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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  Very disappoint with Ford Customer Care - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Hami - December 23 - 1:24 pm

  My husband and I purchased this vehicle two years ago (1 1/2 yrs old at the time) as a trade-in for a Ford Mustang. We were quite please with it until this year. We replaced all tires at 38,000 miles (Oct.), an alternator at 39,000 miles (Nov.) and I just broke down on the highway three days before Christmas, only to find that the transmission needs to be replaced! The car has 40,000 miles on it and of course its past the 3yr./36,000 miles warranty by 5 months and 4,000 miles!!! Even the dealerships said it shouldnt go that soon, yet Ford seemed unwilling to help us. I registered a formal complaint and will be following up. No more Fords. My Corolla is 10 yrs old and no problems!

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  2001 Mustang GT Premium Amazing!!! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By LT1Killer01GT - December 23 - 11:55 am

  This is by far the best car i have ever owned.From day one i was in love with this car and 3 girlfriends later i still own it.The Modular V8 is Fords most reliable motor hands down.The "NEW EDGE" body styling is my favorite of all the Mustangs.I dont drive this car year around but i have owned it for over 2 yrs now and its at 99k with no issues what so ever! Besides normal maint and such..On top of the great vaule and the aftermarket parts are just unlimited so i decided to add some bolt ons JLT CAI,Accufab 75mm TB, Diablo Tune,STEEDA Pulleys,BASSANI O/R X-PIPE,BASSANI SS CAT-BACK,Bullitt 315s with Nitto Drag Radials runs mid 13s all day!Does need a better stock shifter and bigger trunk h/w.

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  Conflicted - Love it but frustrated too - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lucky One - December 22 - 9:07 pm

  06 Fusion V6 SEL - I have had this car 3 yrs now & I really love it for the most part however, I am very frustrated with all the little things that have gone wrong with it. I have had to fix the ac temp control, rotors, passenger grab handle, 2 interior door handles, trunk gas shocks & the headlights need replacing because they are yellowing & seem like they are cracking. The moonroof is rusting also & the windows dont seem sealed tightly. I dont like the tilt & the fact this car doesnt have the peddle adjustment as an SEL. Increased the tire pressure & it finally turns alot better. Gas mileage not what I wish it was. Very roomy & comfy overall with a husband & two growing boys.

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  Good car, made like a tank - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Philippe T. - December 22 - 7:38 pm

  Didnt want a minivan but needed lots of space for the expanding family. The driving experience is superb, theres a real feeling of security white driving this car, its very stable. When you take a look around the car, you notice its made strong + lots of protective panels/rubber here and there. Performance is low, but who wants to race a 7 passenger car? Fuel economy is good on the hwy. Its has 70k miles with no major issues. A couple of repair on the suspension but previous owner drove a lot on unpaved roads, so I guess its normal. Generally love this car and recommend it. Saw a couple of internet complaits about tranny prob. I tow a 2000 pound popup tent and its holding up pretty strong.

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  Could have been better - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tom D. - December 22 - 2:56 pm

  This vehicle replaced a 8 year old minivan. I needed cargo space for traveling, wanted better mileage and was motivated by the "Crossover" concept. I found the following: The overall ride and handling is excellent though the suspension is stiff. At interstate speeds it is very stable and the steering has excellent avoidance response. The cabin could be quieter. Fit and finish appears good and doors and frame have a very solid feel. Engine is adequate but I prefer better acceleration. The CVT is very smooth. The rear and center seat folding/storage flexibility is adequate. Automatic air conditioning very good especially in rear. Actual mileage is 18.5 local and 22.4 city

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  Tails its Class - 2008 Ford Escape
  By The Job Pays - December 22 - 11:52 am

  Bought this as my second Ford in 2007. Overall it leaves me with mixed reactions, the good: fuel economy in the low 20s (good for AWD), truck like front end, reasonably comfortable front seats. The bad: noisy engine, poor acceleration and passing power (better than what I expected from an I- 4, though), choppy 4 speed, electric power steering, and low grade, Saturn- like interior... lots of cheap plastic, horrible seat fabric thatss worn out after two years, disappointing fit and finish (especially the door panels), and goofy cell-phone button HVAC controls that are hard to use while driving. Bottom line...Ill easily buy another Ford but no more Ford SUVs!!! Next time Ill get an F-150.

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  blown plug - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By smiley - December 21 - 11:10 pm

  I enjoy driving my peppy beast. It commands alot of attention and respect on the road. Im not saying im a bully but sometimes the sheer girth lets me make headway thru intersections. Its not a gas guzzler like reported or reviewed because it was not made for fuel economy. It carries and pulls. Lets be real people.

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  Update on our 1997 Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By jessepatty - December 21 - 10:02 pm

  Ive written a review before on our Expedition and I shared it was getting close to 200K.. Well she finally went over the 200K mark and shes still a very reliable vehicle. I just want to share that with everyone.. This Expedition has been the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned... Thanks Ford! We appreciate not having to buy a new vehicle every couple years. Sure Saves us allot of money.

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  An amazing SVT Team! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rick - December 21 - 5:46 pm

  I loved driving this car! I purchased new and just sold due to unemployment. I previously owned an 02 Lightning. I am sold on everything that the Coletti SVT group put their stamp on. This came to an end with the release of the 2005 GT. I find it sad that folks are still buying live axle mustangs/shelbys when they had the Independent Rear Suspension for the SVT Cobras! This 2004 Cobra Convertible was the best most advanced and most powerful Mustang "Production" car to come out of Dearborn, which shut down after the 2004 model year. SVT was special! Now, its a badge.

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  Massive Consul - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Ken Andersen - December 21 - 5:09 pm

  I like everything about the new car except that massive center consul.. In my opinion way to big as my legs hit it while driving and its a nuisance. Also bring back the bench seat option. More room in the front seat for people hta are over 6 tall nad wider than average.