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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  Makes me feel young again! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Bob Ladd - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I wish I didnt love it so much because I am driving it way too often. Looking for a third family vehicle, probably will be SSR or Hummer but this truck is my Corvette with 4 doors and a bed. Outstanding. How many did they make?

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  Bad Ass SVT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By mikebishopisbadass - January 4 - 2:00 am

  the svt is a car that has more hp/tourqe than most cars out there if there are chevy or dodge boys out the that dont like it than why are thy looking at this reveiw i am proud of Bill Ford and what he did to ford and made the cars and trucks come alive again

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  My Sweetheart - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By ShanSR - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Its the fourth year that I own this car, and this is an absolute beauty both inside the hood and out. With jet black exterior and black leather this is the best car to burn the hot Asphalt of the Texas roads. I havent had any issues and well... I knew the deal with the gas guzzling when I got the car so wont complain. If any complaints, its the guranteed tendency she has to run her rear off the road when starting on a slick road... even with traction, you ought to be careful with this baby. Well, by and large this is a mare that Ill ride anyday.

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  We Love This Car! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By BStoringer - January 4 - 2:00 am

  It may be too early to give this car a total review because my wife and I just bought this car yesteday, but our initial experience is nothing short of spectacular. The ride is smooth and I love the muscled roar of the engine as you accelerate. With the V6 engine, Im not going to win too many drag races, but thats not why we bought the car. The interior is more comfortable than many of the other sports cars we have and I could go on and on about how much I love how it looks. We got a dark blue Stang and it is the most beautiful car I have ever owned.

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  Awful Car - 1997 Ford Probe
  By FLGirl - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I owned this car for 5 years and had nothing but problems with it. I spent so much money on repairs including a new transmission. Just last week the car finally died. I sent it off to a salvage yard and went out and bought a 2004 Toyota Corolla, which is of course a wonderful and reliable car! I would never own a Ford after my exprience with the Ford. And yes I understand this is a Mazda engine.

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  Escort are excellent - 1994 Ford Escort
  By RSnchz - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I never thought this car was going to be a good buy, but it has taken my family all around the country with no problems.

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  Clean Package of Power - 2002 Ford Escape
  By ithndr - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, fun to drive. Ive owned over 30 automobiles including 4 SUVs, but this car is the best value (looks, performance, quality. price) for the investment.

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  Overall A Great Value - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By twinsmomof3 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought our van used in 2000(52K miles). It now has 98K miles. We have had one major repair (@ approx. 85K miles)-a sensor on the motor had to be replaced because of hesitating--a few hundred dollars. No problems since then. My only complaints are wind noise from the driver side window and the engine sounds a little like a truck--somewhat noisy. I have three small children in booster seats, and we have PLENTY of room. The 3.8L engine has very adequate power. I have no problem picking up speed to merge into freeway traffic. Even after 98K miles it still performs as well as it did when I bought it--no pinging even with 87 octane gasoline.

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  I LOVE it! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Terry - January 3 - 12:36 am

  This car is so fun to drive! I had a 2002 Mustang and it cannot compare to the new one. I feel safer; the roof is not so close to your head. I absolutely recommend this car with no hesitations!

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  2008 Certfied Used Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mustang Shar - January 2 - 2:40 pm

  I bought mine 2 months ago as a daily driver so my Mustang can stay in the garage. The second day I had it, the Chicago winter turned extreme for the next 6 weeks. Ice storms, snow falls averaging 3-5" 3 days a week, -40 degree wind chill and this little SUV was a pleasure to drive. This car is outdoors and it started with no problem when we dropped way below zero and the 2WD handled the snow. I was worried buying a used car with 20K on it and no history, but the car is made well and I had no problems. I love my little Escape. I would not have made it to work on many of those days in my Mustang.