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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  A few quibbles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By prunnmo - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Only had it for a month but considering my occupation requires me to drive trucks and/or suv I would say it has been a great buy. With the dealer discount and rebates I ended up spending a lot less than the foreign models. Only time will tell if it holds up. 2 things tho: theres a rattle in the back hatch. Think its the 2 plastic latches in the door. And the radio doesnt have the greatest reception.But its been fun to drive.

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  I love my stang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SassiRed - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my mustang. I have had absolutly no problems with it at all. The only thing that I really dont like is that they are no fun to drive when it rains or snows. Unless you like skidding all over the place, then its an extremely fun car. I love the fact that at a touch of a button the top goes down and you are windblown bound. All and all it is a great car to drive and its cute at that.

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  I Have two and love them both - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MustangTyler - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I currently own two mustangs, a 2001 performance red 2 door coupe and a 2000 oxford white convertable, both V6s. I have been EXTREMELY pleased with both of my mustangs and would definately promote any new buyer!!! Lets keep the tradition alive!!!!

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  My Cobra - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mac1 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Great power...awesome feel. I love the muscle car feel. very sporty and great looking.

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  Big Boy!!! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By gambroise - November 12 - 3:03 pm

  This vehicle turn heads everywhere you go. Other cars move out the way when they see you coming. You are in control all the time. You just have to remember when you are driving this vehicle that other people lives are in your hands. So you have to be alert at all times, especially when you are on the highways. Trying to find parking with this vehicle is very tough and make sure you make enough money to afford filling up the gas tank every week. Overall I think this is a great car but one has to make sure that this is not their main vehicle because using it everyday would definently put a deep hole in your pockets.

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  Great Ride with Good Reliability - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Jack Barritt - November 12 - 11:37 am

  I bought the truck with 20,000 miles in 2000 and 4 years later have 117,000. It has the 4.6L V-8 that has adaquate power but gas mileage has been around 14 mpg with local driving. Overall, the truck rides well and has been very dependable. I did have to get the transmission rebuilt at 100,000 miles which set me back $1900 but otherwise the truck has required little maintenance and still runs and rides very well. I plan to keep it several more years.

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  Frustrated - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Josephine - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car, if it would not break down all the time. Stalls at 50 mph after 2 trips to the shop

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  wesleys 2000 excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By wesley - November 11 - 11:08 am

  You sure feel safe in it, and you can haul tons of goodies. Pulls a 6k lb boat with out telling. Rides like a horse though. Pretty reliable

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  Power, Power, Handling and Sexy - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SVTChris - November 10 - 2:10 pm

  From when you first step on the gas pedal till your rational mind lets off the throttle the power never ends. But be careful, the tires will go up in smoke just as easily because of the amazing amount of torque. The handling is superb and smooth because of the independent rear suspension. The seats provide great lateral support and have adjustable thigh and side bolstering. Great V-8 Supercharged power. The best Mustang ever that can compete with vehicles that cost thousands of dollars more. Driving the Cobra puts a smile on my face every time I drive it or just look at it.

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  Beware 47 mpg claim - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By john615 - November 10 - 11:45 am

  Had the car for about 10 days. Average mpg so far, 36. Id be happy with 43 or 44, but there have been only THREE occasions when the small instant trip mpg guide popped up and showed mpg over 47. I mostly drive this car on shorter trips of 5-10 miles. Only if you can miraculously keep the gas engine off will you be able to get above 40. This is with acceleration so slow as to be a hazard to traffic kind of driving. I had one perfect condition (50-55 mpg) parkway driving trip of about 50 miles that still couldnt produce but 40 mpg and the return on interstate doing 70 was 36 mpg and mostly flat constant conditions. NO WAY this car is going to meet EPA reported 47 - 37 yes, not 47.