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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  2004 ford Mustang V8 GT - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Velina Spano - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I had love mustang,since I was sixteen,that when I saw my first mustang. I do injoy driving my 2004 V8,GT mustang, but I am dispointed in interior, its cheap. I was also over price for this car. I paid for my 2004 ford mustang 32,000. I found aniversary package, was nothing to brag about. I still looking for the deluxe in 2004 anniversary package.

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  "stang lover - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By imnotsuzi - December 10 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive. fun to own. turns heads. i have received only compliments on this car. everyone that has seen my car has said what a nice looking car it is.

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  Horribly cheap interior - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rickracer - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Dash, seats and shifter is cheap.

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  MY - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By teresa-N-GREGORY - December 10 - 10:00 am

  ITS A GREAT RIDE IF YOURE LOOKING TO LIVE ON THAT WILD SIDE

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  Lots for the Money - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Average Joe - December 9 - 10:05 pm

  After puting the last 20K, of 107K, on a 1997 model, I bought the 2008. Not much change, but "if it aint broke dont fix it!" These little trucks will give you much economical utility and reliabilty. When you are not "trucking" it is decently comfortable transportation for two.

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  This truck paid for itself - 1996 Ford F-150
  By DB - December 9 - 9:35 am

  I purchased this truck new in Nov 1995. In 12 years, the only unscheduled maintenance Ive had to do was a radius arm bushing in 2002 and a starter which gave out in 2006. Ive moved myself cross country (saved thousands of dollars), been off-road on a regular basis in the mountains of Colorado and pretty much beat the truck to death (after all, it is a truck) and still it delivers. Through three wrecks, Ive not had to make any repairs. The things I hit werent so fortunate. After 220,000 miles, its pretty much at the end of the line. The engine still purrs, but other things are starting to wear out (suspension bushings, interior trim, dashboard lights, A/C hoses, etc). Thanks, Ford

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  My Tang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By schue - December 8 - 4:30 pm

  I feel like a kid again. Use to own a 66 Mustang back in 1966.

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  The best never rest - 1992 Ford F-150
  By brian839297 - December 8 - 2:52 pm

  It has over 250,000 miles and still runs on the original 351. The trans finally gave at 240 and it is now sporting a c6. This truck will take any thing you can give it. I jump it, take it off-road and drive it every day. The truck is fast for being what it is. I can out run almost any new Chevy and some HEMI Dodges too!

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  Cant kill it - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Brian839297 - December 8 - 2:42 pm

  This is a great car! I got the car for $400 because someone ran it with no oil after changing the oil. I put a set of lifters, oil pump, and a new cam sensor drive in it a drove it 12,000 miles no problem. I beat on this car pretty bad every day and it always comes back for more lol. For having about $650 in the car I couldnt be happier. It also has the original heads and trans that dont slip!

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  Not aging gracefully - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mark - December 8 - 11:33 am

  Granted, its an older car but you shouldnt have to replace the intake manifold for $1000 because it is made of a cheap material. Why did fleet cars get warranty coverage on this and personal owners didnt? Headliner is falling down, ball joints were shot, plastic door handle snapped off, plastic cover fell from above onto the drivers feet. Now we have a leak somewhere causing the floor to be swamped with every rain. Overall, mechanically pretty sound but body interior and exterior quality is very poor. Especially for a luxury car. Ford was really milking this cash cow when they sold this junker in 1997.