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 Conv/Racer out there!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By John Reid - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Smoking my tires as I left the dealership I felt no regret whatsoever purchasing the dream car. It comes stock with a beautiful body but the exhaust did need some help so I put flowmasters on it. The sound system was great and the MP3 was very nice :o)~ I do encourage SVT to make it standard or an option to have the Mach 1000 in the Cobra as opposed to standard Mach 460 (which is still very nice).

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  My Tweety Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By reinasoleil - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this truck so far! It has all the power a truck its size would need. It has a classy look, but will do its work. The ride is quiet and the suspension gives a feel of sturdiness without being rough. The front seats are extremely comfortable. Its pleasing to drive & it makes me smile just looking at it. I think Im in love!!

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  Love My ZTS! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ragtopgeek - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 01 ZTS for one year, and liked it so much I traded up for an 03 ZTS w/automatic, totally loaded. The driving dynamics are incredible. In an attempt to become more minimal, I just sold my 96 Porsche 911 and 01 Mercedes SLK this past year, so have some experience with nice cars. Of course the ZTS is not a 911 or SLK, but I dont feel like I stepped down from Cindy Crawford to Hillary Clinton. Still have long-term reliability concerns. Would like to think I got a good deal: Every-option ZTS, including Centential Package, with an extended 2 year b-to-b for an out-the-door price of $16,600.

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  Can it possibly get any better? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By graphicguy - October 15 - 1:46 am

  Having been a "hard core" sports car fan, this is the first "American Sports Car" Ive owned. It would be an understatement to say how impressed I am. Its got it all; the style, the muscle, the refinement, the "growl" and the attitude. Aside from the startlingly great straight line performance, the suspension strikes a surprisingly good balance between handling and ride comfort. The seats are comfy while holding you in place. The Interior Upgrade Package with real aluminum dash is quite the looker. Shift feel is positive and quick. Brakes haul you down with "right now" stopping power. Build quality is among the best Ive experienced in any car. Its tight and solid

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  3rd Mustang, The Best So Far - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Clarke - October 15 - 1:45 am

  I had an attack of patriotism so I had to buy American, also 3rd mid-life crisis! More comfortable than I would have imagined, corners great and I love the sound. A little clunky, but hey, its a Ford. Fast enough that you have to watch the speedometer. I drove from Idaho to NY and averaged 70 MPH, I got 24 MPG on regular gas! Whats not to like? A lot of fun for the money!

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  Holy Crap!!! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By spovelko - October 14 - 11:51 pm

  I bought my 2007 V6 Coupe three months ago.After a couple of weeks the brake warning light,loss of traction light,computer display reads brake fluid level low,and the traction control system turns itself on and off.Ive had it in the dealership three times now.The first time was for 4 days,didnt fix it,the second time was for two weeks,didnt fix it.Third time I made it into the dealership they hooked it up to the diagnostic machine and the service manager says hell call me as soon as he compares the results to another 07.Three weeks go by,all the while I am calling him,he doesnt return my calls so I contact Ford directly.They bring in an expert.Its been there a week.They still have not call

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  Finally - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Iman - October 14 - 9:10 pm

  This car has only one problem. The space on the speedometer between 55 and 80 is to thin. You will get into trouble if you dont keep an eye on your speed. No rattles, squeaks, or defects. As for the ownership experience, this car was built on August 8th and was not delivered until October 7th.

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  130K miles and going strong - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By milehigh - October 14 - 12:53 pm

  One-owner auto with 130,000 miles. Other than the notorious thick-film module problem, its been a reliable, good running/riding car. Biggest drawback: the 3-speed auto. that either screams or loafs. But it cruises the interstate at 80-85 all day and still gives me 28mpg. A gigantic trunk, great stereo/tape audio for an old beater and they dont paint em like that anymore (non- metallic red that still shines up great). Theres a lot of these running around Kansas so they must be pretty good overall if theyre not abused. I wouldnt take less than $2000 for this 17-year-old bomb, but it aint for sale!

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  My F-150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By LUIS - October 14 - 11:09 am

  I used to drive a Silverado and its performance was OK, but its interior design cannot compare with the one from the F-150. Now I can pull more weight as my boat and work requirements demand. Its engine is quiet and powerful, so I recognize that I have to maintain it properly.

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  Nice car but - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John - October 14 - 8:47 am

  So far in the past week of owning this car, Ive been left stranded twice. Both times were caused by a failed shifter cable end. The other complaint I have about this car, is the non-functional 6 disc cd changer, this car will be the last Ford I own and quite possibly the last domestic. In fact if I didnt owe so much on this pile, I would be trading it for a last gen Civic SIR, or a Jetta TDi.