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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  2007 Mustang GT is a fun ride! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By codeglia - September 25 - 11:49 pm

  My daily commute was killing me in gas expenses for driving my Dakota pickup. So, I wanted something that would get much better gas mileage yet something that was fun to drive. As a teenager, I came close to buying a family friends 1964-1/2 Mustang, but it never happened. Even though I had a 1986 Corvette for a few years, owning a Mustang was something I always wanted to do. Now, at age 54, Ive gone and done it... and, so far, its been one heck of a fun ride! Good gas mileage, more power than Ill ever use, and a thousand different dress-ups and accessories out there on eBay, just for the Mustang! The possibilities seem endless.

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  I feel like Im driving a go-kart. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mike - September 25 - 3:34 pm

  Ive only had the car for about a month. Its fun to drive. It now has just over 1,500 miles on it. I had a Dodge Dakota before it. Its quite a change from having a large truck to got to something half that size.

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  The Best Truck Yet - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Lanier - September 25 - 1:46 pm

  The 2010 Harley truck is my fifth Ford truck and my third Harley edition. I bought the 01 and 07, as well. This truck is a real joy to drive. Ford obviously made a heavy investment in the interior of this vehicle without overlooking any details. From the audio system to the seats to the spaciousness to the ambient lighting and the badging, this truck was built for luxury. While not as loud as the 07, the 2010 model is more responsive. It has a very smooth acceleration. The truck handles well and belies its impressive height. The increased wheelbase is a welcomed change. The braking system does not jerk as is the case with many new cars and trucks. Ford has a masterpiece here.

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  A few flaws but not bad - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Paul Jr - September 25 - 10:00 am

  First of all, I really got a great deal on my new Mustang and highly reccomend Traedwell Ford of Mobile, AL. Went back to the Mustang GT after a few years off and it as sweet as I remember it. I could do without the caution tags on the visor that will not seem to come off. Also the stereo buttons placement on the stereo make it very hard to see the stereo display when you are making adjustments. I hate the seatbelt warning sound when you are not wearing your belt and that the seat will not lay back. Please remember that the good over lap the bad by far but just some things to consider before you buy.

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  Just Love It - 2001 Ford Escape
  By FireEmerald - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I have found this vehicle to be great to drive and ride in. It handles perfectly in the city, on the highway, and on rural roads. It is extremely comfortable even on coast to coast drives. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Surprised and delighted - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By billblass - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I had been shopping for a Cadillac Escalade but the power folding third row seat ads on TV caused me to stop at the Ford dealership. I test drove a Laser Red fully-equipped Eddie Bauer and ended up buying it. Its got more equipment than the Cadillac, for a lot less $$$. I love the ride, and the steering and braking are in a different league from the GM products.

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  1st Year - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By theledgers - September 24 - 11:19 am

  We just are getting to the one year anniversary of our Explorer. We love it! Plenty of room for our kids and their soccer, baseball, volleyball stuff, etc. We just finished a trip to Houston, about 350 miles round trip and got our best mpg yet, a little over 22 hwy! That was with mid-grade fuel and running 75 mph for the most part with some Houston traffic built in. Heres hoping the 2nd yr report is as positive!

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  Ironman - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Michael - September 24 - 8:49 am

  Ford really hit a home run with the Ironman package! Not only do I like exterior appearance with the black cladding but the two-tone interior against the metal look dash sets off nicely. The heavy duty rubber floor mats are perfect for an SUV. The only thing Ford could do better is fit and finish. They do such a good job everywhere else I hope that they can get everything to line up better in future models.

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  95 V8 - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ian - September 23 - 2:56 am

  This is the first Thunderbird I have owned and enjoy the car thoroughly. The car was purchased here in Southern California from an elderly lady who barely drove it. It had 25000 miles on it and is in great shape. The only major expenses I have had was a complete fuel injector clean out and new tires. The car has never failed amaze me with the performance and good mileage

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  Gotta Get One - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David Murray - September 22 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased this new truck and absolutely love it! Its a great work, family, or whatever the occasion vehicle to drive. I highly reccomend one to all who are in the market