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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  My 2011 California Special GT Automatic - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Gordon - January 22 - 10:38 am

  This is a great , fast 2 seater car! Forget about the rear seats! They are not for any adult riders I know! I drive my Stang for pleasure, there are so many after market upgrades for this particular year, I upgraded my exhaust system from the pypes exhaust with the resonators, to the flow master super 44s with mufflers to quiet him down just a tad! Now he sounds like a true muscle car from the 60s. I also replaced the air filter to a k&n never replace cartridge filter with both changes I gained an additional 12 hp on the dyno! If you keep doing simple changes on your pony like these the HP can really add up! The ride is incredibly fast the z rated tires help keep him planted to the asphalt! My car has no problem with speeds of over 120 mph at any given moment! But I have to obey the law just like everyone else. .... so the track is best for running at those speeds and it is so worth it. I put some super snake stripes on him recently to make him look fast while he is just sitting, the rear window view is not all that great, some people have complained about a vibration noise in the rear of their own stangs, it is the muffler hangers! The vibration from so much power tends to move the silicone around the hangars causing the issue but once you fix this problem with a few more pieces of silicone problem solved. Please note it took myself up to 2 weeks of regular driving to get use to the power at the wheels of this car! I have seen many new comers to the stang world get behind the wheel of the newest version of a Mustang and loose control just because they wanted to show off a bit, but had no idea how much power this automobile actually has. In my overall opinion, if you can find a 2011 California Special GT edition Mustang, buy it you will not be disappointed value for money is there and value for fun is at every turn of the key☆♡☆♡☆♡

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Frank - January 22 - 5:16 am

  Great redesign. fun and comfortable to drive. Especially compared to my Dodge Ram.YUK! Moonroof and tonneau cover make it even more enjoyable. Door handles take some time to get used to. Picked up one week ago havent stopped driving yet.

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  700 miles, so far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Stevewa - January 21 - 6:46 pm

  Purchased this vehicle just over a week ago and so far am very satisfied. Mileage is near double the 2000 Volvo V70XC it replaced. My other vehicle is a 2002 Toyota Prius and the Escape Hybrid feels very comfortably familiar.

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  Fly-Away On The Highway - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JESSE - January 21 - 4:43 pm

  The Mustang GT has a powerful v8 and positive handling in turns. It feels great and gets a lot of head turning from spectators on the highways. It is still exciting to drive even after 5 months of ownership.

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  misc - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mbyrd - January 21 - 9:36 am

  this is the second explorer ive owned, they just keep getting better. the 6 cyl. tows nicely and has good passing speed.

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  Quietest car we have ever owned - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Marc - January 21 - 6:56 am

  The car is my wifes and everytime I get in it I cannot believe how it rides, handles and functions. She loves it too! We have recently owned Hondas and this car takes no back seat to them in any area. Great job Ford!

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  After Driving the Ford Escape, I kept Looking - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Klint Anderson - January 20 - 9:58 pm

  The cargo area is ok in size but the rear seats have no leg room. The front passenger seat sits too high and I felt like I was up against the headliner (Im 511"). Other compact SUVs offer more features as standard than the Escape which drives the Escapes price up fast.

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  This may be the Best Mustang Yet! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Terry Flaten - January 20 - 3:51 am

  A real sports car that almost anyone can afford. Lots of aftermarket options to make your Mustang a MUSTANG!

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  2006s Most Underrated Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Unfamous - January 19 - 1:43 am

  This car is really fun to drive, and is roomy beyond belief. Sort of feels like youre driving an SUV, but its a sedan. Great on gas too!

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  Gotta Love It! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cmcdanel - January 18 - 10:46 pm

  My first car was a 1972 Mustang Mach 1 and I have been searching for a comparable vehicle ever since. Ford has done what I thought couldnt be done...the new 2005 Mustang GT delivers. It delivers power, styling and handling making this an extremely fun car to drive. The interior room has been vastly improved with the move to the Lincoln LS platform. Lots more headroom, though the back seat is really still only there for insurance purposes. As for handling - flat in curves and feels tight. The power is incredible. A real dream machine; best buy I ever made.