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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  My First Ford - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Larry Parks - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Probably the poorest engineered and poorest quality vehicle Ive ever owned, its my 10th vehicle. Ive had nothing but problems since I bought the car, I actually got it in July 2002. Im glad the dealer decided to sneak a premium extended warranty in on the contract, I have a feeling a lot more will go wrong after the initial 36,000 miles.

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  Fun to Drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JLB5 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought for my wife and daughter. They are short and still could see the corners of the car and reach the pedles with ease. The surprise was when I drove it, I had head room and leg room. (Im 6) I love to drive it on our back roads in the area. They are hilly and windy giving you all the opportunity to drive. This car is FUN FUN to drive. We have not had any maintenance problems.

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  2003 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Carl Tudor - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Ranger. I had a 1984, 1989, and now a 2003. I have had very little problems with any Ford Ranger including this one. I would buy another Ranger as my next purchase.

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  my black bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Richard E. - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had more fun with this car than any car I have owned in 30 years.I get great remarks from anyone who has a chance to talk to me about the car.Quality is impecable.Look is awesome.Great performance.Cant say enough. Regards Richard E.

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  Keeps getting better - 2007 Ford Edge
  By SS - October 20 - 12:46 am

  We have only had the Edge for 3 weeks and 1200 clicks but so far we are very impressed. The handling, comfort and ride is excellent. I dont think we could of picked a better all around driver.

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  SHOP AROUND BEFORE YOU BUY - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Very Disappointed - October 19 - 6:09 am

  Sadly, I didnt read the reviews before I bought this car. The transmission is horrible and Im told thats the way it is. First and last Ford product I will buy. Its been in the shop twice already and Ive only owned it for 8 months. Air condition module had to be replaced and a fuse was blown in addition to all the transmission issues. Stay away from this car!

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  This car sells it self - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ddmodify - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I looked for a dark shadow grey Mach 1 for 9 months. The whole time I felt like I was cheating on my 99 35th anniversary Mustang (Silver and Black). But, I consider my Mach to be a classy performance car. My Mach, is my 3rd mustang. I park next to corperate americas bmw clone series (you know the dark one with 4 doors), and no one ever compliments their cars. The joke is there is a million mustangs on the road. But Ive seen one like mine. (at a mustang car show) My suggestion, but a special series mustang (35th, Bullit, Mach, Cobra) Far nicer interiors.

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  Aw, Not Bad! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By greentiger - October 19 - 2:00 am

  well, ive had this vehicle for 3months now as a used vehicle 2003 with 30,000 miles. its a beautiful car, has adequate power, very nice ride, but im now having to question the mechanical dependability since ive had to put this vehicle in the shop twice. first, the fuel pump had to be replaced after i noticed a "service engine soon" light. 2 weeks later, another "service engine soon" light. now, its the computer system that has to be replaced. one more major repair, and the vehicle goes back. thank goodness, its still under factory warranty!!

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  Should have bought an 8 - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Thornburg - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My truck has the 4.2 V6. For towing you definetly need the V8. The good news is my fuel economy is 19.7 on the freeway and 15.5 city. Not bad for a full size truck. Very reliable to drive and very comfortable for a familly of 4 when traveling. I would tell anyone to buy one for a second or even a first familly vehicle.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By JN - October 18 - 7:33 pm

  The very best car Ive owned. The 4.6 V-8 is outstanding. Im Sold...