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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  MUSTANG GT - NO SUBSTITUTE - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ed - October 4 - 1:50 pm

  The new 2005 Mustang GT is my wildest dream come true. The ultimate fusion of classic styling and modern technology. This car is amazing in every way! My Torch Red Premium GT Couple with 5 speed manual transmission is more fun than any of the five prior Mustangs including the 1967 I drove in high school. I highly recommend this car to anyone that wants a brutally wicked hot rod for a very reasonable price. This car is just too awesome to put into words.

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  Great First Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By DJ Fillman - October 3 - 8:26 pm

  I got my 1995 Escort LX Sport in July of 2007 with only 47,000 miles on it. I love the gas mileage it gets and it has reasonable power. In Jan of 2008 I was rear-ended with my car coming out on top. That just shows you that Ford knows how to build cars. I only had one major problem and that was when the clutch went out with 53,000 miles on it. Other than that my car has been great.

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  Super car - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Jccables@gmail.com - October 3 - 6:32 pm

  Great little car with a few extras in it that the base model doesnt have. Picked up 2 mustangs for the price of our one sedan prior. Wife got this one and I picked up a 2010 with a v6 5speed. Hers has way more options and goodies on it and seeing her grin from ear to ear when we bought it made the whole process worth it. This car is up on power but let me say that with a stick these cars are nearly identical on acceleration. There are slight differences in the 2 bodies and the major ones come in the form of features... sequential tail lights, Bluetooth, sync... her car has enough to keep her spoiled with no navigation which isnt necessary for her. The zip from the motor is awesome and the cornering on hers is phenomenal.... very fun to drive :) Great job on the updates ford

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  As god as it gets - 2001 Ford Focus
  By BmwLuvr - October 3 - 2:00 am

  You couldnt ask to drive a better wagon fo the price. Powerful, responsive yet silent engine. Remarquable driving experience, in particular on city streets and highways. The cabin has plenty of room, and is very comfortable. Honestly, I dont know what else could have done Ford to make this car better for the price. Considering all the instruments and gadgets this automobile ha, I rate it 9 or 10 across the board.

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  My new ZX5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Davis - October 3 - 2:00 am

  My car is new and the fit and finish is perfect. We all expect that - of course but it really isnt always the case. My ZX5 is the size I wanted, has all the toys I wanted and the power is what I expected. Its peppy, takes corners very well and doesnt leave me feeling like Im driving a toy box.

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  Love this truck - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By R.Hopkins - October 2 - 9:10 pm

  I enjoy everything about this car. It has so many great features. My kids enjoy the capain chairs and watching DVDs. We recently had a power outage and we all watched a movie in the car. I have had cars with heated seats but this is my first with cooled seats. I feel very safe in this car. I looked a long time to find a car with all the features I wanted and I found it.

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  I never thought I would drive a Ford - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ibrat29 - October 2 - 5:56 pm

  I love this car, it is reliable and I have not had any problems. I got it to replace my Plymouth Breeze after I was in a auto accident. The color and the room in it is awesome, and its really comfortable for road trips. And the gas mileage is awesome, 26mpg around town, and 31mpg highway.

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By MIke Hanlen - October 2 - 2:36 pm

  I like the way it handles and the engine power is adequate. The styling is good, but it needs some body side molding to protect the finish from careless people in other cars.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By hypnoticjoker - October 2 - 1:04 pm

  Ive only had it for a few months now but I can honestly say its by far my favorite car. Its luxurious and sporty at the same time, while still living up to its muscle car reputation. Very comfortable seats and great overall design. I get compliments everywhere I go. With 260 horsepower and so many aftermarket options, this car is great for both everyday driving and taking to the track. This car is an American classic and once you drive one youll understand why. Its a must have! I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants the best of both worlds in an automobile.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By richard - October 2 - 10:45 am

  I havnt had one issue with the edge in 18months of driving. I averaged 24.6 mpg according to the cars computer on 1500 mile trip with two people and at least 500 lbs of luggage etc. I have owned 16 new cars and the Edge is the best yet.