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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  Ford has really got it right. - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By 2012coyote - April 25 - 7:33 pm

  Wow. That is all that is needed to be said. This car is for anyone, aged 16-116 who wants to own the most fun/dollar vehicle on the market. With sleek 1969 Mach 1 tribute styling, the 2012 Mustang GT gives everyone the opportunity to own a piece of Muscle Car History and be the baddest car on the road. The new Mustang is extremely light compared to the Camaro and the Challenger, and with the 6- Speed Manual and 3.73 rear end, this car is like a rocket, both in the straight line and in corners. It is extremely good looking, extremely comfortable to drive, and is unbelievable fast for the price. Highly recommended to Everyone.

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  My Baby - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By bjorlino1 - April 24 - 9:26 am

  I absolutely love my 2009 V6 Mustang coupe. The car is a head turner out on the open road. The "fastback" inspired exterior styling looks amazing. The interior is extremely comfortable and I love my leather seats. The ambient lighting in the cabin is a neat added touch. The car has great acceleration with 210 HP and 240 ft lbs of torque. This car is so much fun to drive. The only drawback is that the instrument panel is difficult to read at times.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By bjorlino1 - April 24 - 9:11 am

  I absolutely love my 2009 v6 Mustang. The car is a head turner out on the road and it is so much fun to drive. The car has amazing acceleration with 210 HP and 240 ft lbs of torgue. The interior is great with the leather seats and ambient lighting. The sound system with the Shaker 500 is awesome. The only drawback is that the instrument panel is tough to read at times. Overall it is a great car to buy!

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  REALLY reliable - 2003 Ford Focus
  By twamebrown - April 22 - 10:19 pm

  This car has been GREAT. I bought it with about 30k miles on it and now it has 90k with very little put into it. Give her regular oil changes and this car will just keep on going. I had to put new tires on it, new brakes and change the lock cylinder when I bought it, but outside of that, it has been perfect. It runs smooth and shifts beautifully. I get about 25 mpg with mostly city driving. Sometimes when I shut the trunk it doesnt latch, but I just have to shut it again. Great car, will drive it into the ground.

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  Just Awesome!!! - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By sooners88 - April 22 - 6:12 am

  After driving a BMW for the past 12 years, I am extremely please with the new 2011 Ford Explorer. Detroit (Ford) has finally caught up with the Japanese and German auto manufacturer. It drives like a luxury sedan and the limited option has all the bells and whistles that you ever wanted.

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  1st time truck owner - 2011 Ford F-150
  By carstryke - April 21 - 2:22 pm

  Hello, I am a 1st time truck owner and i am extremely satisfied. Loaded her up with $3000 worth of acessories and only have 80km on her so far. Opted for the 5.0 over the ecoboost only because of the current inventory.

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  Like Fords of old - 2011 Ford Edge
  By krbabble - April 21 - 1:32 pm

  Years ago we owned a Ford Crown Victoria. Great road car. Solid feel about it. Our new Edge has those same qualities but with all the modern conveniences. Love the My Touch system, the blind spot side mirrors, and the great seats. Even my wife, who does not like leather, loves the heated front seats. So glad we went for the Limited with the memory features. My wife is 11 inches shorter than me but the memory makes finding our driving positions easy. We have owned many new cars and this one is one of the best, if not the best, ever.

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  Very Reliable - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mazzaro67 - April 17 - 8:25 am

  Well balanced, handling and solid feel without the road noise !!! Overall a great designed and attractive hatchback. Ford Focus ZX3 got daughter home in her 1st blizzard at nite. Drove me to work for 8 years x 70miles each day. 5 very long trips over 1000 miles. I even slept in the back for 2 nites. Now at 112k miles, everything still works fine. I did change the following once: Battery, Brakes, Tires, Thermostat housing, Belts, hoses, filters, front tie rod links, and plugs. Nothing on this car is hard to work on either.

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  mustang surprise - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By zimboy - April 16 - 8:16 pm

  I have been in the US for 8 years having preferred European sports cars. I thought the Mustang might lack the handling, fun and feel i have been used to. I bought a race red with american mustang club package which looks striking especially with the silver grey alloys. It is a pleasure to drive and skidpad performance was best i have ever had. Its a car that can cruise in style and be thrown around with confidence. And with great pricing it is very hard to beat.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By goldnpaw - April 16 - 1:18 pm

  Just turned 90k miles on my 2005. Everything still original except battery and wiper blades. Very smooth ride, paired with Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo/ 2 tires..this thing has gone through 34 inches of snow like a tank....been over off road passes in Colorado at 14,000 feet, and still drives great. No rattles, squeeks, or any issues. Best SUV I have ever owned. routine maintenance always performed on time, have used full synthetic oil since new. chrome plated aircraft grade aluminum wheels make this red over silver truck look outstanding. Fully loaded, this is the longest I have owned any vehicle in my life.