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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  Outstanding! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Blue Thunder - April 19 - 6:50 pm

  This was a well thought out purchase, after test driving the Mazda RX-8, 350-Z and Vette. I was very surprised at how well Ford had done with the Mustang GT; the handling and horsepower are a far cry from the earlier models. I almost did not consider this car, I am so glad I did. Please understand if I could afford a new Vette it would be in my driveway, but for $15,000+ difference the Mustang GT wins. Take one for a test drive I bet it will end up in your driveway!

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  Enjoyment - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MoneyMan - April 18 - 8:16 pm

  I just purchased a 2002 Mustang GT Premium Coupe package, with the help from this site. I am very pleased with the looks, performance and handling. You dont have to be a Ford fan (for all those haters out there)to enjoy the thrill of a great looking vehicle, and the quick response from the 4.6L engine.

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  A good car for bad weather - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bruce - April 18 - 11:20 am

  I bought the AWD model to handle the snow and ice and it does have great traction. The boy racer types claim it is not powerful enough, but it is faster zero to 60 than my DeLorean was, so how much power is enough? Im very satisfied with the power and handling.

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  Buy this over a Prius - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By euro53 - April 17 - 9:59 pm

  This car is amazing! I tried the Prius and never looked back. The fit and finish is like like a German car, and the leather seats are comfortable. Whats outstanding is the cab forward visibility. You can see so much of the road and countryside while you are touring. Ride is very good for 17" tires, and handling is very tight. OK, the navigation and controls take time to learn, but work great once you understand, so dont trust Consumer Reports. THIS IS A BLAST TO DRIVE. We average 38 mpg city and country. Its hard to test in LA, because if you start up slowly, people get on your tail. I had to cut across some traffic once, and floored it at the stop light, the torque was like hyperspace.

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  my Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tffny28 - April 17 - 11:26 am

  The car has a smooth ride. It handles very well.

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  Hard to beat this package - 2003 Ford Escape
  By indiatree - April 17 - 10:00 am

  The new Limited is fantastic. Plastic black bumpers and trim have been replaced on the Limited with all metal, painted, unicolor bumpers/trim which VASTLY improve the look of the vehicle. Build quality, grade of two-tone leather seats, and grade of materials is MUCH improved from previous years. (My brother has a 2000 XLT). Drive is easy and fun. Good acceleration. Road and wind noise have been reduced noticably from prior years. Comes standard with all available options: heated premium leather seats, premium sound system, sunroof (in CA), towing package, reverse sensing system, power front seat, auto head lamps, + others.

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  o3 cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By hitmeonthatlatenite - April 17 - 10:00 am

  i find that the 03 cobra isent that much faster than the 01 cobra, ford had to go to a supercharger to try and keep up with the corvette, ford should go back to the 351 in the cobra then they would be able to smoke the corvette. Stayign with that small block 289 just does not produce enough horse power or torque.

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  Last of the Muscle - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Hexxman - April 17 - 10:00 am

  entertaining to drive and plenty of passing power.

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  2003 EXPY EB Comfort - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By vndds - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a different kind EXPY, I had model EB 2002. Ride smooth, powerful w/ 5.4l. With independent suspension, when sitting a third row, you do not have bumping feeling with rear axles. Roomy for legs (3rd row). Flipping down 2nd row is quiet and easy for women.

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  First time Ford owner - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Aerowing - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time I bought a ford and the first time I bought a pick up truck. I love this truck. It has everything I want. Tons of interior space. A beautiful looking truck with a nice ride as well.Although Ill probably never take it 4 wheelin its nice to know the 4 wheel drive is there when I need it. No regrets at all.