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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  Why not - its a Ford pickup - 1996 Ford F-150
  By CDK - November 30 - 7:09 am

  Excellent experience. In 108,000 miles, Ive replaced the starter solenoid, cracked windshield and the torque converter seal. Of course Ive gone through a couple of batteries and one thermostat. The design of the cooling system was well engineered. There is a bypass channel around the thermostat. When the thermostat failed closed last summer the engine indicated temperature never reached the redline. The original tires were terrible, had 2 of them come apart prior to the recall. The truck still has the original exhaust system and has never failed the TX annual state inspection. Overall, except for gas mileage, super pickup. In 1996 gas mileage was not that important.

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  Check it over first - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By rubdr - November 29 - 10:13 pm

  Had rear main seal replaced in the first year. Mileage avg 23hwy/16city in 11k miles. Nice drive.

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  2006 Freestyle SE - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ojdash - November 29 - 4:13 pm

  Very nice car. I bought an SE for about 3k under TW on here so I am very happy about that. I like the fact that I get duel climate control and power adjustable driver seat on the base model. I couldnt ask for more with a cold-natured fiance. I am usually rougher on cars than most so leather would be a bad option for me. The ride is a bit noisy on the highway but not bad. It is very comfortable and the driving position is perfect. It has about 30k on it. No problems so far. Overall I love it!

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  1996 Eddie f-150 - 1996 Ford F-150
  By 96 eddie bauer - November 29 - 1:30 pm

  Great truck! 5.8 gets 16 mpg city & 20 hwy. 135,000 miles in michigan & no rust. The blue w/gold eddie bauer looks and rides like new still. I cant say anything bad about this truck

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  Ford Tough - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Buddy L - November 29 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this 4 door 4.0L 4x4 with 105k miles 3 years ago. After 170k I have had to replace the O2 sensors, alternator, steering column wiring, AC/Heat controls, power window switch, transfer case motor. The automatic hubs went out around 150k. The truck has never held an alignment. I have pulled more than 5,000 lbs with it and have put it through three years of heavy off road and on road abuse. It has been more reliable than I could have ever hoped it would be, I just wish I would have sold it at 150k. The rear doors are great for throwing small things in the back but the rear seats are not suitable for anyone over 8 years old. I would definitely buy another.

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  My Aerostar - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By ed - November 29 - 11:44 am

  i purchased my Aerostar used. Its been to Cleveland and back about four times. All non stop driving at about 70 mph. Only stopped for gas. The body has dings and scratches but no rust. I love this little van and so the mechanics I take it to one actualy wants to buy it from me. I will never sell it though. Its got its little quirks but what auto doesnt.

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  Expedition for Towing - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Ira Schoen - November 29 - 11:23 am

  I purchased my 2007 Expedition XLT 4X4 primarily to tow a 20 enclosed Wells Cargo auto trailer. Weight of the Expedition loaded is 6700 lbs. and the trailer loaded is 6100 lbs. Very stable and powerful H-D towing package (9000 lbs. maximum), with excellent hyway towing mpg of 12-13 with 5.4 V-8 at 60-65 mph.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim - November 29 - 6:05 am

  Back in 2005 when these first came out we test drove one, and loved it. But at that point there was no reason to get rid of my 1997 Chevy S10 Blazer. Then we started having trouble with the Blazer and it was time to replace it. We test drove multiple other cars, to see if we found something we liked better - but could not. For the price and the sized vehical it was a awsome deal. I would recommend this vehicle to just about anyone with a family. We just got back from a trip from Michigan to Buffalo, NY - and it was awsome both ways! Had 6 people in the car and had plenty of power for everything.

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  Best Investment I Made - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By S. Funk - November 29 - 4:17 am

  I am the original owner and have had no major problems, just normal wear and tear. I love the way my T-Bird downshifts automatically...great in traffic! The dealership offered a rebate which I invested in the dash...woodgrain...really enhanced the look. Also added a dash cover. A very dependable car that I wouldnt hesitate to buy again.

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  Crazy car!! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By dannyboy791 - November 28 - 11:58 pm

  I love this car! I got the Ironman edition with the Orange Frost color. Get comments on it every day mostly of people who like the orange! But this car is awsome! Drives really nice with low amount of road noise. Dont like the fuel economy so much. the v6 has enough power but nothing crazy. Has a lot of room with very comfortable seats front and back. Ironman p adds some cool bumpers and side pannels with a blacked out grille.