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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  Good Value - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By SevenBizzos - October 30 - 6:59 am

  I bought the GT as a "second" car for fun and to be an owner of the most popular performance car ever. Its a good car - no big complaints. Acceleration is adequate given the factory gear ratio. Cornering and handling are merely average considering the weight of the vehicle. I got the Mach 1000 option and am only marginally satisfied with its performance considering the price ($1200). Build your own stereo system, swap the axle gears to a 3.73 or 4.10, add a Predator tuner, and buy a lowering/performance suspension system and youll have a great car.

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  Perfection! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dave Herbert - October 30 - 1:46 am

  I traded up from a 1994 Mustang 5.0. What a drastic difference in performance, comfort and styling. Every day I catch people staring at my vehicle. The Shaker 1000 stereo system sounds better than my home stereo.

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  great truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By justin - October 29 - 9:42 pm

  I purchased this truck as a prior salvage that had been repaired. I have abused this truck in every way imaginable and have had no problems other than general maintenance. I put 110000 miles on this truck in two years. Almost all of those miles were highway with the governor holding me back. I have hauled four wheelers, motorcycles, concrete, railroad timbers just anything i can fit in it. Replaced shocks at 130,000 miles, crank sensor at 150,000 miles. Replaced belt tensioner at 176,000 miles. I have rarely changed the oil on time and once went over about 11,000 miles. I have recently had front end end work done. I havent even changed the plugs or wires and the truck still runs great.

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  Great Nostalgic Ride - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Darryl - October 29 - 11:51 am

  Car looks super -- very retro looking. It has great performance and good gas mileage -- hits 25 mpg on highway most of the time. Accelerates like a muscle car from the 60s once you get it rolling the 5 speed automatic really keeps the engine boiling -- sounds good too. The torque of the V-8 makes passing effortless. More of a luxury ride than a sport car ride. A little soft in cornering but very comfortable on trips. Some body shake on bumpy roads. Stereo with 6-disc CD works well, sounds good. In summary, if you like the feel of a V-8 in a car with dramatic styling, you are going to love this car.

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  My BlueStang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BlueStang - October 29 - 10:46 am

  I have had this vehicle for a little over a month and I must say that it is a keeper. SO fun to drive and the gas mileage isnt bad either. I am so heavy on the pedal that I can make a econocar get bad gas mileage. The Mustang likes to be pushed. And the 5 speed is fun!

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  Nothing more than True Engineering - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By AJ - October 29 - 9:13 am

  Everyone in my family either has this car, or has had one. As a previous owner of 3 of these cars (2 police editions, and 1 base version), I cannot state how reliable and dependable this car is. The thing I truly love about this car, and cannot stress this enough, is that it is true quality engineering for the American car makers. I dont even believe Asian/European car makers can come close to how awesome of a car this is. Yes, the car is practically a submarine on wheels with its size and looks, and the entire isnt anything fancy. But what this is, is no stupid computers that break down, just quality mechanical engineering, and we truly need more of these types of cars now!

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  45mpg average - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tony - October 29 - 6:50 am

  excellent fuel economy, impressive interior and features, solid feel, seating is a little uncomfortable and interior feels a little on the tight side.

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  My SportTrac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jerry - October 29 - 6:40 am

  Researched all lines of truck like this and found the SportTrac the best looking and functional fit. The complete redesign for 2007 puts it way ahead of the competition. Recommend trying and deciding for yourself instead of heeding the biased reviews given domestic cars and trucks today. Go Ford!

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  I truly plan to keep my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jltacy - October 29 - 1:37 am

  I plan to keep my Explorer until the most expensive thing that can go wrong, goes wrong. I have only had 1 small part replaced since I bought it in 2002. I cannot imagine driving a car again. I am spoiled. It has over 110,000 miles on it and I have had no major repairs, only wear and tear items. Yes it gets 15 - 16 miles per gallon, but when you are not making payments that quite a savings.

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  Dont buy one - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Wes Smith - October 28 - 11:30 am

  Since the warranty expired, I have spent an average of $1500 per year on non-routine mantenance. It has been a pain in the wallet. I expect to spend money on tires, brakes, etc. But I have had to have to much "other" work done on the van.