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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  Bullitt - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By cannonball - June 29 - 11:33 am

  Bullitt Limited Edition: I cant take my hands off the steering wheel, this is fun to drive! No longer just a secretary car, Mustang is back with muscle, and character. My Bullitt is getting over 25 mpg, 1800 miles, mostly highway driving at steady 60 mph. Its a hybred of sorts, burns gas, and rubber! Folks in town have noticed, and it attracts attention everywhere i go. Two guys went to the Ford dealer to ask "Whats that dark green Mustang driving around town?" And Ford dealer sold two more in the last two weeks. If you havent seen the movie "Bullitt", do so, then test drive, you dont need a turtleneck and sport jacket.

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  I Love it! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang05pony - June 29 - 12:16 am

  This is the best car that I have driven in a long time. As the ad states: Get up and gone!" When you kick it and look in the rear view mirror the cars behind you are gone. The stereo in the car is like sitting at a concert. The Shaker 1000 is far superior over the Shaker 500. But with a base in the trunk the 500 sounds great! I highly recommend this car to anyone that wants a car that is "it". Its stylish, dependable, beautiful, and hard to drive anything else. Even my convertible Pontiac is not getting driven as much as it should because I have Mustang withdrawals when I am not driving it. I enjoy it so much that we bought a V-8 too. The downfall - cops pull you over so they can see it.

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  Dependable car I will miss driving! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jill - June 28 - 5:34 pm

  After 8 years with no expenses (aside from basic maintenance), I have had a great experience with the Contour. I only wish Ford didnt discontinue the line! This car brought me back and forth across the country with great control, comfortable handling and no problems. After 120,000 miles and many years, its time to move on. I hope my next car treats me as well as the Contour has!

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  Great - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Rich3910 - June 28 - 12:34 pm

  I traded in a 2004 F150 and was not sure if I wanted a smaller car. Gas mileage to me if great window sticker said 17 city - -27 highway. Im getting 22.6 in the city and 32 Hwy with cruise. Gas mileage is great compared to some forgien cars that you see on TV. All I can say buy american!

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  Upgrade - 2003 Ford Focus
  By sgomez - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded my less than one-year-old 02 Focus ZTW for one of these babies in Pitch Black. Its hard to believe that they belong to the same family. Dont get me wrong, the little wagon was extremely competent and reliable and always a sweet ride. The 5- doors SVT is in a whole together different league, hard to compare. I have had the car for less than a week so I am rating 10 to all items in the survey. If I change my mind I will let you know

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  Our third Ford, and its a Charm - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Rubygross - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We decided to retire our 1996 Ford Escort and give it to our son. We researched the Ford Focus LX Sedan, found a great deal from the internet service manager...and went to purchase. We found a beautiful color which we call seafoam green and Ford calls Terra. Received a $3,000 rebate at time of purchase, great incentives, power train warranty...the whole shebang.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By cyprinella - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Would do it all over again. We love this SUV!

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  Love 07-sold 01 to get this one - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gene - June 27 - 1:00 pm

  Had my 07 (V6) for two weeks now, It is in a new world versus the other years. Just hope the fuel economy gets a little better after a few more miles. The ride is more like a car than a truck. Got the gold color and its very easy to keep clean.

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  Best one yet - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Ken B - June 27 - 11:42 am

  This is the third Explorer we have owned, beginning in 1993, and by far the best. The ride is great for an SUV and the third seat makes it possible to carry all the grandkids at once. This is the least expensive and best equipped Explorer we have owned. I do wish the gas mileage was better.

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  I just love my 98 Mustang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Caleb - June 27 - 7:57 am

  I have a 1998 automatic v6 Mustang. I just love it. It has 218,000 miles and still running great. The only thing that Ive had a problem with is the alternator and I only replaced it once. Thats the only trouble Ive had with it in the 4 years Ive had it and I think thats pretty darn good. It handles great, has good power, and good gas mileage. Ive been car shopping and I just cant find anything that I like better. Not even the newer Mustangs. I think they perfected the Mustang in 98. It has good power and good gas mileage.I think Im just going to have to find another 98 Mustang when mine finally gives up the ghost which Im hoping is a long time from now.