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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  "D-day" 4 the competition - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Jon - July 8 - 4:23 am

  Loving it. Mine is Silver Birch with a rear spoiler, power moonroof and nice tint. I have had mine for a week now. I test drove this 4 times to make sure I was not hallucinating. The power of the dohc v6 is excellent. I would have bought the 4 cylinder if the deal would not have worked out on the v6. The styling is strong, distinguished, classy, understated, smart and masculine with "man-grille" up front anchoring this good handling ride resting on sweet styled 17" alloys. Handling is great for this segment. Fit and finish makes this easily the best Ford sedan ever. It is the "poor mans" CTS and does have Caddy drivers looking.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By RJ - July 7 - 7:03 pm

  Large well equipped sedan purchased for 2 to 4 week trips by a couple who needs large trunk and clothes bar. Quiet and comfortable on both the interstate and back roads. Good sound and A/C. Easy access even for older folks. Can see over the top of most cars. Dangerous drivers will say its underpowered. Safe unticketed drivers who look and plan ahead say power is adequate. If things get tight it will go. Mpg exceeds expectations. Has stability and good feel of the road. Firmly sprung but smooth enough. Finish and fit are great. Everything works. For the money it looks good and does the job for us.

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  Return of the King of MUscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By madskillz - July 7 - 3:03 pm

  All I have to say about this car is AWESOME! I have never driven such a awesome vehicle before. It looks like a 1960 or 1970 Fastback which was a awesome car. I would recommend this to anybody who wants a awesome vehicle that is a legend reborn

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  WORKS FOR ME! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Harleys&Horses - July 7 - 11:31 am

  This truck can do it all. Always dependable, always ready - great for getting around and great for getting the job done.

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  a bullitt-proof review - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By matthew - July 7 - 12:16 am

  I bought this vehicle in February 06 and now 5 months went flying by and there isnt a day I dont give thanks for the opportunity of purchasing this great vehicle. All the hype, and history behind it, along with the extra mods, make this GT the best ever built. Accelerates great, looks awesome, and is truly an investment.

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  Jasons 2005 Mustang GT Premium Coupe - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JHN1976 - July 7 - 12:13 am

  This car is awesome. Its like "whoa!" Its a drastic improvement over both of my prior Mustangs (2000 & 2003 models). It doesnt even compare to either of them. Theres so much room inside. The retro exterior styling is a definite head-turner. The rev of the engine puts a smile on my face. The screech of the tires as I go "zoom" makes my heart race. I feel like a kid with a new toy in my Stang. I think Id live in my car if I could figure out how to permanently install my computer in it.

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  takes a licking, keeps on tickin - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By isides - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  Ive had this truck for 6 years. What can I say I LOVE it. Good power for the 3.0, good brakes, 4x4 low in deep snow, mud or sand is great! But it still needs a 4x4 locker stock (I installed one a few years back).

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  Wish it wasnt this way. - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By CHYBLUE - July 6 - 8:17 am

  I have owned this vehicle since 2001. 7.3 Turbo Diesel, not very much power, replaced 3 sets of hubs, 4 cam position sensors, ball joints have no grease fittings - replaced those twice, multiple electrical problems, 6 batteries so far, light switch breaks off when turning lights on (recalled on others, not where mine was built, per Ford). Newest problem, no center of steering, has been in shop 3 times no use of it for last 2 months replacing part by part from flushing fluids all the way to steering box, still doing same thing -- pulls right, then left, then right. Going back to dealer today. My best advice, buy a Chevy.

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  3 years later - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cjboot - July 6 - 7:26 am

  My first review was in 2003, only a couple of months after my new purchase of Explorer. Now 3 years later, I have had several problems with it. The rear end has got something major wrong! It makes a horrible whining and grinding noise. I have had 3 window motors replaced. Radio will go off for no reason. Transmission is not right. I love the comfort and look and all of my "bells and whistles", however, I am now looking to get rid of it because of the rear end troubles. I have heard this will cost me a fortune. This happened at 37,000 miles and ever since the warranty ran out, it has been downhill!

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  Best car Ive owned, thats saying a lot - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jtmears - July 6 - 12:00 am

  1.5 years, 26k miles and I LOVE this car! Cruises like a BMW 540i and sounds way more cool! Handling is as good as a solid axle can get. Retro interior is comfortable and looks great. Good quality leather, although the plastics could use improvement. Shaker 1000 kicks butt for a stock system. Build quality is good for the price range and greatly improved over the older Mustangs (this makes #5 for me). Its not quite as fast or torquey as my LS1 Trans-Am, but WAY better quality. Has only been to the shop once for something very minor. Gas mileage leaves a little to be desired, but I would have bought a Honda or something if I cared about that. SWEET CAR!