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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  Fords best Focus EVER! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cedartree84 - July 12 - 7:41 pm

  This car is beyond awesome! I previously had a 2010 Focus and this beats it in several major ways. The first is I am getting about 3-4 better MPG in this car than I did in the 2010. This is amazing considering I get about 20 more HP than the outgoing model. Next the interior quality is spectacular for a car in this class. I feel like there is a ton of room and the controls are very driver-centric. Speaking of driving, it is a dream to drive. It handles really well and taking it on a windy country road is a lot of fun. There a few minor things that Ford needs to address (which I will detail below) but all-in-all I would call this a home run.

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  explore with me - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By laura - July 12 - 4:30 pm

  In all I have had lots of fun driving the Explorer. It has awesome pick up and dependability.

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  Nice truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By mooseman - July 12 - 4:10 pm

  This my first truck and I am sure glad its a Ford F-150. This has been 100% reliable and lives up to its built tough title. My truck will most likely be another Ford, if they can get the fuel efficiency up to that of the Toyota Tundra.

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  Not a good quality-reliable van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By SANCHEZ,EDNA - July 12 - 1:08 pm

  The van is not a good quality. Looks good on the outside but nothing good on the inside. The electrical system easily broke down, alternator work out on two years. manufacturer did not informed us that there is a recall on the van. The Van stop in the middle of the Freeway at no warning. The power window does not work to good. The sliding door stock every time.

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  Best cAR EVER - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By stocks - July 12 - 10:00 am

  just pure fun! and the looks you get when youdrive by a bunch of people 9 out of 10 are rubber necking! and the power oh man this car goes nothing like that rear wheel drive power! i cannot say enough great things about this car! ford hit the nail on the head with this one

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  the new mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By andreasre - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The new mustang offers many options to a variety of drivers.The cars new design has a slightly retro look but still has the modern design of todays muscle cars. It rides like a dream, and has plenty of power. The car seems to handle great on any dry surface, however if you are on a wet surface the car does try to get away from you if you donot know how to handle the V8s raw power. it is a comfortable vehicle to drive and a wonder to own. i would rate it overall an 8.

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  This is one Mustang you wont tame - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Delorean3 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Just when you thought it was safe to breathe, Ford comes out with a mean, lean version of this baby boomer street machine - the Mustang. Congrats to Ford. Corvette look out - a wild horse is on the loose! I would recommend this car to anyone who is interested in an American car that is as much of an icon today as it was 40 years ago. Run with the Mustang.

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  Super Stang!!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By danno8080 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Ford Mustang is the best example of retro style to come out of Detroit in ages. Agressive looks, a finely assembled interior, and an engine that can blow the doors off most other cars in its class. All I can say is...wait until the SVT Cobra comes out!!!

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  Classic expierence - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By fordme - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Ford, and might I say one of the very few, has brought back a quintesential portion of the driving expierence. Bravo!

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  YOU MISSED ONE THING! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dave Roberts - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This baby takes me back to 1968, my first Mustang Fastback...shes gorgious in and out! Whew! Finally were getting back to a car design that doesnt look like a backward "sperm" going down the road. Im so tired of talented automobile manufacturers making cars that look like theyre facing a massive headwind while sitting idle in a parking lot-its embarassing. I applaud Ford on its outstanding re-design. Its about time someone in this industry really made honest design without being bombastic. But I have one question about this new Mustang. By its name alone, it was built for the wind. Wheres the convertible? I want the convertible. Dont tease me. I want the Mustang 2005 Convertible.