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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  Real Muscle Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Xina - July 7 - 2:00 am

  If You want a real "MUSCLE CAR" the Mustang GT is the way to go. There is no pussy-footing around in this beast. Put be prepared to drive.... This is no V6 passanger style. The GT has a rugged suspention so as to feel the road and the power that the car holds. Its Bullish apearance mimics the muscle beneath the hood. Old fasion power when you hit the excelorater and a new tight handling that reins far above the squirrly handling of the V6. Do not try to compare the beast to the puppy. They are not in the same class. Piorities for purchasing are: Looking "HOT" Driving like you mean it and simple quality at its finest. And the sound system Rocks!

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  Love it! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By TN - July 7 - 12:23 am

  The styling is excellent and the interior is very luxurious. It is very roomy and comfortable. The Lariat comes equipped with every feature you need and has a large list of optional equipment you can add. I upgraded from a 97 2WD model and this one sits higher and feels much heavier. However, the ride and handling are superb. The mileage hurts with gas so expensive now, but it is right in line with any large truck. Thats why I cant rate it any lower than an 8 in mileage. I have only had the truck a short time so I cant vouch for reliability yet. However, I expect good things as it feels very well made and my 97 was a gem.

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  The First 500 in the Upstate - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gamecockgal - July 6 - 3:00 pm

  I love this car. I know it is not designed for the 20 something driver but i am 25 and it is the best car i have driven.

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  What a rip-off - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Vada - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Broken speaker, squeaky brakes, smell coming throught the vent, stalling. What more can I say? LEMON. I do not feel safe driving my son around in this car. Everything else is fixed, but the dealer cant seem to find the reason for the stalling. Need to get rid of it and buy something else.

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  Pony with a kick. - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Johnny Doe Boy - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad American muscle car.

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  Awesome! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Arjun Patel - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Great for school. All arounder. Cheap, affordable, good ride.

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  I will never buy another ford taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By diva divine - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 1999 ford taurus for two years and since then I have had to buy a $2200.00 transmission, two hundred dollar alternator, $500.00 brake jog and a $100.00 power steering pump. I will never buy another ford.

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  Great car to run, poor car to own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By PKF - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I own this car almost two months. The running and handling is really great. During the normal highway traffic, it is pretty quiet, without major wind, road and engine noises. Most features work just fine, except for the air conditioner (restricted to my car), which is bad for normal use. Even worse, about 1000 miles, the A/C does not work anymore (maybe, the motor was blown out). In addition, the steering wheel is a little deviated from the neutral position.

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  Trouble with starting?? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By janet - July 6 - 4:30 am

  I have a 2010 fusion and having problems with starting.I had to the dealer at 500 miles and they couldnt find what the problem was. It happened a few times more so the dealer has it as we speak. The problem i had was it would crank but not turn over till the third try. They finally did research on it and said it had to do with the Ground strap.Also when i received the car it was having trouble w/the transmission to find out it was 3 quarts low of fluid! Other then that it rides nice but had it to the dealer twice and i only have 1500 miles on it what is going to happen in my future!

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  What a solid car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By toyota tech - July 6 - 3:40 am

  First off I have been a Toyota master tech for 8 years. I drive cars all day long and I must say I drove the 2008 Ford Focus and was totally amazed at how quiet, great handling, steering and smooth shifting. I bought this car due to having the best of everything, tons of options not even offered from Toyota better price (even with my discount). The car has the same technology under the hood as a Toyota and beats it hands down. Thanks Ford, great job!