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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  I love my Ranger. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Brammell - December 19 - 6:46 pm

  The title says it all. I LOVE MY RANGER.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By James Kelly - December 19 - 1:42 pm

  This car is great ! It handles very good, passing gear is really great, sterio is fantastic, it is an eye catcher on the road, cruises without any effort, everything about this car is what I expected. Only thing I see wrong is that now that I have mine, is that I see a lot of others ones on the road now.

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  FREESTAR AFTER RETIREMENT - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By CARL - December 19 - 1:24 am

  VERY ROOMY AND GOOD HANDLING. USE FOR CRAFT SHOWS HOLDS LARGE PIECES OF FURNITURE AND OTHER ITEMS. WENT FROM A FORD F 150 WITH HIGH FIBERGLASS CAP TO 98 WINDSTAR VAN THAN TO THE FREESTAR AND CAN LOAD AS MUCH OR MORE DUE TO NO WHEEL WELLS IN THE WAY AS IN PICK UP BED. WENT TO THE FREESTAR WHICH ELIMINATED REMOVING THE THIRD SEAT AS IN THE WINDSTAR. WHAT I NEED IS FOLD DOWN SECOND ROW SEATS AS THEY ARE HARD AND HEAVY TO REMOVE AND REPLACE.(NOT HANDY)FOR OLDER , SMALLER AND SHORT PEOPLE. I AM 61" BUT THEY ARE STILL NOT EASY TO HANDLE .

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  Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By brandyblaze - December 19 - 12:40 am

  I love this vehicle. I went from a Caravan to the explorere

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  Kick Ass - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Norris Fisher - December 18 - 3:30 pm

  This is the best Mustang I have driven dual overhead cams and 0-60 in 4.3

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  Love that Car!! 2004 Mustang GT!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Debra - December 18 - 1:30 pm

  This car is the best car I have ever had. When I just look at her, I get that warm, fuzzy feeling...I just love her. I feel like Sam from Cheers, as I am very protecteive of her...LOL She is just so beautiful, comfortable, stylish, and so much FUN!!

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  Everything I dreamed it would be... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - December 18 - 12:28 pm

  This car is amazing! There are only two things wrong with it. The trunk opening is TINY even though the trunk is really big. The other thing is that the front cup holder is dangerously close to second gear. Other than that this car is great. Interior/exterior styling is breathtaking. The throaty engine will throw your organs into the back seat if you floor it. Handles like a dream. Gas mileage is very acceptable so far its been better than my 2.0L Celica. The seats are comfortable test drive a Celica if you want to feel pain. Anyway, we all know its your dream to have one so stop punishing yourself and go buy it. The price is low when its used, so insurance is the only problem.

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  Ford 500: What A Car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By J. Abramo - December 18 - 6:13 am

  The car is outstanding to drive giving the driver a sense of a much bigger car. It is comfortable and the interior is well designed. The AWD system operates flawlessly and the handling in inclement weather is extraordinary. The engine is very adequate for this vehicle as it is not a race car. All that have sat in the rear have expressed the great amount of room available for passenger comfort. Both me and my wife have been stopped by people asking about this vehicle. We have had flashy vehicles in the past, but none that have provoked such interest by the general public. This is a great value and its safety has been noted by NHSTA. Ford needs to advertise this vehicle better!

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  great car - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By ty - December 18 - 3:29 am

  I bought this car wondering if the Ford will be able to compete with a Honda but this car is great fun to drive. It has130,000 miles on it. I bought the car for only $2700 bucks and it is well worth it. If I were to get a Honda it would have been a 1988 Honda for that price or even older.

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  Bad Ass Car - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By willyworm - December 17 - 8:01 pm

  Not much driving time in the new Shelby yet, but love every thing about it so far. It is quick. It sticks to the road. Styling is awesome. I am not sure how they got everything to fit under the hood, but it does fit nicely. My Shelby is a Metallic Red Convertible. I consider it the most beautiful car I have every seen. Not because it is mine. Looking forward to putting it on a road trip this summer.