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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  I love my Ford Freestar - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By shelley - November 15 - 9:35 pm

  While the fuel economy may not be the best, I have no issues with the horsepower or speed of the engine at all ... the "get up and go" so to speak of the Freestar is wonderful. The interior is roomy and comfortable, with plenty of room for 6 or 7. My one downfall with the interior is that the third row seat does not fit my sons booster seats very well the buckles of the seat belt sit behind the boosters and therefore my children do not ride in the back often. But the availability to stow the third row in the trunk is wonderful. Its a very stylish minivan and Im proud to drive it!

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  Built Ford TOUGH - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Jgloss - November 15 - 6:56 pm

  Great truck, especially for the teenagers like me that just want a truck to drive around in. It is everything a guy could want in a small sized truck.

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  The (Seemingly) Perfect Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Troy1969 - November 15 - 2:00 pm

  Wow! What a vehicle. After shopping almost 12 months for a new vehicle I chose the Flex. Other alternatives were a used 2007 Cadillac SRX, the Buick Enclave, the Honda Pilot, and the Toyota Highlander. The Flex was the best vehicle. It rides better, handles great, and gets great MPG for its size (Im averaging 19 MPG City and 26 MPG on the highway!). Sync is great but Verizon (and Sprint) wont let me use the text feature. Hopefully Ford will work this out with the mobile phone dealers. The quality of the interior is impressive and even on par with the hand-crafted SRX interior. The Pilot had way too much road noise and the Highlander, compared to the Flex, felt disconnected when driving.

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  *Great Car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Sarah - November 15 - 1:03 am

  My new 2006 Ford Fusion SE 5-speed manual transmission is great, its very smooth riding and handles great. Great gas mileage and very fun to drive!

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  Not such a fuel hog - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Ron Mason - November 15 - 1:03 am

  I was surprised to get 16 mpg - much better than my Jeep Wrangler. Ive driven similar trucks and usually got around 9 or 10 mpg. Im really impressed with the power of the 6.0 diesel - it definitely outperforms the older 7.3.

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  2002 Thunderbird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By R. Bryant - November 15 - 1:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this vehicle. The take off from a standstill isnt quite as good as I think it should be. The passenger side isnt quite as comfortable as the drivers side is. The only real complaint I have is the top leaked and it took several trips to the shop to remedy the problem. If you arent a real big person and you like people to notice your car, this is the car for you. Its a fun car to drive. I plan on keeping mine a long time.

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  Ill Never Buy a Ford Again! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Never by a Ford - November 14 - 10:16 pm

  Pretty good vehicle until you get to about 75,000 miles, then it falls apart. Transmission, oil cooler hoses, axle seals, driver lock switch, rear drivers side door window assembly (fell apart inside door), windshield washer switch (sometimes it works, sometimes is doesnt), alternator.... (I wonder each day what will fail next). Gas mileage is terrible. I own a Suburban which is more powerful, refined, comfortable, and out tows the Ford hands down. Take my advice: If you want a domestic truck, buy a Chevy. If you want a reliable car, buy a Honda or Toyota. By the way, my Expedition is in the shop as I write this review!

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  Excellent Car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Hooch - November 14 - 9:08 pm

  Excellent car with great comfort and stying, although fuel mileage and capacity could be much improved.

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  EXCELLENT EXPLORER - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Fishin_Fool - November 14 - 7:32 pm

  Bought my Explorer two years old. I am the 2nd owner. Have had all upkeep maintenance done by certified Ford mechanic. Other than tires, oil changes, 1 brake job, and alignment. I have had ZERO problems with this unit. 156,000 miles all over WA, Idaho, and Canada fishing with NO failures to start. Never left me stranded ever. Have used Mobile 1 oil religiously and almost no where on internal engine parts. WHAT A TRUCK. I will drive it till it rusts from beneath me.

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  My 2003 Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rwatters - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The first thing I noticed was how quiet the vehicle is on the road. Very comfortable. Plenty of power with the 4.0L engine. Very nice styling.