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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  Not a great family vehicle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By StangGirl - November 6 - 12:29 pm

  Last year my husband decided he wanted to trade in my minivan (lol) for this Mustang, well over all I love the Mustang, looks good, drives good (love the handling) except for it revving up (not sure if its because its a manual) when you go to stop, only happens occasionally. The CD player jumps which I heard that was common for the Shaker 500. And well ,its just unpractical for a family. Though it looks nice and you get a lot of thumbs up we just gotta let it go.

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  Pleased overall - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By shane - November 6 - 12:00 pm

  This vehicle has cut my weekly fuel cost from $80 to $35. ThatÂ’s a $2600 yearly savings and I did not have to do anything other than change vehicles. The vehicle is comfy with plenty of amenities. My family is very pleased so far. I do not mind that these vehicles are not perfect and I am grateful that manufacturers are finally making a product that uses less fuel, cannot wait for improved models in the future.

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  Like a Tank - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DEAA17 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I have the heavy duty model and its large and fast and comfortable.Plus it is cheap.When you are in the fast lane people get the hell out of your way.GREAT!!!! Get a white one.

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  Focusing on Quality-Where is it? - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mark Roman - November 6 - 2:00 am

  At crusing speeds, there is an electrical problem which causes the vehicle to stall whenever I turn on the lights or flick the high beams back and forth. Its been the shop twice to trace the problem to no avail. While I had the vehicle in the shop for the first service, some grease monkey backed into it damaging the rear bumper. They had the vehicle in the shop for 19 days in January. Whenever I flick the windshield washers, I get a strong smell inside the cabin of antifreeze. Theyve replaced one piece and it still occurs. The drivers seat has a loose piece. Theyve also replaced the outside rubber on the drivers side door and the car alarm.

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  fx4 II - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By russ123 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Beat it up it can take it

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  Very Disappointing - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Fooled Only Once - November 6 - 2:00 am

  The transmission went at 27,000 miles, had to be totally rebuilt, was without car for 4 days with no loaner. Tires were down to steel belt and had to be replaced at 27K at my own expense (not covered under warranty). Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, my electric door locks and windows would not function, the handle on the back (inner deck of wagon) fell off (screws were missing, never put on in factory I was told), but again had to be without transportation while being fixed. I purchased this Ford because I thought at the time Ford built a quality car...and I would have reliable transportaion, I was sadly mistaken.

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  Mach 1 is good - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By george b. - November 5 - 7:35 pm

  I love this car. It has great performance and it rides well. I have had no problems with it so far. It is my first sports car.

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  Better than GM or Chrysler! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By PL - November 5 - 1:28 pm

  Bought this after owning/driving Chevy Venture and Dodge Caravan. This was hands down a better van. Bigger, more power, better ride than the competition. Gas mileage less on the larger 3.8L engine, but significant power and better towing ability makes that negligible at 25mpg hi-way vs 28+ on the others with a small trailer. Loved it from day one and it still drives like new, turning 109,000 this week. Maintenance is easier on Windstar-easier oil/filter changes. Cabin air filter for allergy sufferers is good idea. Overall I would say 100% better than Venture and 50% better than Chrysler products. Looked at Honda, Hyundai before buying this. We have never regretted it a second!

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  fun - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jay.t.elliott - November 5 - 12:30 pm

  I have driven the mustang GT for 4 months. It is an absolute blast to drive. The fuel economy is not as well as I had hoped.

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  Happy, Happy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By finesse1 - November 5 - 2:17 am

  Ive had this car for over a month now (1250 miles) and love how well it handles. I love the manual trans and Im comming from a BMW 328 CI manual! Gas milage is edging up with every fill up. Now avg 29 - 30 mpg only because it is fun to push it around corners and thru traffic. Very comfortable, quiet and user friendly. Sports package is a must! Its still new enough in my area to draw stares, smiles and an occasional nod. So far looks to be a great choise!