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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  Land Rover to Freestyle - Better Choice - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Kelly Dolmanet - February 1 - 5:16 pm

  I found only 1 problem with the Freestyle and that is cabin noise when one window is open. The quick fix is to keep another window on the opposite row open a crack. This eliminates that awful sound.

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  Get an Import! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By DIsappointed - February 1 - 4:10 pm

  We have had this for two years and have been to the shop numerous times. The handle on the rear door has fallen off three times, for no reason at all. Since the dealership cannot fix it right, my husband has finally just bolted it to work and stay on. We also have had the radio/CD/Tape console replaced. The mileage could be better. The third row seat can only comfortably seat 3 kids. As I write this, it is broken down at the bus stop and I had to haul my 5 & 3 year old home in the rain! I have owned Hondas since 1992 and decided to take a chance on this Ford due to the great price. Sometimes you get what you pay for! Take my advice, buy the Honda. I know I will next time.

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  Ford 150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By CHAR - February 1 - 3:16 pm

  I love my truck, not good with power, do not like the price I paid for a pick up with no carpet and cover on seats. I had to upgrade to power windows/doors...they did pay that. But my sticker said $33,000 - far from what I see it should be. I did get it for $28,000 but looks like I paid way too much....again! But I do love it!

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  My first car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Denise - February 1 - 1:10 pm

  Purchased at 178000kms now almost at 300000kms. Never miss an oil change, well maintained. Problems began just after 200000 kms. My car began to studder while in gear. Changed the fuel filter, thought it could have been the gas. Nope. Changed leads and plugs thinking Im misfiring. Nope. One day went to start my car and it sounded horrible-in the end it was my timing belt, I needed an entire new engine as the belt had slipped and ruined the pistons and valves. A new rebuilt engine was put in. Now headlight socket on drivers side seems melted and the contacts no longer connect. Rear dr side door clasp jammed-no longer use that dr wont click closed. Replaced ignition key shaft as rollers seized

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  1997 fORD PU - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Tito - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Ford PU is a very good truck for the person who does not desire to have a lot of bed space,, I use mine primarily to go back and forth to work for a total of 28 miles per day 5 days per week. The mileage is about 15 miles per gallon with the automatic that I have

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  ZX5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Butler - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I Just love this car. Its my second Focus. Im a repeat buyer because my first one (a ZX3) was very good to me during the 70,000 Km I drove it!

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  Nice - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dave - February 1 - 4:20 am

  I have driven the Escape in downtown Chicago and on the wide open interstate. 30mpg in Chicago and 29.5 at highway+ speeds. Runs very smooth with the CVT transmission. Nice to know I can fill it full of gear and get that good of mileage.

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  Trusty Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Mattalicious - February 1 - 2:18 am

  I have never had any major issue with this pick-up and it has met or exceeded my needs all the time. Drove it from east Texas to Colorado and back and never had an issue (except me driving in the snow!). Would have preferred a V6 for more horsepower, but for my basic uses and the gas prices lately I am happy with my 4 cylinder engine. Road noise isnt the best but with a good CD playing, the sound system can drown it out pretty well. I will always prefer to drive around in my Ranger than any other vehicle (including full-size trucks and any car) just for comfort. Easy to drive because it isnt too big, but it is able to do light-duty hauling and other work.

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  Beautiful & highly capable SUV! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Adam Kessler - January 31 - 3:12 pm

  I really love the Flex in so many ways. Its above all else comfortable and very attractive in my honest opinion. Mileage is much better than most full size SUVS. After can you tell me the last time you could get 26mpg in a 7 passenger vehicle. This one has... unfortunately like most things I own my Flex been sabotaged by our rogue government and others. Ive owned it for about a yr and put just over 20k mile on it. I do however miss the ground clearance and bed of my pickup for motorcycles and other extra large items. What else, it can tow a decent trailer as well and has a large trans cooler that goes all the way across the front end. For an extra large vehicle it actually handles confidently. Would I buy it again yes as long as I had a truck too.

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  Flashback brings back muscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By tommye - January 31 - 1:26 pm

  I was waiting for a car like this my whole life. I love it. The ripping engine sound, the style, the interior. The new traction control the old Mustangs lacked.