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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  terrific - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By G Hanson - May 22 - 10:00 am

  VERY reliable and good fuel to milage ratio. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Really good - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By casperballer - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Ford mustang is a great car choice. I love the great suspension it has and the looks I get when I am driving my car. It is a great car to show off with.

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  The Truth About The Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By DaBearshhh - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The Cobra is FAST. Handling is typical for American sports cars. If you are over 6 foot, Youll be aching in the Cobra, due to the visibilty or lack there of and the leg room........... as you will with all Mustang models. The stick is stiff and the 390HP will seem unbeatable unless you decide to go against a Vet. Stick with the GT or Mack 1 model until the Cobra gets to 420HP or higher.

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  Great value - Muscle Car Classic - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By nick - May 22 - 9:25 am

  I test drove a mustang convertible 16 years ago but put off the purchase because of the insurance cost. 16 years later I finally purchased a 2010 gt prem conv(one of the benefits of getting old...lower insurance costs) and could not be happier. This car is true American muscle car its powerful, fun to drive and a great value. The cons (axle, handling.....) are all shortcomings I can live with. So if you are in the market for a muscle car I would highly recommend this car. I considered buying a late 60s early 70s muscle car but decided that the Mustang would give me the same thrill/feel without the hassle of dealing with an ongoing restoration project.

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  Primary Vehicle - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By J. Hines - May 22 - 5:53 am

  Pretty much satisfied with the vehicle. Only drawbacks are fuel economy, of which I am getting close to 18 mpg around town, and the tire pressure indicator keeps going off. Have had 2 dealerships look at the tire pressure indicator but no solution yet.

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  Solid CUV!!! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Jonny A - May 22 - 2:27 am

  After looking at the Subaru Tribeca, Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7 we decided on an Edge Limited AWD. It compared very well against the competition in build quality, styling, materials and fit and finish. We belived the exterior styling to be the best of the bunch. The interior shines IMHO with a conservative, well designed layout using durable materials and easy, intuitive controls. The leather seating is nice with contrast stitching! The backseat felt the most comfortable and roomy of the 4. The sync system is outstanding, with nothing comaprable in any other vehicle we looked at bluetooth+Cell=sweet. Little extras like puddle lamps and power rear liftgate are nice too. And the price!

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  fixed or repaired daily - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rick - May 21 - 7:17 pm

  The looks and the 4.6 shifted me to buy this big piece of junk, I owned limos with the 4.6 that got over 300k with no problems, so I brought this xlt, my mechanic hugged me and said we might as well be family now, so many problems with this suv. Omg. Maybe Ill be lucky, nope 111,000 miles tranny acted up, Wayne county Ford pa, said we dont bother rebuilding that tranny, new 1 $4,600, . Installed, rear wheel bearings, broken springs, alternator, rear seal, a/c gets warm then boom overheats twice... Uhaul refuses to let this car be used to tow, my sable can LOL, to all who love there explorers good luck cause your gonna need it, my last Ford

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  Room for improvement - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Eddy - May 21 - 6:53 pm

  The Edge is pretty much everything advertised. It handles well and is a very "tight" vehicle. The roominess in the rear seat is definitely superior to the GM Suvs I have owned. Overall , a great vehicle with the instrument panel lighting being the only "significant " shortfall. Without any backlighting, it is hard to read on a cloudy/overcast day or towards sunset. This lack of lighting is unusual in the Industry today.

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  fine truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jeff - May 21 - 4:03 pm

  I havent had my 2004 LariatSupercrew but since July. Ive had but one problem with the truck (clutch pack),and Ford fixed that pronto! So far, I love everything about this truck.

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  Buyer Beware! Be AFRAID - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Steve Westcott - May 21 - 11:53 am

  I bought a 2012 Ford Focus and have been disappointed ever since. It is the worst vehicle I have owned. It has been recalled twice in a year because of transmission problems. I had to take it in again on my own recently. The transmission in these vehicles is a real mess. Save yourself headaches and buy a Corolla. I had one and it was one of the best cars I have owned. I have major buyers remorse with the Focus. The car even stalled when i was driving on the highway. It is truly a road hazard. The Ford Fiesta has the same transmission problems. The F-150 appears to be the only vehicle made by Ford thats worth it.