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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  2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Mark B - July 11 - 3:11 pm

  I have so enjoyed my 2003 Expedition! It handles so well. I have pulled a 27 trailer with it and it handled and powered better than my wifes 2005 Yukon XL. Fold flat rear seats make it great for hauling large cargo. The navigation system and rear DVD have been used and enjoyed extensively.

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  Freestar Feels Right - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Lesa - July 11 - 6:25 am

  We purchased a Ford Windstar several years ago when we found out I was pregnant with out third child. I really enjoyed that vehicle, so when I was considering what to purchase this year as a replacement -- the Freestar made the most sense. Overall, I am pleased with the Freestar. However, I do think the Windstar had a little more passenger room. The third seat in the back of the Freestar is versatile -- able to total recede it into the floor or use it as a stadium seat -- but we lost seating space. Given the choice, Id take the seating space. Good vehicle.

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  Freestyle on the Road - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gabe - July 11 - 5:56 am

  Deceiving room for a smaller vehicle. Sits 6 adults comfortably. Drives like a car but performs like an SUV,

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  Back on Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - July 10 - 11:40 pm

  I had for Explorer for 5 years until my wife totaled the car. After driving a minivan for 4 years after that, I just purchased a Explorer. It is a very nice ride. Mechanically is good. It could use a little more details in the inside. However I am satisfied with the truck.

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  Danger Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Danger Ranger - July 10 - 11:40 pm

  This truck is great. It out-performs my every expectation. It feels like it can conquer all, but is still comfortable and practical for everyday use. Its been strong and reliable for over a year now. Its a great value and never lets me down.

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  Impressive - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Deric - July 10 - 9:18 pm

  Since I was not exactly convinced this was the right choice for me in the beginning, I must say I have been extremely impressed with this vehicle. Recently I took it on a road trip to Kansas City. I couldnt believe this car boasted 26 miles to the gallon LOADED down, the A/C running full blast, and yet it still asked for more, giving me excellent passing power on the highway. It is comfortable and roomy.

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  What a disappointment! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By LazyGecko - July 10 - 1:51 pm

  I have been a long time Ford owner and when my wife wanted an SUV, I thought the Escape made a good choice. Reasonable price, nice styling and a manageable size. I figured the Ford quality would go along with it. At 80k miles, I have replaced the transmission (!) and several suspension components. The ABS and brake light has come on, and the master cylinder leaks brake fluid. Worse yet my 170k mile Taurus is 200% better in the Wisconsin snow falls than this piece of junk! The ride is awful. The seats are almost as uncomfortable as the vinyl wrapped plywood found in 1950s Cessna 152. Also, the seats stain with spilled WATER!

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  2008 Ford Focus: Best Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave R - July 9 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased my Focus S Coupe mainly for the gas mileage, as the price at the pump was over $4/gal at the time. I test drove an automatic first, then a manual, and settled on the 5-speed, as it literally left the automatic for dead at stoplights. What is more, the manual seemed to hunt between its two top gears with an annoying frequency. This is not a problem when you stir your own gears. Having owned mostly European cars, I was pleasantly surprised with the up-high seating position of the Focus. I also like the steering feel, as it lacks the numbness of so many American cars I have driven. Performance is pretty decent for a car of this type, and the engine is well behaved at all speeds.

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  Best Sports Car - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Taylor - July 9 - 3:35 pm

  Great style and comfort, fun to drive. Im really enjoying owning it - insurance not too expensive for vehicle type. GREAT summer car!

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  Two Explorers per Year - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Vernon Scott - July 9 - 2:33 pm

  I drive over 65,000 miles per year with my job. I usually go through two or three Explorers every year. I only drive the Limited Edition they are very comfortable & look great. Im pretty aggressive with my speed and the vehicle handles great. In the past four years Ive never had a repair needed on any of my Explorers. Just a lot of oil changes and gasoline fill ups.