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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  Big Upgrade - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Ford for Life - May 8 - 2:25 pm

  I recently bought a new Ford F-150 after owning a 2001 F-150. Ford has really upgraded this truck in terms of design and comfort. It is less tippy than the older model and the cab noise is virtually non-existent. I am also glad I bought the FX4 model with the larger tires and better suspension. I love this truck!

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  Love It - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kiacharise Martin - May 7 - 7:53 pm

  This is my 3rd Mustang. I have owned a 1997 and 2002 but the 2005 is awesome. This is a keeper

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  Great Family Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jym McNamara - May 6 - 2:03 pm

  Im just in love with the car. For the price I couldnt get anything better. It has plenty of space and is fairly comfortable. The engine runs smootly and it handles awesome.

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  Bevys pony - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By bevy - May 5 - 1:13 am

  The car is so comfortable. i have back problems but none when i drive it. The transmission is awesome. Automatic sounds like a manual so you still get that sports car feel. Engine purrs. it is just so fun to drive. I used to consider driving a way to get from point a to point b; no more. We fight over who gets to drive it.

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  Reliable, Fun and Quick - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By siciliano_88 - May 4 - 9:29 pm

  My car has all the options and the mach stereo system. I have spent $0 repairing this Mustang other than neccesary ex. oil, fluids, and have had no problems. The v6 has plenty of power for the everyday user and unbelievable gas mileage on the highway. I put on a fuel induction preformance kit and now it sounds amazing, with great throttle response. I could not be happier!

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  Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By coolcall - May 4 - 9:06 pm

  I am overall extremely impressed with this vehicle. I purchased it with every available option from ford and am not dissappointed at all. The GPS is amazing totally recommend, Easier to use than Mercedesnon-touch interface. I have driven nearly 3500 miles and average around 20 MPG with the 6 Cyl. The only gripe that i have is with the Cruise control, it average at least 2 Mpg less when it is on and varies greatly in speed up to 5-10 miles per hour. Other than that i love my espcape and personally believe that if Ford keeps up with producing vehicles to this build quality and overall solid feel, while still appeasing to luxury tastes they will be fine.

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  Who says Americans cant build a car? - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Mark - May 4 - 2:32 pm

  I am a big guy and I fit in the front and rear just fine. Lots of legroom in the back! This "small" SUV is fun to drive, good looking and versatile. If you feed it premium gas, it will grow up to be an Explorer!

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  Mustang GT convertible fan - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Bigteez - May 4 - 7:33 am

  If youre looking for a commuter car to take the kids to soccer practice, this isnt the car for you. It doesnt turn on a dime, it doesnt have a lot of trunk space, and if youre looking for lots of places to store maps and sunglasses and purses and/or man bags, this also is not the car for you. I didnt want any of the things I mentioned. I wanted a convertible with a big V-8, a nice loud engine, a comfortable front seat, and a top that didnt take an engineering degree to put down. I got all of that and more with my 2015 mustang gt premium convertible with automatic transmission. Manual transmission was not an option as I am somewhat handicapped, but who cares? I put the accelerator to the floor and my mustang jumps ahead of traffic with a nice growl of the engine and pushes you back into the seat. The interior looks great. More leather and less plastic than the 2014 model. The audio system is amazing and rumbles just as loud as the engine. Putting the top down is quick and easy. Ive had the car for about a month and I get compliments at the intersection as well as the parking lot at the grocery store. Its a pleasure to drive and I couldnt be happier. I had a 1983 mustang gt convertible years ago but there is no comparison. Before you get to critical, try driving the new GT.

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  Affordable Rocket - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By bluedoctor - May 3 - 11:53 pm

  What a blast to own. A low cost rocketship with great retro styling. Fuel economy not too bad for the performance.

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  02 Mustang GT - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By georgebush - May 2 - 4:56 pm

  This car is the best. I currently have a 65 and now my 02 Stang. The ride and muscle car performace is true to its name. Put some new mufflers to richen the exhaust note and have fun. Even the Chevy guys like the Mustang sound!