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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  Fun To Drive To Work - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Burt - August 24 - 10:23 pm

  Given the $26K price tag, this is a fun car to drive back and forth to work. Yes, itÂ’s not built like the expensive sport cars (I also drive a Porsche C4S), but it has the muscle and get up and go you would expect from our DadÂ’s old throw back muscle cars. If youÂ’re looking for a superior quality sports car at $26K, forget it. If youÂ’re looking for something to have fun with and get your heart rate up as you floor the accelerator, the Mustang GT will do the trick. I purchased the California Package and love the extras. Besides, thereÂ’s an enormous amount of extras you can purchase to personalize your Mustang in performance and styling. Love the car!

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  Wow! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ltbilly - August 24 - 5:36 am

  The design of this vehicle is outstanding. There is plenty of room for people and luggage with comfort. The leather seats are extremely comfortable with a multitude of settings for the front row. The all wheel drive gives me as good gas mileage as I got in my Odyssey wagon and much better than my Mountaineer with added safety, security and comfort. So far, no problems whatsoever!

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  05 Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bob Oakes - August 23 - 8:10 pm

  Sporty handling and not so sporty ride. Comfortable interior, all controls easy to use except the trip odometer (you have to reach throught the steering wheel).

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  great car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By beirut3030 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  i love it and i am getting ready to enter it into a really nice car show

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  MyOpinion - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Corrine Corey - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyedmy vehicle after a bumpy start with the idler.

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  Weve come a long way baby! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Marshelen - August 23 - 10:00 am

  WE LOVE OURS. GREAT CAR. TOP NOTCH AMERICAN ENGINEERING. A 4.8 INDEED! WEVE COME A LONG WAY BABY AND THIS IS THE PROOF!

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  fun - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jamie - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive and a great value

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  A few step forward, a couple steps back - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By carmagreader - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Traded 00(4x4,sport,fully ldd) for 03 (2wd,AdvTrc,DVD,climseats,safcanopy,tir epres,pwr3rd). Ride handling ovrall noise much improved. But less room frt&bk, worse pwrseat controls, still no pwr reclin & ergonomcly incorr bk seat handles for pulling seats up. Ctr console stor slots, dash cuphldrs & cargo net anchors removed. Ovrall Ford created attractive pkg but as usual cant seem to get details right. For $40K+ car safety options should be std or at lst easy to find, but near impossbl. GM&Toyota SUVs better ovrall design IMO & qlty/reliablty as witnessed by issues posted in Edmunds. Would not buy this car if not for rebate but glad I did anyway.

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  Pay me later - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Xavier Fordham - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Stereo shot ($350), transfer case broke ($2200) all around 70K.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mikesford - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Great over all vehicle. Fun to drive and very reliable.