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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  Race Car Feel, Great Value - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Charles D. - February 24 - 10:03 pm

  Thinking about spending $40,000 for a "fast" new BMW 3 series? Well, if you do, please yield to the right when you are passed by the Mustang GT 5-speed. Ive owned several cars in my life (yes, including 2 BMWs) and no car brings a smile to my face like the FORD Mustang GT 5-speed does. Great styling, great value, neck snapping performance and handling, all for half the price.

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  My suv - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Guntoter - February 24 - 4:45 am

  They are very comfortable we have heated leather seats fuel mileage about 19.0 mpg we have 128,000 trouble free miles oil change every 7000 Spark plugs 1time since new very good auto will probably buy another later.

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  Bye Bye Mercedes! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By demarlelady - February 24 - 3:06 am

  In March of 2008 I bought a Mercedes CLK 350. I drove it through out the summer in Michigan and once winter hit it became a problem. I bought the Ford Flex Limited in AWD and figured I would only drive it when the weather was bad. Now I am so obsessed with this car! I have been trying to find a way to get Mercedes Benz to take that little convertible back! It even uploaded my entire address book from my cell phone onto my screen and now I have hands free calling all the time. Its the ride, its the comfort, its all the luxuries rolled into one. The best car of the year!

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  Exceptional compact car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mwright65 - February 23 - 10:31 am

  Just purchased a new 2012 Ford Focus Titanium w/Winter package, Premium package (leather, push start), Handling package, Moonroof and Nav. The appearance inside and out is stunning; it looks like a far more expensive car than it is, very sleek and high quality leather. The My Ford Touch looks gorgeous but does take some practice, voice command stuff is fun. The leather seats are very comfy and supportive; heated seats work well without being overbearing. Front seat is especially comfy, back seat and trunk can be slightly cramped. Road and wind noise are minimal; the ride is quite "firm" and road feel is excellent. The performance is excellent at highway speeds, if a bit slow off the line.

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  a few details....... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Trucker Bob - February 23 - 10:16 am

  The 2WD Lariat F150 2004 model is great. A few details and it woud be perfect. Needs more interior storage, pockets, etc, the center console is just a single huge area without any dividers. No underseat storage either. Otherwise great, mileage ok, but not great; 14 in town 16 - 17 on the road. Pretty good for a heavy pickup. Acceleration good, not great though. Handling is great, brakes also great. Tires ok, Goodrich Long Trails. Interior design very good. BUT, wheres the cassette player?

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  I Love My Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By RHenson32 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever purchased. I recomend it to anyone. Young, old, first, last car; Its perfect. Im 22 and this car is great. Its comfortable, and good looking, which is what I was looking for.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Janice Ulmer - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This has been a dream car of mine for along time. I went from a honda accord to a grand jeep cherokee and then to my mustang. I love this car. The power it has amazes me. It is so fun to drive and even though Im only 31 i feel like a teenager when im behind the wheel of mine 2003 silver baby. Thanks ford for making such a fun car to enjoy and drive. Also may i add the attention i get from it.

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  Ford makes very good cars - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By legodaddy - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Im extremely happy with the reliability with my Ford Mustang. I have not had one single thing go wrong on my car since I bought it last November 2002 and I have close to 30,000 miles on it already. I have nothing to complain about with this car except for one annoying problem that listed under suggested improvements. The car is comfortable, rides smooth, performs well, and looks sexy.

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  2003 Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Todd091870 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car, tons of power and fun to drive. Diffenately recommend

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  review with less than 200 miles..... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By muscle-car-fan - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Got a deal I couldnt pass up; a new 2003 Mach 1 in Azure Blue, 5 Speed with the IUP for $23,500 before tax and license. Love the look of the car and the engine. The only thing I really dont like is the interior; its pretty cheap looking except the leather seats which are comfortable and supportive. Nothing like the shaker hood! The Cobra is significantly faster, but to me, it doesnt look as sharp.