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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  Almost Perfect! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By jmr1061 - November 5 - 4:21 pm

  Having owned 3 of the previous generation Mustangs, in my opinion this was a huge leap forward for the Mustang. For the money, Ford did an excellent job of producing a top end, sporty pony car. The ride and balance is excellent, and the retro look is awesome! Overall quality is very good. This is the best bang for the buck on the market today. For a larger car than previous years, the interior seems smaller - more cramped, but still very comfortable.

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  A Ford I Love! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By BC - November 4 - 11:16 pm

  This car is amazing. I never thought Id find myself saying ford made an awesome car, but WOW! Driving is extremely smooth on the car. If you want performance just floor it, and it will red-line shift for you. The interior is very comfortable and the NAVI package is very well integrated into the vehicle.

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  Buy It--New or Used (2005 or after) - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By gtstangconv - November 4 - 10:43 pm

  I just bought a 2006 GT Conv with 13000 miles. Ive had it two days and already love it. My other vehicle is a Mazda CX-9 (for the family). This one is fun for me and I can still haul the family for fun trips. With the GT (V8), Im surprised that Im averaging 20-23 mpg--not bad considering the 300 horses and irresitible urge to nail it and nail it and well you get the point. Buy this vehicle. If $ are tight, I recommend an 06 or 07--great bargains out there. I personally chose a used GT instead of a new V6. I would have considered a used 05, but I never get a car its first year in production--no idea if theres any real basis in that- -just my personal hangup.

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  New 08 Taurus Ltd. - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By 08 Taurus - November 4 - 9:32 pm

  Almost purchased a Cadillac CTS, but wanted something slightly larger. Thought I may be taking a step down with the Taurus - I was wrong! Very happy with this purchase. I have 1200 miles on my new 08 Taurus Ltd., it looks and feels like a luxury car. Ride quality is outstanding, interior very comfortable and roomy. Very nice car to drive.

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  EXCELLENT ALL ROUND! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By GOldman - November 4 - 6:56 pm

  I had been battling with used cars for many years. Not that I bought bad quality cars, but I always needed to attend to something. I was tired of this and decided to get a new one. I fell for the Mustang because of its legendary name. The design team has definitely made the 2005-06 Mustang the BEST design since the 60s! I love this vehicle, the looks, the feel, the performance. It is definitely above the rest. And it still holds true to Iacoccas philosophy of an affordable race car,

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  95 Taurus for delivery! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Doris - November 4 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car to deliver mail on a 90mi./day rural route. Ive been using it for 3 1/2 years and have had no problems. With only the cost of maintenance to worry about, I can afford the gas no problem! (14.5 mi/gal delivering | 22 mi/gal driving around town) With only 145k miles on it, I Ill keep it going until she dies on me - and then I will buy the new generation Taurus.

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  Turns heads wherever I go! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By King Nebekeneezer - November 4 - 12:23 pm

  Powerful, fast, beautiful vintage design. highly modifyable. Bought Cal Special-redfire metalic, black racing stripes, Rousch front fascia (after being hit by truck tire blowout), Ford Racing Performance handeling kit- lowered 1.5 inches, 3.73 gears, flowmaster mufflers-great v8 Amer muscle mustage growl. Turns heads everywhere. Handles well for Amer car- even better now w/Ford handeling pack installation. Great acceleration & passing power. My Mustang gets so many compliments everywhere i go (especially by older men-60s era Mustang owners, and by kids). Great Car-no problems yet-knock on wood. Great dealership & service support. LOVE driving it. Better than Camero. Very proud to own mustang!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By TOM - November 4 - 11:16 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle to drive. The handling is that of car in an SUV body. I drive 30,000 miles per year for work and this has been the best vehicle my company has ever bought for me.

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  GREAT - 2005 Ford Escape
  By NIKI - November 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS GREAT IT IS SO SMOOTH ON THE STREET AND ON GRAVEL IT IS NOT AS BUMMPY AS OTHER SUVS.

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  Bills 05 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bill Street - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I like my 2005 Escape XLT better then my 2001 Loncoln LS. Both had the Ford V6 engine but the Escape is very Quiet and Solid! The new floor shifter makes the Escape look and feel sporty! The new front bucket seats feel great. My only complant is the Escape needs a larger gas tank,try going to 18 gal up from 16! If you dont drive this car before you buy, you will never see how much FORD has done to get you BACK!