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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  Mustang purrs!!! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Pat - September 7 - 4:28 pm

  This cars a worthy sports car!

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  Fun to drive - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By peggy - September 7 - 2:08 pm

  I have owned and driven my car since day one when she came off the truck. She only has 70000 miles on her. It is only driven in the nice weather because our Indiana winters can be harsh on the car because of the salt and also the bigger tires on the vehicle. We took it to the 45th anniversary in Birmingham and she performed very well on the track and proved that she could give the more powerful Mustangs a run for the money. It was not a timed thing but just a chance to be on a spectacular road course. It has been a fun car to drive for 15years and still looks excellent inside and out. No she is not for sale.

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  Good not great - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cakeman - September 7 - 1:40 pm

  Good reliable vehicle, nice ride, plenty of room for packages and large items. Good all around, nothing exceptional.

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  2010 gt500 - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By flyperry - September 7 - 1:00 pm

  Ive had -0- problems with car its 100% improvement over the previous models years I had a 08 and traded it in a 2010 car doesnt feel any faster then the 08 but this car is a total package to drive and great fun and a pleasure to drive Im glad I bought it

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  solid peppy ride - 2008 Ford Focus
  By WHODUNIT - September 7 - 2:20 am

  first thing i noticed about the focus ses was the feeling of a solid built vehicle and then the peppiness of the 4 cyclinder motor. it is a looker, goes good at highway speeds. more fun to drive than my girlfriends crossfire, excellent little car with alot of good features.

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  attention up the yin yang! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Roy - September 7 - 1:16 am

  2nd Mustang Previous was 90 LX 5.0 Ive owned several sports cars 80,85 TA 89,01 Corvette. This 2005 GT has got great styling with very comfy seats. Mine has the red leather with every option except the automatic. the ride is soft yet firm enough to do some mild performance driving. I never had so much attention in a car. I get stopped all the time and people want to touch and talk about it. Its a big hit for FORD so buy FORD stock and you will do well.

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  Falling in love is so easy to do - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Gee Man - September 7 - 12:36 am

  Love at first sight? Nah, quite the opposite. But that were it starts, rather than ends. Its somewhat analogous to the smirk you received when you caught the eye of a beautiful girl, who later falls head over heels in love with you. Neither of you saw it coming. Experiencing the Flex is a discovery of why, as teenager, you wanted to get behind the wheel and drive. Why? Because it was fun! Lots of fun. Thats the Flex. Fun, fun, fun. Fords competitive advantage in the area of electronics shines through like a stoic lighthouse in the darkest of night! Theres enough technical features to satisfy even the most ardent technophile. As Fords tagline emotes, Drive One.

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  Great little truck! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By bisjoe - September 6 - 6:27 pm

  The compact size for parking ease, great old-school styling, reliability and 4.0 V6 power are the major features that caused me to buy the Ranger over the competitors. I have not been disappointed, after 32,000 miles and 3 years Id buy it again. I manage to get 16 city and 22 highway by being careful and using cruise control when I can. More than enough power for heavy loads and towing.

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  Fun and Faithful - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Faithful and fun - September 6 - 5:13 pm

  I bought it 3 years old with 47k miles on it. It now has 206k miles (!!!) and is still going strong. I use it to commute, for beach runs, and to haul stuff around, and it runs great. Over the years Ive fixed the suspension and brakes a few times, and it ate a tranny at 90k, but otherwise its been very reliable. Its fun to drive as well. I paid $15k for it and Id say Ive gotten my moneys worth. Fuel economy isnt bad, by the way (23k highway). Front seats are more comfortable than in my wifes Mercedes (yes, believe it -- I have a bad back). Worst part of the experience was the selling dealer I will never return there except to buy a car under invoice.

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  SVT Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By b16sir1991 - September 6 - 3:06 pm

  I bought this SVT new in Nov. 2004. I work for Ford and am a Master Tech. Being familiar with the Focus, i had to snag one before they were gone. This car has amazed me from day one. Through the years, it has just been better and better. With a few modifications here and there, this car is extremely hard to beat at 4 times the money. To date, this SVT can pull 1.15g in cornering and out brakes pretty much anything short of pure race cars. I have less then $30k in it and have out performed cars costing over $100k on short courses.