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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  Love My Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rickintemcula - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Big fan of the Ford SVT division. Traded in my 02 Lightning for 04 Cobra convertible. Many reasons, but last of the Dearborn Mustangs, IRS, massive HP, SVT break. Not disappointed. Did add Magnaflow cat backs, looking for Steve McQueen Bullitt Mustang sound. Close. Also, improves breathing to redline. Overall, lots of fun. Neighbors jealous. Hair not falling out as quickly.... I am anxiously awaiting the next round of offerings from the SVT group. GT is slightly out of budget, but love the prototype Lightning and look forward to seeing the magic they work on the new Mustang. Wish SVT had done the Marauder. Lots of potential wasted there.

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  Diehard Stang Fan - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dangerfield - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I havent had this much fun driving since my 1973 Mach I. Still a new car, Im learning that I like it more each day. Much quicker than my 68 289 coupe, suspension is firm, though a little squirrely in the corners, but you can learn to adapt. Drivers seat puts my right leg to sleep on any drive longer than an hour. Great sound, both from the exhaust pipes or awesome sound system. I just look for reasons to drive this baby.

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  Great car - 2005 Ford GT
  By MetallicaDude454 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pretty nice car, i think this is exactly what ford needed to put out. It will be a great competitor towards the Corvette, but maybe not as great towards the viper.

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  i like it - 2005 Ford GT
  By drivealltheway - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. I have driven it a lot, and it really impresses friends (and girls) Its acceleration is almost instant, and the handling is marvelous.

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  2005 Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
  By FH4EVR - October 2 - 2:00 am

  More than a handful, this is not your fathers Oldsmobile - nor does it bear any resembalance to ots namesake, the Mustang GT. Save this car for perfect days and keep the milage low and it will be a better investment than any 401K.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Ford GT
  By mrjonesy2007 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has the style, the power and the incredible feeling when you sit inside of it. I will never buy another car except for this one as long as i live and as long as they still make it.

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  not the best - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By needacar - October 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van 1 1/2 years ago, and have done nothing but pour money into it. The whole engine has given out, the cam shaft is broke, both heads cracked, weve had to put in a new radiator, water pump, rack and pinion, and other things I am too frustrated to remember. A lousy deal for us. Beware.

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  Good, but.... - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By JSBNews - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good vehicle, considering it was an emergency purchase, but I wouldnt buy one again. Its all over the road, and has some funny quirks even my mechanic cant figure out. Great for hauling people and stuff, but not very fun to drive.

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  Kurts T-Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kurt B. - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My T-Bird has never let me down. After 8 years, it still runs very strong. Initial problems included a defective CD player and incorrect factory front end wheel alignment. Nothing since then. It has strong acceleration and can light up the tires easily. A good balance of luxury and performance. In the Arizona heat, cooling system and AC have performed flawlessly. The car looks great, too! Excellant fit and finish of car body.

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  fun, fun, fun - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By jackiedee - October 2 - 2:00 am

  i love my powder blue t-bird for around town. it just makes people smile and give you the thumbs up sign. it is a little difficult to remove hard top. once it was off--i kept it off. the soft top up and down feature does not measure up to my saab convertible that self latches and does not need a boot cover. the t-bird has tons of pick-up and is good off the line which is important in LA. i plan on putting few miles on this car and keeping it for a long time.