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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  MY MUSTANG DREAMCAR - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BENGALMAN - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I waited years to purchase my dreamcar a 2004 Mustang coupe, although I would have like to purchase the GT model, the base model has enough power, fun to drive, and looks great in the city or on the road. Great gas mileage on the highway, the city mileage is fair, but with a powerful V6 you must make sacrifices.

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  2004 Orange Mach1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DPMach - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned mustangs previous to this one and i believe this is hands down the best mustang yet. It too me was well worth the money.

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  mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By shsigjgjk - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The mustang is a good car for everything.They will surely satisfy you.you should get a mustang for the car and henry ford.

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  Overallest Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kenstar23 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a number of small SUVs in this class, and recently drove a Jeep Liberty for a week on a vacation. The Ford is more refined than the Jeep and makes better use of interior space. The Jeeps engine was slightly underpowered as is the Escapes...a bit more HP would help both. I was disappointed with the Jeeps mileage, only a bit more than 20 MPG. These were the two highest on my list for consideration. I chose the Escape. Ive owned two Ford trucks previously and have had no reliability issues, actually no problems whatsoever.

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  Excellent Value & Otherwise - 2002 Ford Focus
  By rhmc24 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Considering the price and class of vehicle it was an excellent choice, would buy it again. Never imagined I could be so pleased with an entry level car. Also happy with my 03 Lincoln LS V8.

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  Focused - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Outta Focus - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the vehicle for about 3 months but I couldnt be happier. I opted for the 2.3L engine and I am very happy with the low end torque, and passes with ease on the freeway. I like the interior also with its sharp looks and comfortable seating.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By indichick88 - April 27 - 3:41 pm

  From buying this car 3 years ago, Ive been very pleased. Ive never had to take it in for servicing and its never caused my any major problems. I love how roomy the interior is, and how the car is the perfect size, not too large, and not too small. Ive also been able to go on one tank for 2 weeks! Perfect for students and people just looking for an affordable, reliable car. No complaints!

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  First truck and lovin it! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By richardheppner - April 27 - 2:11 pm

  This is my first pickup and Ive enjoyed it. I have a 2000 that I picked up from the inlaws for little to nothing. It only had 30,000 miles and was hardly driven for a couple of years. So I got what I considered a super deal, and a great truck like brand new. Ive had nothing but just a serpintine belt go bad and replaced. Super reliable!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Terry - April 27 - 12:58 pm

  I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2003, I own the ZX2 model. Its a peppy car for a 4 cylinder but yet it still gets good gas mileage. Ford should bring this vehicle back into production I believe that it would boost their sales with any age group. The car handles well, it does shake a little while idiling, but I would definetely reccomend this car to anyone looking for a used car. It has a great sound system and comfortable front seats.

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  King Ranch Rules - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Seniorchief Ret. - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The ride and handling are like driving are great. This 4X4 rides more like a luxury auto than a truck. I have only owned it for a short period but will really get to test it this fall when I go hunting.