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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  Toy With Attitude - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By John - January 26 - 4:46 pm

  I finally got the car I always wanted and couldnt be happier. This car turns heads wherever it goes and never fails to excite. It is a great daily driver but when you push the go pedal it pushes you back into your seat above 4 grand in a very nice continuous power band up till about 5000rpm before redline; even at 6000 ft in Colorado this car pulls nicely. The $4000 buck premium for the convertible is well worth it - the very well made rag top goes up and down fairly quickly and when up holds out the road noise pretty nicely. I highly recommend this vehicle for people that want a whole heck of a lot of fun for a very reasonable price.

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  Great Large Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dad Fey - January 26 - 4:33 am

  Best large car I have ever owned. Get with ALL options. Limited, AWD, Navigation, safety coupe, etc. There is no longer any excuses not to buy a large American sedan. For under $30,000 this is an unbelievable bargain.

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  Just plain fun - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By perry10063904 - January 25 - 8:40 pm

  I have a 06 GT Mustang, use it on weekends and its a ball to drive. Handles well, dont really like the fly by wire throttle, it just feels slow to operate and slow to close when shifting. I had the dealership lower the car and install 18 inch cobra wheels; it made the car handled a lot better, plus gave it more the racecar look. I think Ford made a hit with the retro looks and the larger track. Im overall very happy with it and think anyone thinking on getting a sporty new car should go test drive the Mustang. The car will sell itself.

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  try it- youll like it :) - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tim Colgate - January 24 - 8:53 pm

  Ive had quite a few cars since 1980, but nothing even close to this much fun. ONLY dislikes are the seats need readjusting every time kids get in/out, most of them have fuel fill issues sooner or later - mine hasnt burped gas on me since the second fill up though, and its hard to powershift into third- it will barkem though if you get it right. :) Ride is firm, but dont beat you up like my 85 Camaro used to, power is excellent for such a small V8, brakes are incredible. Give the exhaust note a "A+" too. Drive by wire can be quirky, but recalibrating just requires turning key on, waiting for lights to go out, floor it, release, shutoff key. Test drive a GT stick - dare ya not to buy it.

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  nice car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By studly1402 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  good performance per dollar. fun to drive and can be made faster for not a lot of money...

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  fun fun fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By steve vanderwall - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its the fountain of youth.everything you could want or expect .I am very satisfied a great car worth the money .Totaly satisfied.

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  peteys mustang cobra S/C aniv. edition - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By petey1107 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned mustangs all my life and ive got to tell you although nothing compares to my "65" (mint condition candy apple red white leather all original with 52,000 original miles)the 2003 cobra with the 390!! HP and the supercharger has just about as much Guts as my "87" grand national GNX (not quite but close)and is by far the most exhilerating drive you will ever have DO YOURSELF A FAVOR!!, what an escape from you know who:)(no pun intended) This car eats the 911 and the ZR6 my friends have them and they would tell you the same (with there heads down of course)MUSTANG POWER!!

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  love the car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By samntha - January 24 - 10:00 am

  love this car. it is the best car ever and i am really glad to have it.

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  Mustang Amore - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Tuneman - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Performance is superior. Reliability has been great. I actually own a 1998 Mustang GT convertible with 51000 miles, so I know of what I speak. Very comfortable for a sports car. I still get lots of stares and thumbs up when I drive.

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  Bball - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Bballchic527 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed driving this vehicle. I think it is sporty, classy, and good pickup. Ive enjoyed the crowd it gives me to.