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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  69 look alike - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ftfsf - July 12 - 10:00 am

  this car is so great it makes me relive my younger years and i love mustangs.the only thing missing from my old 69 is the rust.love it to death.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By scottie2hottie - July 12 - 10:00 am

  its an amazing machine

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  HEY ALL - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By John Mclucase - July 12 - 10:00 am

  ford has always been there for me and never let me down. The mustang is great

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  best car ive owned - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By guralny - July 12 - 10:00 am

  all around great car

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  Sweet 16 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ryan Moore - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The new 2005 mustang is unbelivable. I had a GMC Tahoe for the 8 months while I had my intermediate and this Mustang is my late "sweet 16 car". It is low priced, handles great, drives awesome, and looks the best I believe and Mustang has. Not to mention, the attention I get driving around in this thing; especially the ladies!

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  Things could be better - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Texas - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my vehicle just over 1 year and I have had it in to the dealership 3 times due to the air- conditioning. It was making a terrible sound after I drove it a short distance, stopped, and then re- started the vehicle. Yet the dealership could not find anything wrong. Finally, after several months, the "High-pressure Valve" blew and caused a terrible noise/rumbling of the entire vehicle. Once that was repaired, under warranty, the vehicle drove fine and the air conditioner worked well. I also notice a Humming while I am accellerating. It can be quite irritating on long trips when you are in a rear seat.

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  So Sad - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sullynation - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Explorer, and I bought this one because I had so much luck with the last. Im so sad that it appears I have a lemon. Horrible problems with stalling, rough shifting, hard idle. The style of the vehicle is nice, roomy, and user friendly. But the reliablity is horrible.

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  The Best Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tim Landry - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive,Looks GREAT, Great MPG @ 25.6

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  Will Live Forever - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Kent - July 11 - 9:55 pm

  I love this truck. I bought it in October of 2007. It currently has 264000 miles on it and its still on its first engine and transmission. It has many many more miles to come. It hasnt given me hardly any trouble at all and I havent done any repairs besides ordinary preventative maintainance. Still runs and drives like new and has no mechanical problems.

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  2 weeks old - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Michigan Guy - July 11 - 3:26 pm

  Great looking car, lots of room inside, very nice layout. Good steering/seating. Lots of nice electronics toys. Good on crappy roads for an SUV. Quality of build the center console hard to open (replaced already), little squeaks from the dashboard/radio area when cold. Found dirt under paint and was wet sanded out from dealer. Thats the reason for the low scores.