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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  Built Ford Tough - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Greg - August 29 - 9:30 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Ranger for almost a year now with zero problems. Im up to the 60,000 miles mark, and the truck drives like brand new. At times, the 4.0L V6 can be sluggish, but it suits the truck very well. My only major complaint is the horrible fuel economy for a truck this size.

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  underrated car - 1994 Ford Probe
  By c_hustle - August 28 - 10:00 pm

  This car has been very reliable. Ive had it for two years and havent had any major repairs yet! Great car.

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  Squeaky high MPG - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Lock - August 28 - 2:12 pm

  My heart sank as gas prices rose and my 01 Ranger XLT 4.0L got only 16-17 mpg. My 1998 Ranger XLT has stayed at or just below 20 mpg. I had to get a 4X4 but the 01 would squeak loudly wherever I drove regardless of weather.

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  Mustang Cobr SVT2004 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ykcir - August 28 - 10:00 am

  good on fule mileage

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  Perfection - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jessamya - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My mustang has been the best car ive ever owned. GREAT in every catagory, I would recommend anyone to buy a mustang, and if possible, i would upgrade to a GT, or a Cobra, or even a Roush! :) The bigger, the better.

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  Ford Mustang GT Deluxe 4.6L - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Old Corps - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Obtained vehicle eight days ago. The car is fun to drive but driver comfort is a problem even with the power seat. Ride is a little stiff and bumpy on local streets.

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  Smooth Sailing - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Smooth_Sailing - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I first test drove the Mustang on Rainy day,it was like climbing into a space ship,the seats were so comfortable i almost fell a sleep,they felt like my Lazy-Boy at home,I couldnt believe that this had a 3.8 V-6..it trully felt like the power house of a big V-8..and that baby handled like a indy race car going around the curves at a high speeds on that rainy day,I could see the young sales man hanging on for dear life,after getting back to the dealer,i bought the Mustang right on the spot,Dont hesitate if your thinking about buying a Mustang,has a lot more to offer than what i say,thanks Smooth Sailing

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  Crown Vic - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mr.P - August 28 - 10:00 am

  An awesome car! A total pleasure to drive.

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  My pocket-rocket economy car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By shoperX - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The Focus European heritage is evident when I hear the "thunk" when I close the doors, and when I zip up to 40mph on Sunset Blvd in a flash. The only time I need 1st gear is when leaving a standing stop uphill. It is so quit that Ive trained myself to look at the tach before turning the key. Is this an economy car?

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  My ZX5 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cwolf - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to Drive,Ive had many people comment on how much they like it.Ive only had minor problems,Blown out headlight,Bad gas cap.I drive my ZX5 hard,Handles good for an economy car,Ok in snow driving conditions,Straight line performance is good for a 4cyl economy car.Overall I am very happy with my Focus, I would even go as far to say that I would buy another one.