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:

• 

  One from someone who actually has it. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Ryan Barber - August 29 - 10:00 am

  These cars are great. In the past, Camaro and Firebird have litterally embarassed Mustang. But now, in 2003, Ford made a comeback, even though their Mustang found itself without any competition. I will petty any Camaro SS driver or "Firechicken" driver when they mistake this car for one of the previous models. Then, now in 2004, the Mustang finds itself head to head with an old rival, the legendary Pontiac GTO. The Cobra still wins of course... but what will happen when Dodge comes out with the Charger... yes, they are comming out with their dead Charger once again... who will win, I guess well just have to wait and see.

• 

  JUST CANT HELP BUT SMILE - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ONEJETI - August 29 - 10:00 am

  ITS ONE OF THE BEST MUSTANGS FORD EVER BUILT....SO EASY TO GET 500 HP OUT OF IT,FOR LESS THAN $500.00 ..ITS A TRUE AMERICAN SPORTS CAR.ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFULL AND IMPRESSIVE MOTORS TO SEE BAR NONE...I HAD A Z06..NICE CAR,GREAT INTERRIOR, BUT BORED ME TO DEATH,AN IT LOOKED LIKE EVERY OTHER VETE.HAD NO REASON TO OPEN THE HOOD..

• 

  Peppy little car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By butterscotch - August 28 - 6:45 pm

  It may seem silly, but the removable cup holders ended up being quite the lifesaver! Fast turns and sharp braking always caused my coffee to spill over, and now cleaning is a snap! Just take the cupholder out after work and pop it into the dishwasher. Awesome idea, wonder why my other cars didnt have this feature. The major flaw I found is that the paint is scratched and chipped way too easily. New scratches seem to appear out nowhere everyday! Everything else on this car is solid, and this car is definitely underpriced considering its build quality, reliability, and amusing driving experience.

• 

  I love this car! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Tanya - August 28 - 5:37 pm

  So, Ive been driving my Focus for about a week. I did a lot of research beforehand and got a good deal for a low mileage car at a local dealership. I am surprised that the engine has enough power to overcome the steep hills here (I live in the mtns) at a decent speed. That was a factor I considered before purchasing, but it doesnt seem to be a problem. It runs well, although I a little loud and its very fun to drive as well as comfortable. It seems to get pretty good gas mileage, which was one of my reasons for buying it, but Im still keeping track of how its going. The gas tank seems to be pretty small, but I downsized from an SUV, so there are a lot changes in that area.

• 

  The Flex Rocks! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ludell - August 28 - 4:43 pm

  It came down to the Highlander and the Flex. We went with the Flex Limited with the 2nd row bench loaded with everything except for the vista moon roof and couldnt be any happier. For the same price of a Highlander Sport, you can get a top of the line Flex with all the bells and whistles. The car breaks necks everywhere you go and people are constantly asking me questions about it. I never thought Id ever buy a domestic car, but Ford made me a believer with the excellent quality and styling they used on the Flex. I have a 2004 Pilot and the Flex feels better, looks better, and gets the same MPG. The white roof on the dark metallic blue paint really pops.

• 

  A TRUE Muscle Car - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By True Factory Muscle - August 28 - 1:33 pm

  First for the naysayers I put on just a few miles then went straight to the chassis dyno. How does 460+hp & 445lb ft of tq @ rear wheels sound? Thats PURE stock, not a single change from stock. Same dyno a very healthy 426 Hemi made 310hp @ wheels; thats 150+ rwhp over a HEMI! Nothing short of incredible overall. I would take this car over 2 Z06s. Fit & finish is SUPERB! Paint is the nicest I have ever seen on an American car & I am a body man/painter. Not a single complaint. Minor mods put these cars in the 10s in 1/4 mile. Braking & handling are also nothing short of incredible. 60-0 110ft. A very nice chassis with too many changes over standard Mustang GT to mention.

• 

  Best car I have ever driven. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Matt Daly - August 27 - 10:50 pm

  This was the first new car I have ever owned. I drove this thing off the lot with only 22 miles on it! Handles like a dream, acceleration is great, and the interior is comparable to a high-end luxury car. The only gripe I have about this car is the fuel economy. I do a substantial amount of city driving and I find my fuel economy dipping into the 15s at times, but the highway mpg is excellent (roughly 29mpg). All in all, a great car, and I am very satisfied with my purchase.

• 

  First car, couldnt be happier - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By vb - August 27 - 10:47 pm

  I really love this car. Even for a v6, the performance is great for a reasonable price. You barely have to touch the pedal and you get great acceleration. The gas mileage is alright, better than I thought it was going to be considering its a sports car. Interior and exterior designs are both absolutely beautiful. The retro fonts on the gauges take a little getting used to, but this car is a real blast to drive. I have had no problems with the car so far, just like the majority of the reviews said. The tank only costs $40.00 to fill at $3.45 per, which isnt bad. Overall great car in every aspect that makes a sports car what it is.

• 

  Great car needs little improvement - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Michael K - August 27 - 9:07 pm

  I leased this car in January 2007. It had great gas mileage and is a very very good looking car in my opinion. There were only a few things I think should be changed. The 4 cylinder really lacks power, to the point it drove me crazy! The 6 cylinder would make it a wonderful car! The only problem I had was the brakes making a snapping sound, especially braking after backing up, I saw several different Fusions that had that problem. Other than that it was an awesome car. Very reliable and solid, I think Ford did a great job with this car overall.

• 

  So happy with new car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By traverse city mi - August 27 - 1:55 pm

  We just bought our 2006 Freestyle about two weeks ago and I have been so happy with it! We have two small children and the captains chairs in the second row are great to keep them seperate. There is a center console for all their stuff and to stash diapers as well. I really like the memory seating for the drivers seat. It also remembers where your mirror were as well. Seating is sooo comfortable and the six disc CD player rocks! Great speakers!