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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  Best of cars, vans and trucks - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By k - June 17 - 6:20 am

  The AWD handles hills and turns with confidence. The CVT adjusts "gear" ratio on slopes reserving enough power going up and sparing the brake from stress going down. Interior is nice, roomy and comfortable. Pick up from stand still is sluggish but mid-range acceleration ok. I wont make a fuss about the 0-60 number though since the gas mileage matches most larger cars and easily beats the Pilot. Ride is good except on the heavily damaged highways, which can be quite rough. Engine is noisy when pushed but very quiet otherwise. This car looks good in and out.

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  dont buy this - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By bwmcc - June 17 - 12:16 am

  I have had this minivan since Jan 05. This is a company vehicle so luckily i didnt have to buy this. Been in the shop twice for engine knock and check engine light. Had to replace the gas tank and the knock is better but still there at highway speeds. Was in the shop total of 9 days. If this was my personal vehicle I would be very annoyed. Give me my Caravan back!

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  T-BIRD - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By ART VAN DELAY - June 16 - 11:39 pm

  Fun to drive, they did this right. This car is tight. Well appointed, I love this car. Ive had over 50 automobiles. Had 66 Corvette, 56 T-bird they were great. This car is simply fun, and a good buy. Used theyre relatively cheap, will only go up in value over the years. How many cars can you say that about?

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  Nice Ride! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By 415~phil - June 16 - 10:40 pm

  Overall, a nice car to drive everyday. Exterior looks great and the interior is decent. The car has good handling and just enough power as well. The cars reliability is superb and most maintenance can be performed on your own very easy car to maintain. I drive this car 5-6 days a week and it starts up first time, every time and runs smooth, even on regular graded octane fuel. Just an overall fun car to drive!

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Sam - June 16 - 10:04 pm

  I bought this truck used it was four years old then, and now Ive had it four years. Ive done nothing but routine inspections and change the oil and filters regularly. It has never been to the shop for anything. Even the battery lasted eight years. Only 75k miles on it, but this truck has been nothing but a joy to own. I will never ever consider buying a Chevy again.

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By toricat24 - June 16 - 4:32 pm

  I absolutely love my Excursion! It has become a member of our family. I have the V-10 and, yes, it does drink gas but its a trade-off Im willing to make for the performance and the LOOK of the truck. Gas is a cost of using any vehicle. It just costs more for the Excursion.

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  Festiva - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By Bruce Irvine - June 16 - 3:19 pm

  Reliable, reliable, reliable. Cannot kill it and repairs are easy. Gas mileage is close to a hybrid. Interior is VERY roomy.

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  What Ive been waiting for - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By rageribisl - June 16 - 6:06 am

  Being an 8 cylinder guy who doesnt care about gas prices, my priorities had to change. My wife and I traded in our 2003 Durango and it was the best thing we ever did. I was skeptical at first, but this is by far the most comfortable car I have ever been in. Being 6 3" and 230 pounds, this is the first car that I have ever been in where Im completely comfortable sitting in the back seat - with room to spare! Its great to drive and has a beautiful interior with nice and easy to use features. I absolutely love the looks of this car. My advice is the redfire metallic, prettiest color Ive seen.

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  Dont do it - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy - June 16 - 4:03 am

  Needed new engine after 79000 miles. Thrown rod caused metal to punch holes in 2 places in engine, blew a hole in oil pan, perforated the starter...Cost ended up being more than van was worth. Replaced transmission at 50,000. Transmission needs work again. Roof rack bolts caused rust in roof and ruined paint due to bad seal. Head gasket, fuel tank, & other warranty repairs done. MULTIPLE tie rod jobs in front. All this despite excellent maintenance by owner. WILL NEVER buy a Ford again.

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  It gets even better the second time - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MRMCDO - June 16 - 12:26 am

  I loved my 99 XLT 4.6l. It was time to get something new (I had 284000 km and still looked like new). I get better MPG with the 5.4 but about the same performance with the Eddie Bauer (must be heavier with heated/cooled seats, 6 CD, auto A/C, great sound, 3rd row in floor to leave room for the dog, back up alarm and all). Now I can see at night (great improvement). I can hear a whining noise when I apply power (a bit annoying). I was expecting wood trim on the dash at that price. On the road it is a delight to drive. The front suspension feels loose compared to my solid axle on the "99. Lots of brake dust on the wheels but they clean real easy and look great.