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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  Fantastic Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - April 26 - 1:03 pm

  This car is fantastic. I purchased this car on 04/26/2008 and I absolutely love it. The Sync system is absolutely a must. I asked if the Sync model could be installed after the fact and they stated no that it was a factory install so for the extra $400 I got a Focus that had it. The fuel mileage is incredible, I am getting about 30 miles to the gallon city, and 35 miles to the gallon highway. The Focus handles great at highway speeds and in town around corners. I traded in a gas hogging 2007 Ford Escape XLT and I am so glad I did.

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  4.2L Engine - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Scot - April 26 - 11:30 am

  I really like the truck, overall design outside, and interior room. I have had the truck since it was new, mine was equipped with the 4.2L engine. At 88,000 miles the transmission went, at 89,200 the engine went. I was very much disappointed with that. I had the transmission rebuilt and purchased a new engine from Ford, I think it runs better now than when I first purchased it (WAY MORE POWER)! I would buy the truck again but would stick with at V-8 engine. If youre buying used be careful about the early 4.2L my understanding is it had a lot of problems, the newer ones are supposed to have all the problems fixed.

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  Freestar sets you free - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Chip - April 25 - 11:48 pm

  The Freestar is perfect for a VMI conversion for handicapped drivers! The ride is smooth, especially on the highway. The is not much wind noise, either. My conversion adds A LOT of weight and modifies the aerodynamics to the van which hinders fuel economy slightly.

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  Better than you might think - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shawn - April 25 - 4:06 pm

  We own one as company vehicle so it sees a lot of highway miles. And that is where it shines on the open road with 4 people and a ton of stuff out back. The rear-seat is actually more comfortable than the front passenger. The car is more comfortable than a truck based SUV yet has a third row seats, car like handling and very good fuel economy. The 3.0 and CVT wont win many races (how often is this relevant) but it is a very effective set up and would cruise at 100 mph all day if you could get away with it! The cars finishes and materials are ok and in line for a car of this size and capability for the money. Recommended!

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  Limited is like no other Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By G Hamrick - April 25 - 3:46 pm

  This is a great SUV. Wed been looking to replace our 2000 Expedition for months when I finally saw a Limited on the road. One simple, but important, selling point for my wife and I are the 10-way power adjustable low-back bucket seats in the front. Unlike all other Expeditions, the Limited has front seats with adjustable headrests (very similar to the Navigator seats) rather than the one-piece seatbacks. Woodgrain on the steering wheel and handle above the glove box along with monochrome leather seats makes for a classy- looking interior. Monochrome exterior with painted mirrors looks great (other Expeditions have black mirrors). Quiet, smooth ride, lots of nice options and excellent safety features.

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  Power Train - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Mike - April 25 - 12:04 pm

  So I have only had this car for 6 months. Bought it as part of a voluntary repo from my credit union. It had 30,400 miles on it, and had 35,234 when the car became locked in second somehow and the gears fused together. To repair from the original dealer is $1,600 to replace is $3,200 plus labor. Seems rather costly since it is a manual. I have owned a Ford Taurus, Acura Legend, Honda Accord, and then this ZX2. My Honda cars were reliable and fun to drive. These Fords have been costly.

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  2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Cary Nimnicht - April 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have had the pleasure to drive this vehicle both in the city and the highway and found it a true joy to drive. From the interior space and easy loading and unloading of passenger in all three sections to the handling and spacious seating within the interior. Whether I am taking the neighborhood kids to a ball game or loading up three couples, the leg room and comfort of the seats are always a comment I receive. I have had no mechanical problems.

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  Why would you buy a Camry? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - April 25 - 8:36 am

  The 2.5L is a great I4. I never feel the need for more power and I still get about 30 mpg on my commute. Love the interior, exterior design, and the sync system. Very quiet. Ive read some reviews claiming there are too many buttons, but personally I like having all the controls at my fingertips. (Its really not hard to figure out what they do.) I test drove a Camry to compare and I cant see any reason to take that over a Fusion.

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  Lightning - 2003 Ford F-150
  By avi - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, fun to look at.

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  Quality Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Seeker - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car for every day travel and road trips. I would like to see an sho model in the future though.