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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  2004 Mustang Rocks - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Al - September 29 - 1:25 am

  At 67" leg room is a must and this Mustang delivers mucho leg room. Getting 30 miles to the gallon.

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  Good Car - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By mustangfan - September 28 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased mine after my GT was ruined in an accident it was not stock so I purchased a GT 500 hoping it would have more potential and it does In stock form. It is a very fun car but feels heavy to me. If looking for true monster Mustang upgrades are needed. Interior upgrade package is definite yes. Much more leather makes it feel nicer to me than plastic dash of other cars. Got Shaker 500 instead of Shaker 1000 no difference in quality just little less bass compared to other car. Replaced Goodyear tires with Nitto 555s and car sticks much better. I love this car but it was as expensive as a faster Vette. If I wasnt such a stang fan I would not have paid this much

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  Switched from Toyota to Ford Fusion! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dora - September 27 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned Camrys since 1990. I had to unexpectedly replace my 2003 Camry. My son convinced me to test drive a Fusion. I was apprehensive about leaving Toyota especially for a Ford! I have bought nothing but Toyotas since 1978 and I was concerned about the reliability and quality of an American car. What a pleasant surprise!!! I love my Fusion and I get lots of compliments on it. Its sporty, attractive, and practical. Ford did an excellent job with the 2010 Fusion!

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  Excellent Roadster - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ted - September 27 - 12:36 pm

  I purchased my 05 T-Bird in April of 2005. This is the first convertible I have owned. I love driving this car. It is extremely quiet with the top up. With the top down there is almost no wind buffeting. There are several roadsters on the road but by far the T-Bird turns more heads and draws more stares. You have to drive it to really understand what a nice car this is.

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  2015 Ford Mustang Convertible V6 - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Ron - September 27 - 6:20 am

  I just got my 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible v6 with red exterior and black interior. The driving dynamics of this car are absolutely amazing. It feels like a true sports car. The drive is firm but smooth and when you put your foot on the gas the car just flies. I remember when I was taking the car out of the dealer, numerous people passing by were commenting how beautiful the car looks in bright red. My only complaint is that the interior looks plasticy, outdated and kind of cheap. The materials are really mehhh...wish they had done something to make it look more upscale, but all I care about is how it drives and for that this car gets an A+.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pumi1 - September 27 - 12:04 am

  I used to have a Ford Escort and a Ford Expedition and my experiences with them made me hesitant to try the Fusion. They were both reliable but uncomfortable, squeaky inside, and the road and wind noise made my ride anything but fun. The Fusion is nothing like them. It is extremely quiet and smooth. The seats are supportive and comfortable. The handling is top notch and since I got the fully loaded version, I have all the fun with the heated seat, navigation, and hill assistant among others. I have almost 1000 miles in her and I get the following fuel consumption. Going by 60-65mph = 45-47 mpg 65-70mph = 40-42 mpg Over 70mph = 38-40 mph Apparently, Ford doesnt want us to speed.

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  Explorer has been reliable & very useful - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Jerry Gossett - September 26 - 3:09 pm

  Owned since new. Has been a very good & reliable vehicle. No major repairs needed other than to replace rear window motor & regulator in 2004 costing $340. Paint still looks excellent. No rattles. V-6 engine runs well & gets very good mileage for SUV. Local 14.5-17 mpg & on road 18-24 mpg. With street-type tires Explorer is quiet & rides good - combination off-road/ street tires are noisy & rough. Wheel alignment stays well. Nothing falling apart in interior. Steering is starting to whine a little at 55,400. Very handy for hauling furniture, boxes, etc. No major complaints!

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  Best SUV ever built - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Bruno - September 26 - 3:07 pm

  This is by far the best truck we have ever owned. It will carry or drag anything you ask of it. We when though three hurricanes last year and this truck never missed a step. From dragging fallen trees out of the road to carrying building supplies, it never let us down. And when every one ran out of gas it was still easy to find diesel.

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  Great road car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By keno55 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When my other car went south on a trip to the west coast in Albuquerque,N.M. we purchased a 2003 Red sport model Crown Vic and the rest of the trip was a fun time. The car has a great ride and is just outstanding on the road plus its power to get up all of the mountains in Ca.,Or. and Washington. The XM radio the dealer installed was great we could receive the same station no mater where we drove.

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  This is a great car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James Ryan - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most quality built car I have ever owned