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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  mzhdg - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By beach babe - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i like the style

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  Spacious Ford Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchel - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The exterior design looks imposing and has a vast interior. The truck is enless perferct for a growing family. Some of the features could be improved. Was time for Ford to come with a different alternative for a large sedan in addition to the old Taurus.

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  Finally, A Nice Ford Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Kerri - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new vehicle. I was a little hesatant to buy a Ford due to their past problems. However, the Escape has a nice ride and fuel efficant for as well as a SUV can be. I was also pleased by the way I was treated by the Ford dealership that I went to. All in all, I am extremely happy with my new purchase.

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  exquisiteness - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By aolduecemaster - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is the true essence of the american pony. The engine runs superbly with each start and the deep pur of the engine just makes you want to spontaneously floor it, and the exceptional 200+ hp makes it a solid oppurtunity to do so. Yes, the back seats arent very comfortable, but the mustang back seats were really always a joke. The car is very fun to drive and hasnt failed me... yet

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  05 GT MUSTANG - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By brad perry - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I recieved my mustang GT oct 18, 2004 after ordering it over four months ago it was the first one around, everywhere I go I have to wait in line to get back in it, I love everything About it I got all options except automatic, people actually hang out of thier cars to get a better look when I pass, mine is red on red. Best car since the 87 GT convertible.

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  ..... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By BIG MAC - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. i think this car shouldnt change at all

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  A to B - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By TaDaaah - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car gets from point A to point B with a sound and look of no other. I put my money down on this car as soon as they said it was comming. I drive it every day, rain or shine. The trouble is that this is all a dream I had last night.

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  New Stang Retro - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jerseyjers - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Simply Awesome. Old school stlye with new school technology. This is a must have for Mustang entuhisiasts.

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  good job - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kenneth Tuttle - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ford did a good job in design, refrence back to the Shelby GT. The curb appeal is good. I owned a GT500KR. Go FORD!

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  I really like this car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By barmisho - May 2 - 4:59 am

  I did buy this car 6 month ago with 75K miles on it. No problems at all. Great engine and confortable interior. A little noisy in high RPM. I had 7 different vehicles in the last 2 years including Mazda, Toyota, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Ford, but this is the car I like the most. I really good CUV