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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  This is it! - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By Whattup - July 20 - 11:43 am

  To me this really is the best of the Mustang designs (Fox). This my 3rd mustang. Had an 86 V6 convertible, 88 GT Hardtop - but too many tickets forced me to get a T-Bird. Found this 93 on a car lot late one night and bought it the next morning. This car turns heads like no tomorrow - it is teal, replaced the white top with a black top, switched out the headlights, tail lights, and exhaust. Also switched out the alloy pony wheels with chrome. Am always getting offers to sell and folks not believing it is 13 years old. This car is awesome, fast, and I will have it forever!

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  Cant beat it for the price - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By albert - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best deal you can get for the price. I am sure that a Carrera or a is more ergonomic and makes better turns, but come on !!! I paid just $16K for mine !!! You would have to spend easily over 60K to get an european or japanese car with a similar performance. Of course they are better and have many other features, but they cost 50 THOUSAND MORE. Plus you can still beat them at the light, and they will never sound like the Mustang. A friend of mine spent almost 50k on his 4.2l Audi. It is a much better car, lots of nice features, but there is also quite a difference from 16K to 50K. (plus, I beat him BY FAR at the traffic light ;-)

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  Lemon or new model year glitches? - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By TVSP - July 20 - 10:00 am

  In the first six months of owning my Explorer Sport the following has been replaced for defects: the electronic control module (the brain), the fuel pump, the back window shield wiper, the outer door molding, the oxygen sensor for emissions, the interior "cruise control lights". This is my second Explorer Sport. My first one (a 1998 model) was the polar oppposite of this one...never a problem and it saved my life in a rollover crash at 70mph. While the reliability on my existing Explorer is questionable, the safety systems are impeccable. At least I have the peace of mind in knowing that this vehicle can and will save my life. And lets face it, that is worth a lot!

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  380 hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By SVT380450 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  awesome performance--and Im still blown away that this is a pickup truck. I have what I finally need in a performance vehicle: power, high handling levels, great brakes, tastful but stylist exterior and interior design, exclusivity, and I can still haul items that I bought at Home Depot.

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  Great, Better than Suburban/Yukon/Denali - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Franco - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive, I like it alot better than my 1998 Expedition that I traded in.

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  Wow! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By redhead - July 20 - 12:00 am

  What a great raw muscle car. Fast throaty acceleration. Easy to use controls. Drawbacks are the lumbar (or lack of) support and the slight interior noise from the mini window on the drivers side.

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  Surprised - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Surprised - July 19 - 10:46 pm

  Bought used in 2003 to use primarily as a roofings sales rep van. All of my gear and literature fit perfectly! Heavy driving - bought with 160K and just turned 292K - with only minor maintenance required. Very comfortable - Im 64" and 230 and was never uncomfortable during all of those miles. Van tends to soak up and hold the heat during the summer.

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  #92 on 2003 production Line - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jim Jette - July 19 - 8:26 pm

  Car had no problems until 20-22K. Had right rear brake caliper stick wearing out pads/scoring disk Throttle body (fuel regulator system) had to be replaced. Rear defroster switch stayed on with hard top on drained battery. Had random slap in transmission. Took in twice tech could not find. Finally at 3 year(30K mileage) another tech spotted problem in auto transmission shifting module. The visor (where you view mileage etc) was dirty on inside tech got dirty when removing dashboard to replace rear defroster module. Tires wore out at 31K. Car has had tires and oil changed every 3K. Original tires made you feel like you were floating in car. I weigh 230lbs need seat to go back & recline 3-4 more inches.

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  Big Blue Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By steve - July 19 - 8:16 pm

  V6 auto is slow. Regular cab with a short bed is the most well-balanced look of any pickup. Ride with empty bed is too rough and bouncy over even small bumps. Since I drive it 99% of the time with no load, the current suspension setup is not my thing. Very smooth and quiet highway ride though. Never buy manual window and door locks again. It is a pain when going through tolls. Backup sensor is worth the money.

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  Great First Car - inexpensive to own - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Ryan S. - July 19 - 5:30 pm

  This car is extremely cheap to own, even with gas prices where they are. I can get 325 miles on a tank. Shes not the fastest going up hills, but acceleration is great for a 4 cylinder. I was told there was a recall on the rear seatbelts. I recommend this car for those who dont need a fast sporty car and like to save money on gas.