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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  2007 Freestyle Limited AWD - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By lisa Fee - September 18 - 1:51 pm

  Not the greatest mileage yet. Hopefully better to come. Ok pickup and pretty smooth ride.

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  Freestar Cargovan rating - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By towgunner - September 18 - 8:15 am

  This van was purchased as a practical utility vehicle and as a "daily driver". As such, the Freestar Cargo van meets all of my requirements: ability to carry a reasonable weight (1/2 to 3/4 ton) of cargo under cover (enclosed), be economical to drive to and from work (19-21 mpg combined), be comfortable to drive, and not be a financial burden to purchase.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - September 17 - 9:35 pm

  I have been a "Ford Guy" for a long time. Over the years owned a Ranger, a F150, a Probe, a Mustang, and now every SUV they have made except the Bronco II. I am not disappointed. This is one comfortable ride. Every feature I could ask for and looks great. Rides smooth and for the size I am getting pretty good MPG.

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  Very Good Pickup - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By gman - September 17 - 6:20 pm

  Have had this truck over 5 years now. It is not perfect but darn close. Have not had any real problems so far. I have had it back to the shop only once and that was for some door moulding that was coming loose. I dont put many miles on this truck each year but it has performed great so far. Fuel mileage could be better but hey, its a truck. Finish/paint looks as good as the day I bought it. Probably only real complaint is road/wind noise. Some of that may be due to tires. Would not hesitate to buy this vehicle all over again.

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  Ford 4wd crew cab - 2005 Ford F-150
  By roger mobley - September 17 - 6:04 pm

  This vehicle was to be the last one that I purchased after retirement. So far the truck is all that I want in a pickup and tow vehicle. It has the power to pull any size load so far (8000#). I installed an aftermarket leveling kit. Wow what a difference in appearance, I would say that it has passed all tests. VERY HAPPY!

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  Rambling Wreck - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By joetomburk - September 17 - 11:40 am

  Probably a lease return as the car had approximately 18,000 miles when I purchased. Problems began with defective radiator hose which was replaced by the dealer. After that I bore the brunt of all repairs including intake manifold gasket (luckily not the head gaskets since it was only $600 to repair rather than $1200). Front end extremely noisy and have made multiple trips to the mechanic with little change. Things are better for a while and then back to normal (clunking noise). Have experienced similar problems with door ajar indicator-heavy doses of WD 40 in all of the locks usually cures this ill. Brakes a shaky at best. First and last purchase of any Ford product.

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  My view from the Ivy Tower - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marion E. Hall - September 17 - 8:46 am

  This is our first all wheel drive and our first CVT. This makes for some interesting situations when the car is in the cruse mode and you are in hilly areas. Overall, the car performed quite well.

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  Cruising Down South - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Roaddog - September 17 - 7:48 am

  I owned a previous Explorer(1995 Limited, 4X4). Was first SUV but ride and lack of power sent me to the 2003. I love the styling, improved ride and torque in this model. To my surprise, drove 20.000 miles in one year. Averages around 21 mpg on highway with A/C blowing and flat out cruising. Never had a problem with acceleration or performance. Recently had rear end clutch pack replaced at 49.000 miles. Made an earlier decision to purchase an extended warranty because I obtained vehicle used. Dealer fixed with no charge to me. This is a documented service issue for vehicle model. Drivers seat a bit firm and could use a little more adjustability.

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  meh - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By tg - September 16 - 10:34 pm

  I drive a company issued 3.9L cargo with maybe 200 pounds of extra weight in the rear. The driving dynamics are odd to say the least. It tends to stay on center, but it does not like to turn. The ride is smooth, but noisy. Combined gas mileage is 20 MPG, which is not too much of an improvement coming from a full size Ford E250 with 5.4L V8 that got 14 MPG on average. On quality, they painted the hood support rod to the hood and paint was damaged. At least I wont see it that often.

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  Not made for comfort - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Yamin - September 16 - 2:35 pm

  Worst car I ever had. Bought car with 1200 miles, drove 1 year. Very uncomfortable and rough ride. Horrible gas mileage and poor pickup. Car is not made for a 5ft 11 inch 175 pound person. I had a 89 GT 5.0 so I thought I would like the newer model but should have kept the older one.