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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  Roar - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Roar - November 28 - 6:31 pm

  Overall this car is great for anyone. It doesnt have 350 horses under the hood but its got so giddy up. Its quick and always reliable. I have owned a Pontiac Trans-Am and this Mustang GT and by far I like driving the GT.

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  Intelligently designed car, great price - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By MHT - November 27 - 10:33 pm

  This car meets all my requirements: minimal blind spots, excellent fuel economy, comfortable on a long trip, lots of cargo space, 5 star crash ratings, reasonable price. It is enjoyable to drive. It is not underpowered and merges, climbs hills and passes with no trouble at all. The headlights are better than many other cars. It is a safe size here in the land of huge trucks and huge SUVs. (I do most of my driving in Texas and Oklahoma where more trucks than cars are on roads) The all wheel drive is wonderful in both a heavy snow storm and a heavy rainstorm. The brakes are excellent. Heater, air conditioner and defrosters front and back are top of the line. This also matters a lot here.

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  2007 V-6 Pony Package - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Bill - November 27 - 10:26 pm

  Fun car to drive. The retro look and the interior upgrades with the Pony package made this the perfect car. Installed the Ford Racing dual exhaust system with excellent results, nice sound and better gas mileage.

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  Overall, I love this car! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By coffeegeek - November 27 - 8:32 pm

  I purchased the 2012 4-Dr Sdn SE with Equip group 203A including cruise control, MyFord Sync and Sirius 6 Spkr Radio, and Optional Equipment of SE Sport pkg with Alloy Wheels, Select Shift 6 Speed Auto Transmission, Disc Brakes Front and Rear and Rear Spoiler. I am averaging 35 miles per gallon so far. This car easily keeps up with flow of traffic. On the Interstate it accelerates easily and cruises comfortably. The built in blind spot mirrors make it easy to double check for lane changes and entering on ramps. The steering is very responsive to maneuvers for unexpected circumstances. The trunk has ample room for shopping, or traveling. The fog lights are great in fog or rain conditions.

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  Great Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - November 27 - 7:46 pm

  I never thought Id buy a Ford car (I love the trucks), but when I took a test drive in the 05 Mustang, I drove off the lot and said "this is my car". Two days later I picked up the same car and drove it home. And its been a thrill driving to work in the morning (a cool car helps the morning blues!) Great exterior from front to back and a kicking stereo system. Interior is tame and reminiscent of the late 60s models. Love it! Ford outdid themselves on this one-of-a-kind comeback!

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  Realiability at its best - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By derson - November 27 - 3:40 pm

  Purchased car for $1500. Needed car for personal/work. I use car on occasion for mail delivery. Roomy enough for trays in drivers seat, and comfortable enough to right-hand drive without hyper-extending the legs/arms. Gas mileage is excellent - 26mpg personal (I have over 141k), and 15-17mpg for work (I drive 72 miles and have over 300 starts/stops.) I recently replaced rack/tie rods/ball joints, but it was not Fords fault. I curbed the tires when delivering mail. Great in snow. Have never been stuck - even in 10 inches of snow! Use Havoline oil & Seafoam - increased mileage 3-4mpg. My carrier just replaced his Taurus for new one. Wouldnt replace if wasnt reliable!

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  Definitely Drive One - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By RS - November 27 - 12:01 pm

  What a wonderful car! Always liked the look of the 500 (more so the Taurus) and the safety features on this car are second to none. I have the Safety/Security Package, Comfort/Convenience Package, and the Reverse Sensing System. All of which were absolutely worth it. Looking for something to stuff a couple of child seats into and lug around the necessary stuff too. My friends chuckled at me when I got it. That is until I took them for a spin in it and then it was, "Wow!". My wife liked it so much, she went out and got a Taurus X a month later. Fords have come a long, long way and their tag line is spot on. Drive one, indeed.

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  Terminator (2003 COBRA) - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ISEPIC - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Total muscle... ford is rating this at 390 HP, actually all people I know who had it dynoed so far has dynoed at 415- 420 hp (engine)... wow. Add a chip, pulley, exhaust ($1200) and youre very close to 500HP.... wow! :) With a warranty! Cant beat it for under 34K

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  This car has been sooo good to me! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Aileen - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my ford escort in May of 1998. I have never had a serious problem with this car (other than the ac compressor giving out at 65,000 - but it IS florida). This car has never let me down. The reliability is excellent and for only a 2.0 it hauls ass!!!! I wish I would ahve got the one witht the sun roof!

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By K.Bomb - November 27 - 8:15 am

  I road tested several trucks, and liked the Chevrolet, but after driving the Ford truck, I was sold!!! Great ride quality, nice interior, attractive exterior, smooth handling. Glad I opted for the bigger 5.4 engine!