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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  2006 Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Darrell Gray - August 19 - 3:30 pm

  For a V6 Its fast. Most V8 dont have a chance.

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  Great Performance Car for the Price - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BillyBuziness - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont know of any other car with the unique look of the "stag convertible with excellent handling and performance characteristics like this for under $30 to $35K. Lots of great aftermarket parts if you want to make it look unique. The new Bullit sytle wheels are real nice, fat and classy. All Ive done to mine (Black, on Black on Charcoal Greay) is add flowmasters, cold air induction, and dark tinted the windows. And I put a bra on her to minimize from end dings. I might lower her with Steeda, not sure its woth the money. I get compliments on the car all the time. It is truly an American classic.

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  First Car. Glad I bought it. - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer2003Lover - August 17 - 10:00 am

  My parents both own Explorers(92 and 93) and I grew up using them and loving the car. When we went to the lots, this was the first vehicle we would hover around. After two weeks of searching, we found a great deal. I love the SUV, like the way it drives and love the significant improvements since the 199x models.

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  Lime green Mustang convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Lisa Socha - August 10 - 10:20 am

  I love the Mustang . I wouldnt change a thing about it. Love the color too (Lime Green).

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  The Mustang GT needs new seats - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Atkins - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The cloth seats in the Mustang GT are horrid. I am 62 - 63 and for the first week or so when I bought the vehicle I had a hell of a time getting comfortable. I am okay with it now. I have not sat in the premium with the leather seats but if it is anything like the Mercury 2002 Couger the leather seats are probably a lot better. If not for the seating I would rate the interior and comfort higher. Other than the seat I love the car.

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  Pretty nice car for the money. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Wiserby - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought it over the internet and when I went to pick it up there were a few things wrong with it. Scratches all along the drivers door, brights do not work, windshield washer fluid does not work, spare tire is gone along with one of the tools to change it, the knob on the fan is busted, and a cupholder for the rear seat is completely busted off. So after all the negatives is there anything good about this car. Yes I love the seats, very comfortable. I also love how everything is power. I getting spoiled after upgrading from a 1988 car. Good family size car.

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  Ford has work to do on their cars/vans - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mike McGinnis - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The windstar is a sharp vehicle inside and out. However, the recalls, windows leaking air down the road, very noisy and squeaky brakes tend to drown out the enjoyment of driving a sharp vehicle. The power door seems to never close properly, always having to give it an extra push or pull to get the door ajar light to go off!

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  Lacks Comfort - 2002 Ford Escape
  By walk_texas - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle does not have the comfort level to go with its price. A four hour drive in this vehicle amounts to tortore.

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  This Truck ROCKS! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Big Dave - August 8 - 2:00 am

  great truck

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  Great Car, Horrible Customer relations - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By rbuse46 - August 6 - 10:26 am

  This car is everything I was looking for, I love it. Shortly after buying it I went on a trip and noticed a burning electrical smell, turned out the passenger side mirror mirror frame rippled and melted. Got it fixed under warranty when I got home. 2 months later, it happened again. This time, they took pics and sent them to Ford. While awaiting the outcome, the drivers side mirror started to do the same thing. Ford will not fix it.They say its vandalism! After hours on the phone and sleepless nights, Ive gotten nowhere. Ive taken it to an independent body shop and they are positive that something is overheating on the inside and causing the problem. Next step is Consumer Protection.