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:

• 

  Everything I dreamed it would be... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - December 18 - 12:28 pm

  This car is amazing! There are only two things wrong with it. The trunk opening is TINY even though the trunk is really big. The other thing is that the front cup holder is dangerously close to second gear. Other than that this car is great. Interior/exterior styling is breathtaking. The throaty engine will throw your organs into the back seat if you floor it. Handles like a dream. Gas mileage is very acceptable so far its been better than my 2.0L Celica. The seats are comfortable test drive a Celica if you want to feel pain. Anyway, we all know its your dream to have one so stop punishing yourself and go buy it. The price is low when its used, so insurance is the only problem.

• 

  Modded! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Math-you - December 18 - 11:26 am

  This is my second SportTrac, and I love it more than the first. Have modified it for more performance, better handling, and appearance.

• 

  Handling - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Tom Tourigny - December 18 - 11:10 am

  I had a large Town car prior to the Focus. When I test drove this car, I was very surprised on how this car handled. I enjoy a 5 speed and with 16" rims and size 205 low profile tires on a small car car this car handlings is EXCELLENT. Mileage during the summer with the air conditioner on is about 25 mpg. I average about 22,000 a year. My daughter bought a new Focus in 2003. Its a 4 door, 5 speed standard with regular rims and tires. I was surprised her car was even quicker than mine. In general, my next car will be a Focus. You have a great little car here, please continue to move forward with it.

• 

  My Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Terra - December 18 - 10:50 am

  You know now that I think about it the car is not all that great I hate it. This new type of Mustang is a mok of the old 1968 and 1969 mustang boss hoss and 302. After seeing what the old mustangs look like I think when the spring of 2005 ends Im returning it for a Dodge turbo Neon.

• 

  Ford 500: What A Car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By J. Abramo - December 18 - 6:13 am

  The car is outstanding to drive giving the driver a sense of a much bigger car. It is comfortable and the interior is well designed. The AWD system operates flawlessly and the handling in inclement weather is extraordinary. The engine is very adequate for this vehicle as it is not a race car. All that have sat in the rear have expressed the great amount of room available for passenger comfort. Both me and my wife have been stopped by people asking about this vehicle. We have had flashy vehicles in the past, but none that have provoked such interest by the general public. This is a great value and its safety has been noted by NHSTA. Ford needs to advertise this vehicle better!

• 

  great car - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By ty - December 18 - 3:29 am

  I bought this car wondering if the Ford will be able to compete with a Honda but this car is great fun to drive. It has130,000 miles on it. I bought the car for only $2700 bucks and it is well worth it. If I were to get a Honda it would have been a 1988 Honda for that price or even older.

• 

  Bad Ass Car - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By willyworm - December 17 - 8:01 pm

  Not much driving time in the new Shelby yet, but love every thing about it so far. It is quick. It sticks to the road. Styling is awesome. I am not sure how they got everything to fit under the hood, but it does fit nicely. My Shelby is a Metallic Red Convertible. I consider it the most beautiful car I have every seen. Not because it is mine. Looking forward to putting it on a road trip this summer.

• 

  Nice Surprize - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jerome - December 17 - 5:10 am

  I was not sure when I first got it, but within a day grew to love to drive it. Seats high and comfortable, Love the larger armrest storage. MPG is a little better than most in its class. Drives great.

• 

  Crazy if you dont buy one - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By 928s4t - December 17 - 4:46 am

  I am getting 35 miles a gallon, yet I am driving a SUV that is comfortable and looks good. It does not get better than that. I am looking to buy a second (used) Escape. No serious complaints, however, it would be nice if you could add the MP3 option to the factory Navigation/radio setup. The 2008 might be quieter, but I like the looks for the 2007 better.

• 

  Great driving car, but... - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Chuck - December 17 - 3:28 am

  I bought this car because I loved the way it drives, and I still do. Im not completely happy, though, because I have never had such a series of small problems with a car. Interior parts (that darn cupholder!), window motors and relays, sensors, etc. The brake rotors are thin and have a short life expectancy. It never ends. But I have to say that Ive never been stranded in this car. The drive train has been 100% reliable. Still, Ford cancelled the model (I guess it drives too well) and the small things... so this will be my last Ford.