have to remember to lower it if you pull the seat back forward to let someone in the back seat. Otherwise, over time it will rub a place in the lower seat cushion. The Ford dealership where I bought my SVT is replacing mine free of charge this time. The service writer at the dealership agreed it is a design flaw. Now all I have to do is tie a string around my finger and remember to lower the seat cushion when I have passengers for the back-seat. :}

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  Best to drive ever - 1994 Ford F-150
  By RBonham - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Ford PUs over the past 30 years. This one tops them all.