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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  Best Kept Secret - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By shylo - October 7 - 6:06 pm

  Traded in a 4 cylinder Camry. Quality is every bit as good. A comparably equipped Camry would cost $4000 more. Now have 1200 miles on it with no problems to date. This cannot be said for the Camrys, Accords or Nissans I have owned during the past 6 years. Bought this car for comfort and was not disappointed. The fuel mileage is much better than anticipated. It does better than mileage posted. Just as good as my old Camry. Ergonomics are excellent. Ford really did their homework here. Handling is better than the Camry, particularly when cornering. Transmission is flawless and is well matched to the engine. Could use a little more low end torque as long as fuel mileage not affected.

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  Love my Freestyle! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By crazyoverit - October 7 - 11:02 am

  I bought the dealership owners demo model and from the first time I rode in one, I knew I had to have one. Dealership uses the Freestyle for their courtesy cars and I thought I might try to buy one of those but this became available and knowing it had the best of care, I said, "Yes!" Smooth transmission so very comfortable and beautiful inside and out. Ive only had it a week but wouldnt part with it.

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  My fourth Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Billy B. - October 7 - 8:28 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle. I found a way to increase my gas mileage. First slow down, second coast on major hills and the third is dont race up to a stop sign and then brake. When ever you see a potential stop coming just roll up to it. I used to get 14 MPH (locally) now Im up to 17.5 MPH by changing my driving habits. It jumps to over 20 MPH on highway trips.

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  Ford = Fun On the Road Driving - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ACDII - October 7 - 7:00 am

  I went from a 2009 Camry Hybrid to the Fusion Sport, I couldnt put up anymore with the Toyotas poor quality and lousy ride. The Sport is a fantastic car, ride, comfort, fit and finish, all above par. Power is great, handling is great, 31 MPG on the highway from the big V6, and the car is quiet, something I could not say about the Camry Hybrid. This is the first car to put a grin on my face when I put my foot down, and its a family Sedan! The Bluetooth is superior to the Toyota, I can actually have a conversation now. I love the SYNC. I will never go back to a Toyota. I am a true Ford man, this is my 7th Ford, and I LOVE it! Thanks Ford for making a car I Like again! I still have my F350 Too

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  Ford Continues to Impress... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By MyFirstFusion - October 7 - 12:20 am

  Im not very bias when it comes to Ford vs Chevy vs any other car company for that matter. I know what I want, and shop for that. Living in VT and traveling as much as I do, I needed a AWD vehicle. I had a 2001 A4 2.8Q, which was a great car. Once it was time to put it out to pasture, my buddy suggested the Fusion (he had an F150, which I thought was another great vehicle), so I test drove it and was instantly impressed. So much to love. Im glad I bought it, and dont miss my Audi one bit.

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  Freestyle Fun and Free to Go In Style - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Mary Dixon - October 6 - 11:31 pm

  I have had the Freestyle only a couple of weeks but I can already see that I made the right choice. It drives good in torrential downpours, it handles well on very curvy roads, it hauls 6 family members ages 5-81 nicely and goes onward through the fog without any trouble. The fuel economy hasnt dropped below 20 mpg in city/highway driving which is a plus considering it hasnt hit 1000 miles yet. This crossover should have stayed on the market longer. I really think Ford made a bad decision by dropping it after just 3 years.

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  Still seems new after 3 years - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shron - October 6 - 10:06 pm

  I have 3 teenage grandkids and we love to take family trips in this vehicle. Its comfortable, roomy, and looks sharp

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  Stay away! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Aaron - October 6 - 8:53 pm

  My 2005 Ford Ranger was as close to being a lemon as a vehicle could get! Between the choppy, whining ride, to the rediculous plastic interior, this was definately a vehicle I regret buying. I had to take the vehicle in for service twice in the first 2 months. Once for it switching to 4WD Low on its own (and I couldnt get it out of 4WD!), the second when the inertia switch failed while I was driving at 70 on the freeway. All systems shut down: ABS, powersteering, transmission, everything! I nearly wrecked on that one. STAY AWAY FROM THE FORD RANGER!

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  Keeps Getting Better - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Steve Berkshire - October 6 - 8:40 pm

  Every new Ford is better than the last, and this one is no exception. I love this car. Plenty of power, comfort, and room. At first, my friends said I bought a "chick car", but after riding in it, they figured out that its quite "gender neutral".

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  For resale - 1998 Ford F-150
  By rqlph duncan - October 6 - 2:17 pm

  We have owned this Ford pickup for 10 years with no problems concerning the practicle usage and pleasure trips.