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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  funner to drive than most - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By crafty - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The mustang has always had the most bang for the buck. Still does and it lives on. all othere have gone by the wayside but the Mustang lives on. The reason is simple, Style, quality, looks, value, handling, and just plain makes you feel good to drive it kind of a car. With a history like that the new SVT COBRAS have a lot to live up to and do it well. The one in my garage is a metalic red cv. Love it! 21 mpg (not important) but the best gas milage Ive ever got with a hot rod. The old 427- 428 would not get near that. It will pass about anything in a very short time period. Handling and ride are very good. A real bang forthe buck!!

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  Awesome car! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By AWESOME CAR!!! - March 23 - 1:40 am

  I bought this car for 17000 from a blonde girl who owned for only 9 months, and only 11000 miles. The reason im saying this is because she bought a MB CLK coupe with 45000 miles for 30000! Go figure! I love this silver convertible mustang since the very first day. The car looks great. I added 20" black wheels and lowered 2". People on the street always stare. I have owned this car since Dec 2000. The only thing that I have change on this car is the oil and brakes once. Oh I also upgraded the headlights to all clear, and smoke the tailights. The car has 105k miles, and I will keep it for many more years. The car has been super reliable.

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Love this truck! - March 23 - 12:56 am

  I enjoy everything on this truck. Smooth ride, nice design, very quiet interior, tons of room. good size truck.

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  Excellent car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By rainydal - March 22 - 11:00 pm

  I love my Stang! I bought it five years ago, and have sped around in it everyday. It handles great in snow and rain considering it is rear wheel drive. Today a drunk driver smashed it up and I am so depressed.

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  07 GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mcmc1955 - March 22 - 10:41 pm

  No rattles, good handling, great mileage for a semi-hot rod. Rear quarter visibility is limited by the fastback design, but this is a nostalgia tradeoff to look like the 68/69 Mustangs. The front seat has great comfort, the back seat never was meant for comfort.

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  Awesome car with an old name - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Craig H. - March 22 - 8:32 pm

  This is a very comfortable car for larger size folks, the best part of this car is a consistantly fantastic fuel economy. On the interstate, cruise control set to 70 mph an awesome 31.5 MPG! A 20 gallon tank give me 400+ range. The power of this car is very nice, great acceleration, its quiet with a very nice sound system. Hard to pass this car up, hands down beats the Accord and Buicks in overall comfort and economy..

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  Very Sporty Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Hdtaz - March 22 - 8:08 pm

  Ive owned full size cars all my life. This is the fisrt small car I ever had and I love it! Very sporty and comfortable. It has amazing power out of the hole and on hills. Which most small cars need 2 miles to get up to 55 mph. Talking about being small, its not at all. The room in the cabin is incredible! The seats and controls are very comfortable to sit and reach, well thought out. Even though gas is $3.20 per gal. I still just drive to nowhere because its so much fun to drive, even on a long trip. Very happy with my zx4 Ses Focus (2007)

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  Lightning strikes twice - 2004 Ford F-150
  By rinnels69 - March 22 - 3:50 pm

  Although I have only had this Lightning a few days, I know I will love it. This is the 8th new Ford since 1989 and I am obviously a Ford fan. The power it has and the potential for more power is almost unlimited, but I will probally leave mine stock.....maybe. The interior is VERY comfortable for 2.

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  LOVE IT! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Kathy - March 22 - 3:26 pm

  I just bought my car and it is awesome. I get many many compliments on the look, and it is so much fun driving it.

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  The Red Rider - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Stan Smith - March 22 - 11:38 am

  I got my 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium in April and Im enjoying everything about it. Im really impressed with the eco boost engine great acceleration. I have all the whistle and bells and still learning some of the sync system but a lot of fun. I love the 12 speaker surround sound radio, the heated & cooled seats. There are to many things to mention them all. I traded in my 2009 MKZ which I really liked.