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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  Ford Freestar, great value, - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By ben - March 6 - 4:57 pm

  If youre looking for a van to buy and keep, not trade in a lot, buy the Freestar and buy an extended warranty. I have a 1998 Windstar and the Ford service centers are really number 1. When youre on the road and you need service or something happens, youre in good hands. The van is great.

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Enthusiast - March 6 - 1:56 pm

  More fun to drive than any other car Ive owned. Would buy a new car if I could find one more fun to drive.

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  good choice - 2005 Ford F-150
  By will - March 6 - 3:06 am

  F-150 has a lot of upgrades from the previous body style. Better interior, more safety and anti-theft devices.

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  Ford Has a Winner! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Cathie B - March 5 - 11:53 pm

  I am a Realtor in Nova Scotia. I looked quite a while before finding the Freestyle. I drive in all kinds of weather and I live on a hilltop. I am sold on my Freestyle. My clients rave about it too. Its better looking than a van and has all the room of my former 87 Grand Marquis wagon with more comfort & AWD.

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  1999 Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By 1999 ranger - March 5 - 2:22 pm

  Im really unhappy with this truck. Transmission went out at 37,000 miles when it was out of warrenty and cost me $2,500 to repair. I bought a new truck so I wouldnt have to incur expenses like this. Again at 89,000 miles I put yet another transmission in at $2,500. Ill never by another Ford and Im stuck with this one till I can save up to replace it, shoveling out huge amounts of money to keep it running makes that hard to do. Beware of Ford trucks.

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  My Second Ford Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By G Martin - March 5 - 12:15 pm

  The truck has been "bullet proof", never been towed, never any major mechanical failure. Regular maintenance is average to high, but that goes with owning a 4WD truck. I keep it well tuned and regularly serviced, so I guess I shouldnt expect problems operating it. It is the perfect vehicle for hunting or fishing, carries 4 good sized adults comfortably with all their gear. Good towing capacity as well, nicely stowed. Its a shame that none of the auto makers consider a vehicle like this. Id be in line to buy a new one tomorrow.

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  2005 Ford Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Sandra - March 5 - 5:40 am

  The Focus is a wonderful car with a lot of room and great on gas. Its compact enough to get into any parking spot without any trouble.

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  A large step down - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kimberly - March 5 - 3:40 am

  After owning an Explorer, I decided to move down to the Escape. Over all I was unimpressed. I expected more from a Ford SUV and loved my Explorer. I wanted something a bit smaller and was hoping it would handle slightly better. What I ended up with was a lot less room, and an SUV built for someone who could not afford a real one. I would not reccomend this to my friends.

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  Best SUV I have ever owned - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By b-bambam - March 5 - 3:37 am

  I tow a lot and need a big car. I pulled the trigger on the Excursion with the diesel engine. Would highly recommend the diesel over gasoline engines. I get 21 mpg on highway and about 16 in city. If you seriously utilize an SUV and have a large family I would consider this your best bet over any other SUV, especially if you tow. Owned 2 Suburbans, 2 Jeeps and nothing compares to the comfort and room of the Excursion.

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  An Unproclaimed Gem - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jack Hammond - March 4 - 6:40 pm

  Never saw an ad, but we did see the Freestyle on the highway. Went to a dealer to see close-up and walked out owning a new Freestyle. We are very pleased with this SUV and cannot understand the lack of promotion from Ford, it seems to be almost invisible. However, we think almost with out exception, this SUV is one of the best buys on the mid-size market. Our other SUV is a 2000 Yukon XL and this Freestyle replaced an 1998 Jeep. You would do well to spend some time with this vehicle before you buy.