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:

• 

  Great Van for the Money - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By F.J. Rogers - September 4 - 4:04 am

  The Freestar is a very good value for the dollar. The 3.9 engine performs and offers good fuel mileage. The vans design offers good visibility and the controls and gauges are all in the right places. There is good driver and front passenger leg room. The third seat is a little cramped, a complaint that is common for most minivans. When equipped, the van will tow 3,500 lbs., allowing for a small family boat or utility trailer to be pulled. Once again a good value in the minivan market.

• 

  Serious issues! - 2016 Ford Flex
  By Marie - September 4 - 3:00 am

  I have always loved Ford. We have owned an Expedition, 2 different F150, F250 and now the Brand new 2016 Flex. I will never again buy a Ford. I have been broken down 5 times in the first 6,000 miles. The car suddenly losses the ability to accelerate, very unsafe. First time it happened I tried restarting the car but it didnt help. I had ford roadside tow the car to the nearest dealer. I was told by that dealer they see it has a code, the throttle body was the problem. But when they test drove the next day it accelerated fine. Which ment they wouldnt be allowed to fix it by Ford motor company unless it continues to happen. I called the dealer we bought it from. They were very kind and said they would order the new throttle body and to keep driving the car. I was told it would be best for the warranty if it continues to happen. Well today my car broke down 4 times!! After the 3rd power loss I tried to have it towed to the dealer that already had a part on order. However I was told it had to go to the nearest Ford. I was so upset I hung up and decided to try to make it home to have my husband follow me to the dealer we were already working with. I was driving past the nearest ford on my way home. So I stopped and explained the problem and that I felt unsafe driving. I was told they couldnt take the car for repair if another dealer already ordered parts, they also said they were not able to help me get it to the other dealer maybe 20 min away. I was told to drive it on back roads and that it shouldnt keep happening. Well I tried but when it broke down during rush hour for the fourth time only a few miles down the road. I had the car towed to the dealer that had ordered the parts. No new car with 6,000 miles should break down 5 times! No car company should the car must to go to the nearest dealer and when it gets there refuse service. Parts are back ordered for weeks but I wont be driving that car. It is an accident waiting to happen. Shame on Ford!! It also has problems with the suspension, it will be getting looked at for that for a third time! They can hear the problem with the suspension but cant find it. I hate my flex. Worst car I have ever owned. Horrible service from manufacturer. We had isseus with past cars but Ford was always amazing and took care of any problems. Not sure what has happened to ford, but I wont be buying another ford. And I hope their lemon doesnt cause my family to get in an accident! Buyer be ware!!!

• 

  Great car but dont buy! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By sla - September 4 - 1:37 am

  Loved this vehicle until electrical problems started that dealership had trouble fixing. Then we found out the hard way that Ford Expedition and trucks in 98 and 99 have major engine defects involving the cylinder heads. Now needs new engine. Ford wont acknowledge but it is common knowledge.

• 

  It keeps getting better - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Mac - September 3 - 10:07 pm

  This is my 2nd Eddie Bauer and I am amazed at the improvements. I am a realtor and purchased the ventilated seats as a client convenience. One of the best investments in comfort I have ever made. The gas mileage is great for a vehicle this size and the turning radius and performance are much better than in the older model. I wanted the buy a Tahoe but after a test drive in both I was unable to consider anything but this Ford. I also looked at a few of the imports but found them to be overpriced and under featured. I have been involved in 2 minor accidents (not my fault) since the purchase and my damage was almost undetectable but you should have seen the other guy. I feel safe and secure!

• 

  Love, love, love it! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By JMS - September 3 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 2nd Escape. I have an 02 that was bought new also. I love the new features. I knew I wanted another Escape when we started thinking about getting a new vehicle. It is the perfect size for us! I am 52" and my husband is 6 & it fits us both. My daughter had outgrown her booster seat and the upgraded safety features such as rear shoulder strap on the center back seatbelt, side airbags, and the sensor that turns the front passenger airbag off if the passenger doesnt weigh enough on this model that were not on the 02 make it safer for her now that she doesnt have a carseat. I love the way it drives, so much smoother than the 02. There are too many improvements to mention them all.

• 

  Best Car On Earth - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JDAMND - September 3 - 10:00 am

  1 Word sums up this vehicle: EXCELLENT!

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Pauld75 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car as soon as I saw it I fell in love with I get great gas mileage I love the way the car handels on rough road.

• 

  Excellent cross-over - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By wklee88 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving a minivan for years and recently switched to a Freestyle. I was amazed to see the interior space. My sister who is 25 years old can sit in the 3rd row very comfortably. Performance is also great. I dont know why 3.0 engine is complained by people. I didnt feel any short of power not to mention acceleration. Its a wonderful car. I love it.

• 

  Cant WAIT to trade it in! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By optimusbjork - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2002 Exporer Sport after driving a Civic. While at the time, I thought I was upgrading, I soon came to regret my decision. The suspension is my main complaint. The ride is SO bumpy and the back will sway and shift if you hit a pot hole or large bump. Also, you can get blown around on the road if its windy. Like any SUV, the fuel economy is awful. I do love the factory stereo, though, and the A/C blows very cold. I have not had any performance problems, and it runs excellent. I cant wait to get rid of it, though, and get something safer and more fuel efficient.

• 

  Cant WAIT to trade it in! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By kismet - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2002 Exporer Sport after driving a Civic. While at the time, I thought I was upgrading, I soon came to regret my decision. The suspension is my main complaint. The ride is SO bumpy and the back will sway and shift if you hit a pot hole or large bump. Also, you can get blown around on the road if its windy. Like any SUV, the fuel economy is awful. I do love the factory stereo, though, and the A/C blows very cold. I have not had any performance problems, and it runs excellent. I cant wait to get rid of it, though, and get something safer and more fuel efficient.