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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  classic - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By tiger23 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  For only owning my 95 for 11 months, I sure miss it now....purchased in 2002, the car served me well while I had it...most comfortable seats in a sports car Ive experienced. GREAT gas milage, didnt realize this untill i purchased my 98 Maxima and it had worse, which was unexpected. Bought the car with no spoiler and hubcaps, but once a new model spoiler was put on (which actually looked charmingly original) and the GT wheels, the car was beautiful! Great car, mustang is a classic design any year.

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  LASER RED 35TH ANN. MUSTANG V6 - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By T.Vo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THE MASTANG USED W/ 35000 IN 2003. THIS CAR IS GREAT. I HAVE PUT MANY MODS AND AFTERMARKET PARTS ON THIS THING AND IT STILL RUNS GREEAT, EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST DAY I GOT IT. NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH IT YET.

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  Best Windstar Ive owned - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By the moores - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the second windstar we have owned and overall are very pleased. Engine seems to have more touque than my v-8 tundra. Quite on highway but engine noisey during hard excelleration. A few rattles but a solid ride.

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  Love My Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By O.E. Slusser - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The Car is peppy and fun to drive. I haved owned a 55, 56, 58, 60, and a 63 T,bird. This new Bird gives you the same fun and enjoyment of driving the old TBirds and the comfort (a/c, cruise control, heated seats, rear window defogger, great sound system) and the technology of 2003.

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  luv my fordza!!!! - 1996 Ford Probe
  By squidly - March 5 - 2:00 am

  just plain love this auto! neatest car i`ve ever had! (have owned quite a few) not really slow, not really fast, either.sorta half-fast,i suppose! (couldn`t resist)

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  1996 Ford Probe - 1996 Ford Probe
  By blaster91yamaha - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very reliable and fast car. This car has one of the best fuel consumption ever. I made it to Wisconsin and bak on $60 on gas. Thats like 33 mpg!!!

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  Fun car to drive - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By tisource - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 Ford Mustang is a very fun car to drive. The 3.8L sedan provides a great balance between power and fuel economy. Handling is great, comfort, although tight for large/tall people, is good. Very nice design inside and out. The only complaint is that the interior is a little heavy on the plastic. The inside of the door feels a little "soft" due to the plastic. Overall, however, super car. No regrets with the purchase.

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  A GREAT VALUE - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By LOVETAURUS - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000 Taurus previous to this 2004 car and there are improvements. The new "driver adapting" transmission shifts perfectly. The base engine seems more powerful and quieter than in the past. You dont really need to buy the more expensive Duratec engine. Power peddles, power seat and standard 6 cylinder engine make this car an extremely comfortable long distance car. Taurus has been at the top of the list of the safest full size cars (Insurance Institute) for a number of model years. I found no quality faults when this car was first delivered. I still have not found any faults.

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  Not Disappointing!!! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By ernmas - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Yes I like it for the package I got I would have had to pay much more for a Nissan or A Camrey, All this car needs is a good set of performance tires and upgraded shocks, Its a keeper but you should get the 24valve dohc engine.

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  stuck everywhere - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By peter G. - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This "truck" come stock with a +2" lift and 16" wheels with big tires,but no matter where I go Its stuck! Little snow on the road? forget it. Pull off the road? huh! problems include, door pin sensor, the dome light hasnt shut off in 3 years even after sevice,Serive engine light comes on every other fill up,Ball joint ,brakes,tires quit running one day last year in the rain took two weeks to fix,rear "anti" locks,lock up if the roads are wet,emergency brake locks if truck sits for more than a day,drive shaft and u joints replaced at 30k tranny slips at begining of every gear,front stabilizer and bushings replaced at 26k