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:

• 

  Eats Transmissions For Lunch - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Steve Wormuth - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Check around and verify before buying one of these. Im not making this up. Transmissions are known to fail, and cannot be found used and still shifting. Ford will gladly sell you a $3500 rebuilt with little warranty if you ask nicely. Babied this car, and it sits in the yard needing $3500 to move again. Just avoid it... Trust me, it looks pretty, but its not worth it!

• 

  SHO Lover - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Bab - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Car is awesome, if only it did have so many electrical problems.

• 

  Nice car. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Myboxer - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Had problem with started but was under warranty. All the money we pay for this car it needs extras like digital temp to name a few. I have a Toyota 4 Runner and its also brand new and has ALL the toys PLUS more. Ford needs to add the small things that people like.

• 

  Luv My 1999 Pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By beachpny - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my 35th Anniversary Ford Mustang. I have never had any problems with my pony. I can not wait for the new 2005 Mustang, I am going to purchase the GT and add to my pony family. If you have any doubts about purchasing this car DONT. The Ford Mustang is an American Icon and will be always an American Muscle Car.

• 

  Its off tha heeza fo sheeza - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By lalaford - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Fast with Nitrous, nice seats, cramped for a six foot person, beautiful paint and exterior design

• 

  Be Aware Mustang ? - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mikesc99 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Be sure this is what you want and look over the car very well before you take it home. Example, I purchased a Silver GT from Ron Bornick Ford In Md. and the paint was messed up from the factory on the L - 1/4 panel. Neither the dealer or Ford want to fix the problem. Problem still exists.

• 

  Mustangs Rock! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Shogun4Life - May 31 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Mustang is one of the last icons of American Muscle Cars! The Mustang is one of the last vehicles along with the Corvette that are true Americana. What makes the Mustang (unlike the Corvette)alluring is the fact that it is still affordable to the middle to upper-middle class driver muscle car enthusiast. Whether you have the Mach 1, GT, Coupe 3.8 or a special edition Roush Mustang, they are all fun. With todays interest in import tuners its nice to know that the Mustang is still there barelling along tearing up the road just as in the years gone by. Come 2005 sign me up for the all new Retro-Stang!

• 

  Good for a fun ride - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ExplorerMan - May 31 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Explorer is a great car to own. Fuel economy isnt great, but if you are buying any SUV, you can expect the same thing. The ride is extremely comfortable and there is a feeling of security when you drive it. The big V6 also brings some pickup to the vehicle.

• 

  The Super Wagon! - 1992 Ford Escort
  By canadian1der - May 31 - 2:00 am

  At 140,000 miles it has had almost no problems. It has a torquey engine that has good power at lower RPMs, but it seems to run out of steam in the 4,000- 5,000 RPM. The interior is functional and well designed, the exterior is conservative yet handsome and almost looks slightly athletic at certain angles. The engine gets good gas mileage no matter how I drive it. It runs well. Road and engine vibrations are felt throughout the car. It handles well despite its relatively soft suspension and the generous body roll. The steering is relatively heavy and is fairly frictionless, but it can be a little numb.

• 

  Sturdy truck for travelling back roads - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By dbigfella - May 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has been several thousand miles into Mexicos highways and back roads and has never given me a problem. If you can stomach the gas mileage and you need a 4WD and/or big car, I highly recommend it. Another word of caution. It can be intimidating in tight corners and parking in major cities. But once you know your truck youll be fine almost anywhere.