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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  Great 2004 F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Phil Phillips - July 10 - 10:00 am

  All I have to report is not the greatest on performance but a ton of power. The Ford Motor Company has done a great job on the years truck!

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  04 Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By David Wavra - July 10 - 10:00 am

  For a V6 automatic, this car is fun to drive. Seems Hard to find standards (probably because everyone buys them up). Handling is great, acceleration is great, but you cant help but want the V8 or even the Cobra. Decent pricing, very possible to get payments under 400/month. The best part has to be the look that comes with the Mustang prestige.

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  great - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Billy Mitchell - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. Needs nothing done to it. Should not drive during the winter. Definately a keeper and will keep its value.

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  MY AMERICAN MUSCLE - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By LATASHA - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I AM A MUSTANG FAN. THIS IS MY FOURTH MUSTANG IN THREE YEARS AND EVERY MUSTANG GETS BETTER AND BETTER. I STARTED OUT WITH THE V6, THEN THE GT, NEXT WAS THE MACH1 AND NOW THE COBRA. THIS CAR IS THE BOMB AS THE CHILDREN SAY. IT HANDLES EXTREMELY WELL, AND HAS THE MUSCLES OF THE WORLD BEST BODY BUILDER. HOW CAN ANYONE ON THEIR RIGHT PONY NOT LOVE THIS CAR. IF YOU HAVE LOOKED AT FORD LATELY, LOOK AGAIN.

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  I love my car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Diane Bonham - July 10 - 10:00 am

  My car handles so well. It is a joy to get up for work in the morning just to start her up. My favorite part of my trip home from work is going from a dead stop at a four way to taking her thru the gears on a S-curve from 0 to 75. Its the little pleasures in life....

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  It is a wagon with a Blaupauck standard - 2004 Ford Focus
  By leonkreb - July 10 - 10:00 am

  2 kids and no more Mustang opted 4 a wagon over an SUV and didnt want to pay much: frugal CPA. Handles fine, nice pickup 4 a small engine (had 2 Mustangs since 17). Inside is ok in fit however I am 63" 275 with a 56 jacket size & 23" arms (competitive strongman)(I can not fit in the yupo BMW 3 series or Audi). The stereo is great: Blaupauk that is standard CD MP3 player. Just wish the rear seats fell flush when down. Looks exactly like Volvo V40 (Ford owns Volvo) for 10K less minus sun roof & leather seats. If you need a slant on your front grill 4 10K more go 4 it. My wifes 2 friends have the Volvo & they even said it is same just less frilly.

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  Smooth ride - 2007 Ford F-150
  By mrjmann1 - July 10 - 7:31 am

  Very happy with this truck, only problem Ive had so far was a screw lodged in my tire tread. Luckily the new tire pressure gauge system helped to detect it and got it fixed right away. Rides like a car, feels fairly safe, and the price was definitely right.

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  California gt awesome - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Bernard - July 10 - 5:39 am

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  Ford Focus ZX3. my first brand new car. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mini-pearl - July 10 - 12:15 am

  There is nothing bad about this car. Good mileage, economical operation, fun to drive. It has a 5 speed manual transmission. This car gets 27 around town and 30 mpg highway.

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  An excellent small SUV. - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Michael - July 9 - 9:22 pm

  I have had no problems with this vehicle at all so far. It has a lot of power and has very good fuel economy for an SUV. It has very tight and responsive steering. (a lot like a sports car.) It is quite easy to park this thing in tight parking spots. When I drove it from Texas to California in late November of 2006, I was getting 27MPG on the highway. When I took it for a drive in the San Gabriel Mountains, I noticed that it climbed the steep grades and mountain passes with no problem at all. It rides very smooth and quiet. It has lots of room for its size. I can fold down the seats, lay out my sleeping bag and have enough room in the back to stretch out and sleep inside this thing.