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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  Wileys Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mr. Cs Bird - March 30 - 10:24 pm

  The car is fun to drive anywhere, whether it be in town or out in the country. People on the street or in cars next to it are always giving it a thumbs up and it fits in, in any circle. The trim inside and out might be a little subdued for some, but that is what the retro look is all about isnt it? A couple of my friends have BMW Z3 and a 3 series convertible and they are nice too, but they werent made to bring back that nostalgic feeling of old.

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  Third times a charm! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Third times a charm - March 30 - 1:44 pm

  I had a 1987 Mustang GT that I swore I would never trade. Well that fell through when I set my sights on a 1999 official 35th Anniversary Stang. This car is absolutely amazing. Its muscular yet sexy at the same time. This is my third Mustang and by far my favorite. Were keeping this one and already saving up to buy a 05 as a daily driver. I tell you what that 4.6 V8 has so much power its amazing.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By wildtexas - March 30 - 6:06 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and provides superb gas mileage for a small size SUV -- better than even the 1992 Toyota Corolla it replaced in our family. We have a premium, fully-loaded Ford Escape Hybrid with moonroof, leather seats and the GPS Nav, and we couldnt be happier.

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  First thoughts - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Van - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 2009 GT500 for this car, and while there were many similarities, the 2011 w/ SVT package and Electronics package is leaps and bounds ahead of the 2009. At first it was the more European design elements that caught my eye. The meaner cowl, the larger and better designed forged wheels, the sleeker interior. The extra 50 horses arent bad either! After driving the car, I found it had so many more amenities available from steering wheel controls, to voice activation, to personal climate control, to phone synching, and other personalizing touches with new security and driving modes using the ESC and TC.

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  14 Body Style Coupe - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Joseph Hayes - March 30 - 12:05 am

  The Mustang lends itself to an endless list of personalization/customizing! So many sources and never a dull moment How many other models of any make have 50+ years of continuos production? Not Many! Its a popular car because its FUN

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  2003 Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Stang - March 29 - 6:30 pm

  Great car for commuting and medium distance trips. Trunk is surprising large and you have even more room if you drop the rear seats. Added a Flowpath chambered muffler and twin tip extension to give it a little better sound. The V-6 has good power, runs well. The 193 net hp V6 is close to the net hp rating of the 1965s 289 HI-PO model. ( 270 gross hp ). Given an much better auto transmission in the 2003, 0-60 times are actually one second better. Hard pressed to trade this in on 2005, even though they are even faster and handle better.

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  A Big Little Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Joe.C - March 29 - 11:07 am

  I just picked up my used XLT to replace my weak, extremely uncomfortable, gas guzzling 04 Nissan Frontier. The exterior styling is great. The ride quality is dead on and interior room is outstanding. I am 60" with long legs and I am so comfortable. This past weekend I was riding around with 3 other adults in there. The 3.0L is a little weak but its not meant to be a speed demon. This vehicle had 36K on it when I picked it up and its great. My Nissan with only 5K on it had squeaks and rattles. I always liked Ford trucks and I am glad to own one. Great buy, best in its class by far. I should have bought this truck first. Live and learn I guess. I learned the Ranger is the best choice

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  A Big Little Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Joe.C - March 29 - 11:07 am

  I just picked up my used XLT to replace my weak, extremely uncomfortable, gas guzzling 04 Nissan Frontier. The exterior styling is great. The ride quality is dead on and interior room is outstanding. I am 60" with long legs and I am so comfortable. This past weekend I was riding around with 3 other adults in there. The 3.0L is a little weak but its not meant to be a speed demon. This vehicle had 36K on it when I picked it up and its great. My Nissan with only 5K on it had squeaks and rattles. I always liked Ford Trucks and I am glad to own one. Great buy, best in its class by far. I should have bought this truck first. Live and learn I guess. I learned the Ranger is the best choice

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  GREAT CAR! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Jeff - March 29 - 10:45 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. Overall even better than my vintage Corvette! It wants to GO! And yet is has great creature comforts and a killer sound system. Eventually I will have to move on from my car with 120,000 miles. Unfortunately, Ford has chosen to stop offering this great car. Where will I go now?

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  same old Ford quality - 2001 Ford F-150
  By mike evens - March 28 - 3:53 pm

  Had very good luck with the newer styles compared to the 1995 styles in which I had a load of problems. Good design and a lot of engineering have improved the F150 2000%. Reliable, comfortable, and easy to drive.