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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  go mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By stangcrazy - November 11 - 10:00 am

  super car to drive. lots of fun on the road

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  Leaping Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By stonezee - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a GT convertible. Plenty of power to go with the good looks. Ride is a typical sports car but very strong in the corners. The car just jumps ahead when you put your foot in it. At 60, it is very enjoyable.

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  Als Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Al Sautner - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It looks nice and runs very strong. The body and paint are very nice.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bjinak - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Ford Escape, our 2001 Escape was totalled by a drunk driver. The changes, inside and out, for the 2005 Escape are wonderful. A great buy for what you get! Great acceleration, comfortable, We love our Escape.

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  Luv this Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Lewy11 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the best Looking and Most Fun to drive truck Ive ever owned. People always want to stop and talk about it. Would buy it again tomorrow.

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  Weve owned 2 05s - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jim,Sue Dolsky - November 11 - 5:03 am

  Between my wife and myself, we have ownership experience with close to 40 automobiles. We have owned 2, 2005 Mustangs in under 3 months. We traded our silver convertible when we went for the first oil change, and were shown a beautiful torch red, loaded, V-6 convertible. The stick handles smoothly. The engine has great punch for a 6. The silver was an automatic, and was also very pleasing to drive. These autos corner and change lanes with agility. The leather seats of our red are much more comfortable than the cloth, with more padding where it counts.

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  Good fuel economy with power - 2009 Ford Focus
  By andrewnali - November 10 - 12:21 pm

  This vehicle offers good fuel economy with enough power to enter the freeway. So many times with small 4cyl you feel as if youre going to be run over when merging onto the freeway. Not with the focus. Lots of niceties that we are still finding. I am a large man 6 and the small car still feels roomy. My wife 5 can adjust the seat and see over the steering wheel. The small things that the design engineers have incorporated into the car are very pleasing for longer road trips ie sync hands free phone and radio. You can set up the car to email you when the oil needs to be changed. Only complaint is the lower quality upholstery. You should consider and definitely test drive one.

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  2nd time is better - 2010 Ford Edge
  By BC - November 10 - 10:10 am

  This is my second Edge due to not seeing a better fit for me from a price/quality/ride/space perspective. My first Edge was quiet, responsive and reliable. The exterior design was fresh and the interior was pretty nice if you overlook a few cost cutting shortcuts on trim. The broad, stable road stance and powerful engine are all still intact. Changes are subtle but important. Biggest of the changes is that the SYNC system is now available. Next the drivers window goes up automatically, better sound insulation in the cabin yields a quieter ride, and a lower handle on the rear lift gate improves leverage. All make this a better vehicle.

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  Simply Amazed! - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By collegestudent21 - November 10 - 8:56 am

  I was definitely not planning on buying a crown victoria, my previous car, died a week before I was suppose to start college, i had a 2000 Toyota Camry, only had 98,000 miles and the car died. I got my 05 crown victoria from my grandmother, she bought a new 08 grand marqauis. Ive had the car for a year and a half. The reliability has been great so far, it had 18,000 miles when I got it, it has 47,000 miles as of today, has not had any problems os far. The ride is extremely smooth, car has amazing power, i catch myself speeding alot. The seats are extremely comfortable, and lastly the gas mileage is amazing, on two different trips, i got an average of 28 MPG, I was shocked.

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  A Wonderful Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Stuart Bernstein - November 10 - 12:02 am

  I have been totally satisfied with my 2004 Ford Focus ZTS. It is a well made, reliable, economical and fun to drive vehicle. I currently have about 85,000 miles on my car. I still have orginal brakes,clutch etc. Car has been almost problem free. Only problem has been the accelerator linkage which had to be replaced twice under warranty. Thats about it. My mileages is 27/34 with an average of 30 mpg. My only wish that it was a little quieter inside the cabin when driving high speed. Not really a problem though-only a wish. Seats are very comfortable-I have a bad back too! I traded in my 2000 ZTS for this Honey. My wife drives a 2001 Focus as well.