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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  Love that Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By bobotash - October 16 - 10:00 am

  My Ford Mustang is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned and it is practical too! Reliably built, a heavy muscle car, lots of pick-up and a real head turner. Fully loaded it was a great deal and continues to hold its value. I have babied the car, in the garage all the time, washed every 2 weeks and waxed quarterly...pristine.

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  First Time In A Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Dave412 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Im 47 and just bought this car for some driving fun. It hasnt disappointed. The 5-speed shifts very smoothly. The engine growl is very pleasing from the inside cabin, even though it could be a bit louder from the outside dual exhaust. The Mach 1000 stereo is awesome. The ride even though stiff, doesnt bother me. I knew before buying the car that everything would not be perfect, but what is? In my opinion, the car rides great, sounds agressive enough, has plenty of power for my driving habits and is exciting to drive.

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  Basic Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By mike874 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good to drive and economical. Worksmanship under hood is unimpressive and not well thought out. Hoses and vacuum lines are routed very poorly - not likely to be reliable. Sheetmetal edges are poorly finished and sharp. 2.3L engine and 5 speed has pep but no power, the price of good fuel economy (Ford 6 cyl are guzzlers while 4 cyl sip fuel).

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  Great Minivan 98 Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Cham - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little overall van.

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  Not my old Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By CAJIM - October 16 - 9:40 am

  Just traded in a 2000 Mustang convertible for a new V6 convertible with 5-speed automatic. and several accessory packages. WOW, what a difference. This actually drives and handles well; no slop anymore. Looks lean and I like the mineral color. Superior inside room. Mustang is BACK! This is my 6th Mustang convertible and by far the best. Drives as nice as my 2-year Mazda6 V6 with 5-speed stick.

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  Nice drive - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Edwin Morales - October 15 - 10:30 pm

  The ride, road noise, and stability seem to be much improved. Beautiful interior with DVD package. Third row seats is a nice convenience. Shift in the console is a nice feature. Everything is very easy to reach. Quiet ride. Overall is a nice ride.

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  Not Bad - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sal - October 15 - 2:46 am

  I just got my Escape a couple weeks ago. I noticed it was a louder ride then expected. Engine noise is a bit much but turning up the radio does help, lol. The ride is a bit stiff but it does say truck on the sticker. Getting the jack out does take some effort but I will say it has a better lug wrench then my old van. Pick up is a bit slugish but ok. Its a week old and I am not going to really romp on it yet. My biggest "not worth it" is that the factory step bars are to close to the body. They work well if putting stuff on the roof but not for a step in to it. Over all I am happy with it but time will tell.

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  After 14 years, I still have "Old Faithful!" - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kim Miller - October 14 - 10:59 am

  I bought this vehicle in April 2003, and although I have since bought another car for commuting to work, my Explorer XLT has never let me down after 120,000 miles of towing boats, campers, taking me on numerous trips to and from the mountains, and everyday usage. Not only does the engine still run well (my only complaint is a slight hum from the back end when accelerating), but the body and trim have held up remarkably well. Planning to keep "Old Faithful" for another 14 years!

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  Worse MPG than my 97 Explorer! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ShadowVFX - October 14 - 7:56 am

  My family and I have owned Ford vehicles for over a decade now and all of us have been pleased with our vehicles. Recently, when it was time for me to purchase a new car, I looked to the Ford Escapes to replace my beloved 97 Ford Explorer. I ended up purchasing a 4 cylinder 08 Escape and I must say, I have not been impressed with it. I bought this car as a fuel-efficient replacement to my 97 Explorer. What I found was that my new 08 Escape actually less fuel efficient than my older Explorer, which was made over a decade earlier. I was so impressed with my 97 Explorer that it blinded me into a brand loyalty towards Ford. But now after buying this new, smaller,

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  Quality Car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Pete - October 14 - 7:06 am

  This is my first new Crown Vic after four used ones ranging from a 1984 to a 2000. Its a very comfortable car to drive, handles well and has a lot of room. It has the sport package, with console, buckets and leather upholstery; I did have the dealer replace the 17" original rims with 16" so I could use snow tires on it (a must in upstate New York). I couldnt be more pleased; its incredible that Ford is phasing the car out -- Id trade for another one in the future if I can find a good, low-mileage one with significantly less mileage than Ill have on this one at the time, but I know Crown Vics can go 200000 miles, so Im not in any hurry.