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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  Very reliable - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By My Aero - May 30 - 2:27 pm

  I just bought this van used of course for 1300 CDN. I am very impressed with the condition and how well the previous owner looked after it. There are only two things I dont like. Its a pig on gas and not a lot of take off power but its a van and ideal for what I need as very useful for pleasure or work. Ford did a great job on this model

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  Hums like a butterfly, stangs like a bee - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Debbie - May 30 - 10:58 am

  I love the ford Mustangs. I have had three different ones ranging from the 5.0 to the 2003. I cant keep from just looking at it and wanting to drive. I love the torque and the smoothness in the way it handles. I have had so may other sports cars want to race and my stang has never let me down. If youre looking for a car to look sweet in this is the one to have. I would recommend if you havent driven a standard you need to learn. They have so much more power and the rumble it makes is too sweet.

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  Great everyday car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By wizardsv650s - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Although the styling of the Mazda 3 seems more desireable, the slew of standard features for the price puts the Focus over the top. The new redesigned body and interior is much better than previous years. The seats are more comfortable and the exterior is much more sporty. For a four door car with room, fuel economy, power, and all year round driveablilty this is the best dollar for dollar value I can find.

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  Underrated Minivan - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By TedH - May 29 - 10:16 pm

  After driving my wifes "04 Freestar Limited for 3 years, I went out and bought an 07 Sport for the business. Compared to Japanese models, the Freestar is quite a good drive. Im surprised by the overall reliability, but ticked at the minor breakdowns of simple things. A good product, but backed by inferior Ford service departments.

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  Never a Ford lover..until now. - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By dthuringer - May 29 - 6:33 pm

  I have never been a Ford guy. I have always liked GM products. But they took away the Camaro and Firebird. I was looking for a sporty car and the new Mustang caught my eye. My wife saw one at a local park and we decided to test drive one. Well, we went home with it that night. I love my new Mustang. Stick is so much fun to drive. In fact, we loved it so much we went back the next day and bought an automatic on for my wife as well. Now we both love our Mustang convertibles. The Shaker 1000 sound system in mine is awesome. The days go by so long at work now because all I want to do is drive.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jon Doe - May 29 - 6:06 pm

  No complaints. I think Ford has finally pushed there #1 selling car (taurus) to second spot. The Fusion runs, handles, and looks great. I am a former ford owner of a Mustang. Many head gasket problems. I told myself I would never again go Ford. I did, and happy I did so.

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  Great car! - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By kyle - May 29 - 5:13 pm

  The best car we ever owned. Bought with 90,000 now has 147,000 nothing major but basic maintenance. Found one for my daughter, same yr. 90,000. It has a safe crash and safety for younger teens. We live on a 2 lane hwy. Makes me feel safe with her in it. They need to bring it back. Good gas mileage 25 hwy on cruise control.

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  Finally got rid of it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MovedON - May 29 - 3:36 pm

  Start with the positive - it never broke down, ever. We loved the space allotment and flexibility inside and some of the small touches (keypad entry, lots of storage even with the third row seat in use). But the materials inside were total junk. We had the cloth upholstry and even water left a nasty stain. They really could do better. Under the hood there was way too much electrical tape. Finally, the fuel economy wasnt near what was promised and over 3 years Ford never figured out how to improve it. Lots of highway noise, crappy, staticy radio.

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  Love My Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By maljoe - May 29 - 2:34 pm

  I test drove many vehicles before I settled on the Edge. You get a lot for the money.I had three requirements, comfort, quiet and hauling capabilities. It fulfills all three. The gas mileage is better than stated. I absolutely love the ride.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By pwf2908 - May 29 - 2:24 pm

  I was a little concerned buying domestic over import - had been a Previa driver for years, but what an awesome replacement. This baby has power, comfort and hugs the road in all conditions, including our Canadian winters which are a mixed bag. Biggest test came during superstorm last June. I hadnt realized how bad the road conditions were that night, but the Freestyle slogged through everything that storm threw at us and then some. (My Previa would never have made it - and we passed several others pulled off too.) Only thing that could be improved is my city gas mileage, but I love the power on the highway and when set to cruise, the highway mileage is great for that size engine!