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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  Brand new - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By arturopc - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it for my wife after an extensive research and test drives and she loves it.

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  Great Looks and Fun to Drive - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By MARY K POLAND - August 17 - 2:13 am

  I absolutely love my Ford Fusion. It is the best car I have ever owned. I went from a convertible which was very noisy to the quietest car I have ever had. The thing that attracted me first was its exterior looks. I test drove several other models including Saturn, Dodge and Toyota but the Ford Fusion was the best. I bought the dark blue pearl and it looks great with the chrome grill. It accelerates well too. I have to drive up a lot of hills where I live. It also has a great sound system. I also bought it for the traction control and AWD because of bad winters. I plan on owning this car for many years to come.

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  Good lil truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By CJ - August 16 - 11:31 am

  My ex-wife bought the Ranger in Dec of 02, and decided she didnt like it. I got it in the divorce, and I loved it! With the 4.10 rear axle it pulled like a full size pickup, and with its lighter weight it was quick off the line empty. The only downside was that the 4.10 rear end made it suck fuel like a full size pickup. It took me through mud, snow drifts, and I could pass going uphill with a trailer attached. Im 64" and there is enough leg room for me to be comfortable.

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  Fun Vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Victoria - August 16 - 9:00 am

  I just love my 2006 Freestyle. Its a fun car to drive and the CVT makes for a smooth and pleasant ride. There is tons of room with plenty of seating options. Great for someone with kids, pooches and/or travelers. Gas mileage is very good, interior features are convenient, AWD gets you easily out of mud or snow, higher seating makes for better visibility. It makes driving fun again. If you can afford it, get the GPS system which I find myself using not just for trips but also local travel. If you are looking for a fun and practical vehicle, I highly recommend the Ford Freestyle.

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  281 Vert - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By gunns20 - August 16 - 1:01 am

  I always take the long way to work. That sums up my experience with the car. There has only been one problem in over a year of ownership, and that was the top. Ford fixed it under the EXTENDED warranty. Really surprised me, and was much appreciated, considering what Ive heard from others about Ford. Awesome looks, sounds great, faster than 99% of cars on the road, been super reliable, 281 cubes, and American muscle. My former Acura was nothing in performance and reliability compared to this. Goes to show if you treat a car right and maintain it properly, itll love you back. People gripe about the fake scoops, but look at 60/70s muscle cars and tons have fake scoops too. I love em!

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  For the $$, Couldnt beat it! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By cv2166 - August 15 - 8:55 pm

  Stickered for a hair over $30k. DVD, SE Premium Package, Liftgate spoiler, Advancetrac, side canopy airbags,17" alloys, quad seating.... really well equipped. Floor console too ($150 option...kinda steep I think). ANYWAY...rebates, discounts,and plans through work, (company is a supplier to Ford) knocked it down to $19k and change! Yes, its brand new! Couldnt TOUCH another for that. Rides nice. Like the SIZE. Sits high. Looks nice. Got the Norsea Blue. Pretty!

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Connie - August 15 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this car used with 34,000 miles. Car was making small rattle noise with engine, dealership said was normal for this car. I trusted them & didnt buy extended warranty (bad experience in past). Thought it would last many miles before any problems. Two months later at 38,000 miles the transmission went out stayed in shop for over a month and cost $2600.00 to rebuild. So if you hear noise check it out, dont trust dealership.

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  Road noise only issue - 2005 Ford Escape
  By YoYo - August 15 - 6:27 pm

  After 2 years of use and 45000 miles, mostly highway, my only complaint is the deafening interior noise is.

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  Listen Up Ford! Make the SHO again - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Flips SHO - August 15 - 2:42 pm

  I have owned my SHO for a little over 11 years now. I thought about trading it 4 years ago, but I could not bring myself into parting with it. It is so much better than the "sucked in sides" Taurus on the market now. Mines a beat up old workhorse which I have admittedly abused of late, but my repair bill for last year was a little over $600 ($200 of which was for a couple of new tires). In fact the only major repairs Ive experienced in all this time was a rebuilt transmission ($1600 at 130,000 miles) and a bottom end oil seal and water pump repair ($900 at 115,000 miles). I figure every month I keep this car is another car payment I put in my pocket. Fun to drive, hugs the curves and fast.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger XLT - August 15 - 9:42 am

  I was looking for a small truck that would tow my boats, haul my diving and camping equipment, ride easy on the long trips, get decent gas mileage, and still fit in small parking spaces. This one does it all, and looks good doing it. We even used it to tow a loaded car from Iowa to Oregon, and it did it with ease.