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 nice - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Gene Weresow - January 27 - 12:22 pm

  Had a Windstar van, wife wanted something more manageable, yet with room enough for the grandkids. This was the ideal choice. Love the heated seats , backup sensors and heated rearview mirrors. Interior roomy, and fun to drive. Overall a great auto. It has ample pick up despite the bad ratings it got. I like the cvt trans.Only have 2000 miles on it, getting about 18.5 MPG city. Dont know highway miles yet. Good stable ride and I feel safe with the full array of side airbags.

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  Driving a 1995 Ford Ranger P/U - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By paul cowan - January 27 - 9:26 am

  This is my first Ford Ranger truck and I like it in every way, especially the mileage and performance. I would recommend it to purchase.

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  A really nice vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By carnut - January 27 - 8:17 am

  I bought the Freestyle after owning several Mercedes, Infiniti and other expensive cars that always were broken and expensive to fix. This Freestyle is wonderful. It is a very user friendly and comfortable design. Everything works and it is comfortable on long trips. I love the silky smooth CV transmission. The car is a nice size. It gets exceptional gas mileage (28 on trips and 21.5 in town) on regular gas. I am very impressed with the quality of this vehicle and like its excellent safety ratings. Ford is building a great car and the 5 year 60,000 warranty is also nice to have. An excellent vehicle and a pleasant surprise.

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  Fun, but far from 47 MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lysheen - January 27 - 3:39 am

  Selling point for me was the advertised 47 MPG, and thus far I get around 35-36. Done a lot of research, and found that most (Honda, Toyota, VW) manufacturers actually advertise a lower MPG than what their drivers get, except the CMAX, which advertises about 8-9 higher than what drivers are getting on average. I feel like I could have saved 15k and got a 2012 Civic. I will say that Ford has done an excellent job with the interior design of the car. Its fun and fairly easy to use.

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  too many bugs - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Heather - January 25 - 11:43 pm

  Overall, I love the versatility of the Freestyle. Although, for a $50K vehicle, I am not pleased with having to take it in for service once a month on average. Trouble with leaking lift gate and sun roof. Trouble with door latches last winter (doors will not close) and again this winter because dealership didnt feel need to replace ALL latches under recall. Trouble with brake cables rubbing and heating up (finally fixed) and groaning in front end on tight turns (apparently fixed). Still determining if my real problem is the car or the service at dealership (could we fix it right the FIRST time?).

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Hayate - January 25 - 11:20 pm

  Ive been driving for 37 years. Owned 2 dozen cars. My Focus ZX-3 has been the most reliable of all of them. I think its been to the dealer twice in 5.5 years! I dont think Ive ever owned a car for 5.5 years before getting bored of it or disgusted by the lousy reliability. My Focus has been wonderful. 55K miles and running great.

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  King Ranch Supercrew - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Roger Fellers - January 25 - 5:31 pm

  I have been very happy with my King Ranch. I would like better gas mileage, however.

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  Great truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Red - January 25 - 4:50 pm

  I have owned a Tahoe, a Durango and this Explorer Sport. If you take away the size difference in each, this is the best one I have owned. I drove it cross-country and it was a great ride. I have taken it in the mountains, on bad streets with lots of pot holes and nice urban neighborhoods and it has been perfect in all places. This is a great SUV! I am very happy!

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  My Toy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Steve - January 25 - 1:15 pm

  I have had many muscle car convertibles in the past and didnt realize how much I missed them until I took the Mustang for a test drive. The old cars, especially with the prices they are currently demanding, dont have anything on this car. The ride, handling and performance are awesome and I wouldnt even think twice before making a cross country trip with this car. Unfortunately I live in the great white north so my baby is put away for the winter. But since I put it away I have been busy installing the Ford Racing power pack, cant wait to drive it with the 325hp I will have in Spring!

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  Great Family Sedan - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Texas Mom - January 25 - 2:56 am

  We just bought our new 2008 Fusion, and its a winner! We all love the great interior with Sirius satellite radio, and the 4 cylinder engine is impressive - much better pep than the 2008 Camry we test drove. The interior design is also more luxurious than the Camry LE we looked at. The spoiler makes the car look sporty, and it has a European, BMW vibe. Overall, it is a great, fun-to-drive, spacious, and stylish car at a great price!