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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  Gas at $1.50 per gallon? - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By swhitehorn - September 4 - 9:07 pm

  There is a learning curve on how to drive a hybrid and Ford gives you several coaching tools to help you maximize your mpg. There are a few things you can do up front. One is to make sure there is 35 lbs of pressure in each tire (check tire pressure when tires are cold or havent be driven on in 8 hrs or more.) Wax your car, slow down and ease on the accelerator and brakes. Use the cruise control in the eco mode whenever possible. Remember, by driving conservatively you also create less wear and tear on your vehicle and for the most part drive safer. As compared to my 08 Accord EXL V6 the combined epa increases from 22 to 47 mpg, hence the $1.50 per gallon of gas.

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  Good Enough - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By 73Elsinore - September 4 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this truck with 135,000 miles on it and it now has over 220,000. It is still going strong and is completely reliable. Mine has the 5- speed manual. Besides normal maintenance items (brakes, clutch, tires, etc.) I have had to replace both cylinder heads (they cracked - a very common known defect in this particular Ford engine) and the A/C condenser ($450). Besides that, no other repairs. I have off-roaded it many times and it has always done well. It doesnt have much pickup off the line at all. Mileage is crappy, at 14 city/20 hwy. With the new heads, it does not use a drop of oil, which is unusual at this mileage, so the bottom end of the engine is bulletproof.

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  FUN FORD!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By dylandaughter - September 4 - 4:06 pm

  My first Ford was a 2004 Ford Focus ZX3, and I loved it! I wanted to go in and get the Focus Zx4 with leather seats and Microsoft-sync technology-but alas no hatchbacks.I am outdoorsy with a big dog,and a consummate environmentalist, so an SUV never seemed like something I would let myself have. However this SUV gets nearly 30 miles to the gallon (less with the kayaks on top) but with all the room and the good gas mileage I gave it whirl. It was fun. As soon as I got used to the narrow wheel base --it was a lot of fun! I love it, I love it, I love It. Its comfy, practical safe, and economic! not the sexiest car terms but works for me, my dog, my kayak, my skis, & all my gear.

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  Ford Aspire bought new - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By Robo - September 4 - 12:23 pm

  I bought my 1994 Ford Aspire new and have driven it for 15 years now. Had to have a distributor replaced and rear wheel bearings. Other than that, nothing but maintenance. It has been a great car. MPG of over 36 (still). Have 120K miles on it. I want to get it painted for the next 60K. A great go to work car.

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  silver mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By katsilva - September 4 - 10:00 am

  when i got the mustanf i was concerned about how safe i would be since i was used to the lincoln towncar. an incident where a man driving a truck with no brakes slammed into the rear of my mustang at a stop light, i saw his vehicle all smashed and mine was fine, minor scratches in rear. i then felt much safer, i still have this car and plan to give it to my son when he gets his lecense in a few months!

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  i love mustangs - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By james mettelmann - September 4 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun car to drive i like that it has power although im going to put a few after market parts in soon because i like to drag but with or without the parts this gt is very nice

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  FUN CAR TO DRIVE - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By TITIAN1340 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS FAST, FUN, AND A REAL HEAD TURNER. MY STANG IS MAINLY A TOY, AND A SUNNY DAY RUNNER. OTHER THAN THAT IT STAYS IN MY GARAGE. WHICH HAS HEAT AND AC COMFORT. VERY HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE.

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  QS REVIEW - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MUSTANGQ - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with my 2003 Mustang. The one thing that shocked me though, was the fact that after owning it for less than a month, the oxygen sensors went out. That was something that I wouldnt have expected. Other than that, Im extremely happy with the car, and I really enjoy driving it.

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  The Best Sports Car In The World - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang1972 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has a slick body style that makes you feel like you are driving the sexiest car around. The performace of the car is excellent and I highly recommend anyone to test drive this car before purchasing any other car that is suppose to be compatable with the Mustang.

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  cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By nonphixion - September 4 - 10:00 am

  the mustang svt cobra r is a hot ride with exelent preformence and im looking to bye more for family and im happy with the speed results it has given me. The horse power is amazing and the comfort is awesome.