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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  best car ever - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mmiikkee - November 13 - 2:00 am

  the ford mustand gt convertiable is the best car ive ever owned and driven

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  fast car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By moose88466 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS NOT STOCK. I live in MN the home of the TCStangs.... We are the bigest group of mustangs in the twin cities area. My car has been turned into a Roush 2. All in all the base Mustang GT convt. is a good car but Im just the kind that likes loud pipes and fast cars.

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  Mustang, what a car. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Billy Bob Thornton - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I would fully recomend this car to anyone for not only a fun car to drive around in on the weekends with the top down, But also a fun car to drive everyday to and from work and for pleasure. Although this is not a family car it is a great starter car for the new driver in the family.

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  Incredible - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tek - November 13 - 1:50 am

  This car has excellent agility, a comfortable ride, quick acceleration, and very smooth shift.

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  Glad I bought the extended warranty - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Mike Zac - November 13 - 1:32 am

  Ok, its a great little SUV. Quick and peppy. But I am putting my $1500 extended warranty to use! In the last year I have replaced the master cylinder, the torque converter, the oil oan and gasket, a burned up exhaust valve, front brakes and rotors (twice!) and have it in now to replace the timing belt cover. It is dripping oil on the exhaust manifold and I am afraid I will be roadside BBQ soon. My warranty company has shelled about $5000 on the fixes so far!

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  Ford SES - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By xpcdr4d - November 12 - 6:49 pm

  I bought this 03 Taurus SES about a month ago. So far I am very pleased. It cost me KBB wholesale from a rental car co and had 28K on it. Very comfortable driving and it got 31.5mpg on a recent trip to my amazement. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Big Boy!!! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By gambroise - November 12 - 3:03 pm

  This vehicle turn heads everywhere you go. Other cars move out the way when they see you coming. You are in control all the time. You just have to remember when you are driving this vehicle that other people lives are in your hands. So you have to be alert at all times, especially when you are on the highways. Trying to find parking with this vehicle is very tough and make sure you make enough money to afford filling up the gas tank every week. Overall I think this is a great car but one has to make sure that this is not their main vehicle because using it everyday would definently put a deep hole in your pockets.

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  Black Magic Stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By globalcheryl - November 12 - 2:39 pm

  This is my 2nd mustang, my first was a 1965 red pony which my brother and I drove into the ground. This one will be better cherished. Im short 5 and can comfortably drive this car. I love the way it handles and the auto top is the bomb. I can reach everything.

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  Great little car - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By T.W. Seybold - November 12 - 12:36 pm

  Fun to drive, Plenty of power in the mountains. Comfortable seats especially in the rear with good vision out. Plenty of storage space and good mileage.

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  Great Ride with Good Reliability - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Jack Barritt - November 12 - 11:37 am

  I bought the truck with 20,000 miles in 2000 and 4 years later have 117,000. It has the 4.6L V-8 that has adaquate power but gas mileage has been around 14 mpg with local driving. Overall, the truck rides well and has been very dependable. I did have to get the transmission rebuilt at 100,000 miles which set me back $1900 but otherwise the truck has required little maintenance and still runs and rides very well. I plan to keep it several more years.