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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  Great car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By redstang - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first convertible, and I love it. It has plenty of power for me and is a real head turner, especially with the top down. I love its sporty and sexy style.

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  Awesome Pony - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Shelley Bergen - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car!!! And Planet Ford was a great experience all around! I never had so much fun purchasing a car. Every where I go with my car I get so many compliments on it. I love the lines, and well just about everything! I cant say anything bad.

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  Giddy up !! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By GHEDEUP - February 10 - 10:00 am

  A thrill to drive. Tremendous torque (3:55)This is an all American muscle car. This car is capable of being one step ahead of any pre 2003 SVT Cobra. I should know; I have owned a 1999 SVT Cobra. Its not about how fast you can go;its about how fast you can get there.

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  Best car ever - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By taurusgal - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I got into a wreck one time, almost totled the honda civic and the only thing wrong with the taurus was the paint was scratched!

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Becky - February 10 - 5:20 am

  I love my new Ford Freestyle. It rides & drive very smooth. I really like all the features that are standard, and the CVT transmission is exceptionally nice. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  My Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By T - February 9 - 11:56 am

  I went from a Chevy Tahoe to a Ford 500. I enjoy sitting higher in a regular car, the gas mileage is great. The seats are very comfortable. It is a quiet running car, not a bumpy ride at all. It is a very classy car and the body style is fabulous.

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  WOW! - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By democrates - February 7 - 7:57 pm

  You know it was designed both inside and out by Aston Martin. If you compare it visually to the Vanquish or the Repeater there are many similarities. This is like no other Ford before it. I got the loaded one with all the leather and the bells and whistles. The driving safety features are first class. The car has every feature I could think of and more. It even dims the highbeams at night automatically when an oncoming car approaches. The Lane Assist feature is amazing as it makes keeping the car centered in the lane a breeze. There is sonar or radar 360 degrees around the car and it alerts you to all oncoming hazards, especially in the parking lot. I could not recommend this car more

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  Surprisingly pleased - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Barb Hales - February 7 - 6:53 pm

  I had a Mercedes previous to this car. I thought I was taking a step down in luxury, but it doesnt seem to be that way.

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  4x4 offroad Chevy Killer - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Razz53 - February 7 - 4:06 pm

  Great truck with excellant power and styling. Kicks my friends Z71 Chevy with a 350 and gets better gas milage. Have had a few quality issues with the 4x4 transfer case, but Ford has been very reasonable about replacement and customer satisfaction. If I were to buy another I would get the super crew.

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  Great truck.The seats stink! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By mark in wyoming - February 7 - 1:46 pm

  Great truck, quiet, nice looking and good gas mileage -19 mpg under 70 mph. The problem lies with the seats; we have the Lariat with heated seats, They are bad; after an hour you are not happy siting in them.