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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  Bumps & Rattles - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gary - December 5 - 8:39 am

  The truck is enjoyable to drive, however every moderate bump in the road sends a chilling vibration through both inner doors and (yes) they do rattle loudly! I do have the towing pkg, but I feel the ride should be much softer, smoother, and quieter. The looks and style of the truck inside and out are great. Fuel economy is ok, however I cant help wondering what kind of a rattletrap this truck will be in 5 years. One final word, the first cold weather start (17 degrees) the 5.4 engine whistled loudly for several minutes before finally settling down.

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  My Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Janice - December 5 - 12:16 am

  Im enjoying this car! It feels comfortable and drives well. Highway driving is very smooth. The inside design is smart. I like the safety features. The third row seats are very roomy, better than any other vehicle that we tested. The stadium seating is appreciated by my kids who can see out of the windows well. Although I am supposed to be getting 19/24 miles per gallon, I am getting approximately 15 for mostly city driving. My husband appreciates the CVT. Overall, this car is very practical if you are looking for a car that seats 6 or 7 and you dont wish to drive a huge SUV.

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  Ford Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By [abm] - December 4 - 9:57 pm

  My 2WD model has held up for 11 years and 200 thousand miles, and it still works. Although I have had to replace many things, Ford is not lying when they say "Built Ford Tough."

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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By aalvear - December 4 - 9:11 pm

  Enjoying our Expedition. Smooth ride and easy to drive. Visibility is excellent considering its height. Safer than most vehicles on the road, but uses more gas than most. Getting 14.2 miles in the city, but drive 6 miles to work so not worried about gas prices. Stereo (6-disc) and DVD great for road trips. Controls for electronics on steering wheel volume, disc/station selection, fan control, etc. Third row seat more comfortable than competitors. Also 3rd row folds down when cargo space is needed, unlike other competitors which require removal. Safety was a factor in purchase. Overall great vehicle for the price.

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  Get the extended warrenty - 2003 Ford Escape
  By gg - December 4 - 11:35 am

  I loved my Ford Escape until the transmission went out at 56,000 miles. I have heard from others that this is common for Ford vehicles. I thought it had a powertrain warranty and did not purchase the extended warranty. If you decide to buy this SUV, pay the extra money for the extended warranty.

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  2005 Escape Review Limited 4WD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By George S. - December 4 - 4:46 am

  I have owned my Escape for 2 1/2 months and put 7,200 miles on the SUV. Went from a 98 Navigator to the Escape - what a difference, the Escape is a blast to drive; the Navigator was a chore to drive. Great power, roomy, seats are comfy and, did I say it was fun to drive? Great brakes - a deer ran in front of me on a snowy road and the brake assist worked great, nice feature.

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  Whoa what a truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By What a truck! - December 4 - 12:06 am

  Left the dealership and my wife said no way youre driving pal. So I sit in the darn passenger seat and she hits the gas and I thought I was going to get whiplash! The seats in the King sure make you feel like a King and it sits up high enough to make you feel safe. Everything is right at your finger tips and all the toys are awesome. All I can really say is "yee haw" we love our truck. Ford done good.

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  Great car for the money - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mark - December 3 - 8:44 pm

  comfortable, steady ride, great on the freeway.

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  Better Than the Explorer Sport - 2007 Ford Escape
  By steve - December 3 - 7:32 pm

  I got rid of my Explorer Sport and replaced it with the Escape Sport. Love to drive it. Great pick up. The air conditioner could be a little bit more powerful. All other Fords I have owned had great air. Live in Texas and cold air is a must. Great little SUV. Hope it holds up to the 100 round trip commute I have daily.

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  Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By jimbo - December 3 - 6:01 pm

  I bought this Freestyle back in March. It was a demo model and it had 12,000 miles on it. Mostly I bought it for the gas mileage it gets compared to what we used to have (Dodge Durango). We are getting rid of it because we have another kid on the way and to add another child seat will make it very tight.