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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  Back to the "Good ole days" - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By pnewby - October 23 - 11:20 pm

  While I liked our 02 Eddie Bauer OK, I thought the styling had gone to the "plain" side compared to the 96 we used to have. Our new 06 has the best of both - a better ride, better handling and more power than either, and a return to the looks that caused us to buy an Explorer in the first place. Just completed a 3800 mile round trip through the Southeast, and could not have been more pleased. Mileage was around 19, which we expected for the V8, performance was superb in all weather conditions, and comfort was fantastic. For the folks not buying an Explorer because of the mileage, figure out your cost per year for miles driven in each type, then decide if the difference is worth it. (YES).

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Tim Smith - October 23 - 4:03 pm

  I have had my Mustang GT now for over a year. I bought this car based on a lot of the reviews I found on this very site, which led me to want to write my own. My review is this: What a great car! Havent had a single issue since I purchased it. The V8 runs fantastic at 79,500. Car handles well and the ABS/traction control work great. The build quality is as advertised, excellent. No rust, no broken plastics, no faulty or cheap electronics. Everything works and works well. The Mach360 stereo rocks like the day it was made. The 6 cd changer acted a little funny the first time I used it but since then hasnt had a single problem (the person I bought the car from didnt use it.)

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  Does the size of a car really matter? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Becky - October 23 - 11:26 am

  The new Ford Mustang is an awesome car. I really like the exterior looks and the feel of the car when you drive it. The car is really great for a single person, but it is a tight squeeze for a family. The front of the car is very roomy, although the rear seat does not have much room. I was willing to deal with the size although I have a family just because I loved the looks of the car. Overall I am happy and very pleased with the performance of my new Mustang. The inside of the car is pretty small but that was a sacrifice I was willing to make to own a car I love.

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  "Awesome" - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ken Kramer - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this beautiful piece of machinery the last day of the year (2004). I couldnt believe the power it had. Compared to my 2002 GT Mustang it was just amazing. After test driving it I was sold, not to mention the way it looked and felt on the inside. The sound of the exhaust was very impressive and the handling was remarkable; the dash and instrument panel looks like the old Mustangs - very good looking. This car is a blast to drive, the stares you get, the envious looks on peoples faces, Im always getting the thumbs up all the time; word of warning, dont buy this car if you dont like being stared at. But overall the "2005 Mustang" surely is the car to buy.

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  Mistake - 1995 Ford Probe
  By steves238stang - October 23 - 9:50 am

  All in all its a fun call to drive, however I dont Mazda/Ford ever built these cars to really last very long, they seem like a pretty good college kids but I wouldnt recommend it to anyone for the simple fact that they dont make it anymore and parts are pretty hard to find parts for it.

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  Love it - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By MirCheques - October 23 - 7:11 am

  I love to drive this car. Its my first muscle car (after owning 335 horsepower Audi A8, 231 horsepower VW Touareg and 400 horsepower BMW 7 series) and I have to say that Im really impressed. I knew not to expect much from the interior (comparing to the German cars Ive owned), but I never expected the car to be so fun, so fast and so...drivable.

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  The worst car in automotive history - 2007 Ford Focus
  By roger hessman - October 23 - 6:17 am

  This cars electrical system is a nightmare. The alternator blew out 4 times in first year(6000mi). Now the battery warning light comes on randomly. Repair shops cant figure out whether its the alternator, voltage regulator, or battery. Iv installed new batteries 4 times. The parts for this car come from different sources all over the world. The whole design of the electrical system is moronic. I will never buy another Ford or any American car. From now on its Toyoto or Honda. One last note, the $2000 extended warranty that dealer [non-permissible content removed] try to sell you are totally worthless.

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  Ford E150 - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By arc2642angel - October 23 - 3:26 am

  This is the first full size van we have owned. After 3 mini-vans, it has been a wonderful experience owning something that is so large and comfortable to drive. We have driven from NC to Texas twice and have made several shorter state-to-state trips. With front and rear air, airplane lighting, and bucket seats all around, the travel is comfortable for all.

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  Best car of this type - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By ford_lover2 - October 22 - 9:56 pm

  We needed a car with a third row of seating. After driving all kinds of models, we decided the Ford Taurus X was the most comfortable and easy to use. The car isnt terribly distinctive, but it is fairly user-friendly. We bought ours used and have only had it about 5 months, but so far we are very happy with it. It has almost as much room as our old Windstar van and it is has a very comfortable ride. The best part about it is that it has two rows of usable seats in the back. This particular model was only made for a few years but it is well worth it if you can find one. If not, go for a Flex which is almost the same thing.

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  Would buy another one! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By kwilliams - October 22 - 6:40 pm

  I bought my Escape for convenience. My kids getting their own cars I didnt need a van anymore. Wanted to down size my car. This Escape was a one owner and seldom driven. I have had only usual stuff done. I have never had it to fail in starting or going where I need to go, either on the highway or in a hay field! Dependable and good on gas! 24 hwy and alittle less city. Good buy for me! Sun roof does hesitate to open or close sometime.