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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  Be Frank Bullitt! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By BACKNBLACK - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My dealer called me and told me he had a special Mustang that I had to see. I fell in love with this car when i first saw it. I have always been a McQueen fan and I love the chase in the movie "BULLITT". The car looks, sounds and goes better than any other car for the money!

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  Buy this car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Great car to buy - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I think this is an awesome car. Great fuel economy (35+MPG). No problems so far. Stock stereo system is the bomb :-)!!! Never had a better car.

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  Fun car, worth the money. - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Black96GT - July 14 - 5:00 am

  I love my 96 GT. I dont understand all the bad reviews, its mostly people who dont even know how to maintain a car anyway. If you take care of it, it should be a good car. I keep up all regular maintenance mine is great. Only thing I really have to complain about is that piece of junk plastic intake crossover. I broke it 2 weeks after getting the car and it cost me $700 to replace the manifold. If you buy one of these things, try to get one that already has the aluminum replacement. Other than that, great car. Not that fast for a v8 but not slow either, and definitely not bad for its time. Handles MUCH better than expected also. I love my pony.

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  perfection - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By bulldawson - July 13 - 2:00 am

  wow what a car. bang for the buck you cant beat it..........loving my ford svt

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  fun sedan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By chili dawg - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Just got a 03 se sedan, automatic. This is a solid little sedan with lots of features and a smooth ride. Trunk is roomy as is the interior. 6 disc player in dash is just off the hook, stock speakers sound good too. I love the trunk release button on the keyless unit.

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  Satisfied owner - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Fred Altman - July 13 - 1:22 am

  The car has performed flawlessly with absolutely no service requirements other than oil changes in the 15,000 miles I have driven it. The only problem I have encountered is hitting my head on the hardtop as I enter the car when it is on. The car attracts much admiring attention from both young and old wherever we go. Trunk could be bigger, but it does haul two suitcases plus several small packages.

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  Great commuter - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Lily - July 12 - 11:06 pm

  Ive had this car since it came out 7 years ago and its a fantastic car. Other than routine maintenance, Ive never had a problem and it has been the most reliable car in my driveway. Its compact size but interior comfort make it a great commuter car, which is fantastic in an area with some of the worst traffic in the nation. Overall, great car and I plan to keep driving it for years to come!

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  1991 BRONCO - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By JASON MILLER - July 12 - 2:20 pm

  This is my third Bronco. I have now owned one from the 70s, one from the 80s and one from the 90s. I loved them all. I just bought this one and besides replacing a fuel pump, it has been great. Its a great all around vehicle. The gas mileage hurts a little but its well worth it.

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  2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Mark B - July 11 - 3:11 pm

  I have so enjoyed my 2003 Expedition! It handles so well. I have pulled a 27 trailer with it and it handled and powered better than my wifes 2005 Yukon XL. Fold flat rear seats make it great for hauling large cargo. The navigation system and rear DVD have been used and enjoyed extensively.

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  Freestyle on the Road - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gabe - July 11 - 5:56 am

  Deceiving room for a smaller vehicle. Sits 6 adults comfortably. Drives like a car but performs like an SUV,