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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  mach1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 1022 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the fastest car for your money. The Mach1 has a very agressive look.

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  Mach Nasy - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MLWadel23 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 Mach 1 August 19th 2003. It is great! Bone stock 305 HP and 320 TQ, Amazing! With a few bolt ons the modular 4 valve will scream. In my opinion it is the best special edition mustang built in recent years.

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  Fun-tastic - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Peczeniuk - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Drove a Mustang in 1966 and was thrilled to see how pleasurable (and FAST and peppy) this model is. Only thing shifting when cold somewhat rough.

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  Kristens Review! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Kristen K - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Hi! I just bought a Ford Mustang this June & I have to say that it is the best car Ive ever driven! These cars handle great. I love my interior...my seats are so comfortable! You should Go Buy One! I LOVE MY CAR!!!!

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  excellent - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By gabbey15 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its great!I love everything about it! I suggest this car to everyone out there! Its my dream car!

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  Red Devil - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dutchman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This little car has pickup and speed that will not take a back seat to any car. It is just plain fun to drive. The sound system is the ultimate best. The car holds to the road on curves and corners like a sports car. I had a V8 Mustang,1992, and it could not hold the road like this one. Let the "Elite" waste their money on those over priced foreign jobs, Im totally satisfied with my Mustang.

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  SVT COBRA MAGIC - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DRE1485 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the car for about 6 months and it is great. This is a prime example of an american muscle car. The inside is simple because its feature is its amazing engine. It is also a beautiful car because it is rare and it attracts a lot of its own attention.

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  excellent mustang gt - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ash - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have put 85000 miles on my mustang gt and am amazed at it`s combination of tremendous performance and reliability and so little maintainance.This is my first new american car (many japanese and german vehicles in the past)and this mustang absolutely has them beat in terms of maintainance,reliability,simplicity of design and overall performance/cost per mile.

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  Great! Great! and even Greater! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Canadian Driver - September 24 - 11:58 pm

  Man, I love this vehicle. I can haul my 25 foot trailer and still bring another six people along for the ride. I own all Fords, and have never owned anything else but Ford, and this goes to show you why Ive only owned Fords. The 3rd row seat is great, love the leather, and follows a good Ford theme on the outside the front looking exactly the same as a Ford F150. It has never let me down for driving through the B.C. mountains in the winter. We usually go from Invermere (in the east Kootenays) to Calgary in the winter for Christmas shopping, which is about 4 hours away, and we can do 100 kmh the whole way, with great traction and handling. Only tiff is the cheap tires.

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  Great For Up Here - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Canadian Driver - September 24 - 10:39 pm

  This is the perfect minivan for Canadians or Alaskans. It can move up to eight people, in a BLIZZARD! Ive never had problems with this except for the alternator. Up here in Canada, we are always digging out after snowstorms. The roads are icy and what not. This van will make it through 2 feet of snow better than a 4X4 Chevy! Kudos to whoever came up with this idea.