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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  Pure Satisfaction - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Paul Mullins - July 27 - 1:00 am

  A return to its roots. I own a black GT. I had double silver stripes added, then found the Bullit style mag wheels. The fit and finish are excellent. Ford went back to the drawing board with this one, and turned out a winner. The car handles like a dream, and theres nothing that can touch it for pure lateral acceleration. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds.I dont use all that power, but its nice to know its available. The car is a head turner on the road. Many times, Ive had to avoid someone because theyre looking at the car and not looking at where theyre going.

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  mustang sally - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By joey d - July 26 - 8:13 pm

  the best mustang of the 21st century, the most power and its just sub zero when it comes to coolness.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By skip600 - July 26 - 8:02 pm

  Very well-built truck. Solid, quiet ride, great fit and finish. Quiet and smooth running engine.

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  Super Mustang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By HappyJuls - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  My Mustang has been a great car. It has been on many road trips and traveled 180,000 miles and I have had no problem with the car at all. I havent taken the best care of it (mechanical wise), but it still runs great. I really dont have any major complaints about it! Definitely got my moneys worth out of it.

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  Junk - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By big barn - July 26 - 12:13 pm

  Up until 50000 miles the vehicle was flawless; after that it has been nothing but down hill. Coil pack, plug wire, starter, a/c (several times) rear wheel bearing (twice), all kinds of electrical problems. I have been a Ford man all my life, but I will never buy any Ford product newer than a 96 model again. I would not recommend the 2002 Ford Crown Vic.

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  It does what is can - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rustygray - July 26 - 11:22 am

  I bought mine used from a dealer. I got a great deal, and the vehicle has been solid, fun to drive, and it starts daily, and with better tires and new shocks, it handles pretty well . But it is an SUV not a sports car, so as with any high centered vehicle, driver responsibility is a must. Mine is a 5 speed, and easy to toss around, slide sideways, and fun in the mud and dirt. Keep the oil changed, rotate tires, and air filter every 3k miles, should be okay.

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  A Lot of Car For The Money - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Todd Morris - July 26 - 11:10 am

  I buy cars for long-term service. I pastor a Baptist Church and drive anywhere from 20-30 thousand miles each year. My Taurus has performed flawlessly. Good power, decent mpg, great comfort, best handling car I have ever owned. It is a fun to drive family sedan, really drives like a sports car. I am thrilled with the car.

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  still new - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By akalogan - July 26 - 10:55 am

  I have had my Ranger for about a month now. And so far it is one tough little truck. The highway mileage is about 22-23 mpg. In town only about 15. The a/c will make my ears go numb. The 4.0 has more than enough power for my needs. This truck is a keeper. It is still too new to judge it completely though.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By BW - July 26 - 10:30 am

  Good handling car. Smooth driving on the highways. Great on long road trips too! Leather seats are very comfortable. Bought mine used with 6,000 miles on it and I just love the car. This is the second Taurus that Ive owned over the years. A very reliable automobile. Nice family car with lots of room inside. Saved $10,000 compared to the cost of a new Toyota Camry.

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  Good Bye Ford, Hello Nissan - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jon - July 26 - 9:52 am

  I purchased my 2000 Windstar used 4 years old with 42000 miles on it in the hopes it would last me several years and provide dependable service. I have spent far more maintaining this vehicle than I would have with another vehicle. The transmission is slipping (75,000 miles), struts need replacing, power door locks not working, fuel economy is 17 mpg (which is harder to swallow closer to $3/ gallon) and vehicle has always had problems with alignments. The worst part is that given the dependability and performance of the Windstar, Ill lose a significant amount of money today as I trade it in on a (yes) foreign car to take advantage of the Japanese ability to build dependable vehicles that hold their value.