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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  It is Just Okay - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By DJG - August 17 - 10:56 pm

  We traded in an Excursion for it. Hard to give a 100% unbiased review. I miss my Excursion; this just doesnt compare (I know it isnt apples to apples) but I wish I hadnt made the trade.

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  2008 Ford Focus SES (5 Speed) - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jesse - August 17 - 5:30 pm

  Nissan lover who turned to Ford! I loved my 200SX SER for many years, but needed to buy a Truck. Throughout the years, I longed for a fuel efficent, sporty, compact 2 door coupe like I once had. Out of the blue, I thought Id take a chance on a 2007 Focus SE, and enjoyed owning it. When the 2008 Focus came out, I got excited, and I knew I had to "upgrade." The Focus is fun to drive, and its even better with a manual tranny. I have been very happy with my purchase. Ive read a lot of "Car Critics" review of the Focus, and they bash Ford at every angle minus the Sync system. Critics only like Japanese compact vehicles! For the price, you cant beat all the great features Ford offers.

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  Love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Dorothy - August 17 - 5:13 pm

  I just love my Freestyle. It is fun to drive and I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. It gets good gas mileage and is very comfortable to drive.

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  2013 Ford C-MAX SE...Too soon to pass Judgement - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By phill1 - August 17 - 2:08 pm

  Traded in my 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback 7/31 and with just over a month of driving and less then 1000 miles, I`m only averaging 34 mpg City & Highway. I`m careful (not) to accelerate quickly and coast when possible and avoid lots of unnecessary braking still can`t get over 34 mpg. The Vehicle is very comfortable, peppy, and if I can eventually improve on the Fuel Economy numbers, I`ll be very happy. Got spoiled with the smaller fuel sipping Fiesta which (always) delivered 33-35 mpg city and 41-43 mpg highway from day one.

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  Lacking in a couple areas - 2012 Ford Focus
  By txjetmech - August 17 - 9:24 am

  I bought my 2012 Focus on January 14th. The interior styling is nice. The car is responsive with the sport suspension package. The gas and brake pedals are a little too close together. This car is no speed demon in any sense of the word but it does well. I am not getting the advertized gas mileage even though the eco system says I am a champion. The car des seem to stumble a bit when parking in close areas. Dont plan on carrying passengers in the back seat unless you have short legs and can move the seats up. Average people forget about it.

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  Great First Car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Mere - August 17 - 6:33 am

  I love this car! Its my first car and I love the size of it. Its small enough to maneuver easily, but big enough to make me feel safe and stable.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rs1981 - August 17 - 3:16 am

  We traded in our Camry for a new Focus, because a big sedan isnt practical for living in a city, and we havent regretted the decision one bit. We drive a lot, so the fuel savings are adding up quickly. On top of that, its actually fun to drive. The turning radius is tighter, its easier to parallel-park, the acceleration is much quicker, and you actually feel the road. Plus its adorable. Legroom would be an issue if we werent both short, so tall folks might want to keep that in mind. Also, the automatic transmission is different from what youre probably used to; this is a good thing. Welcome change. Its gonna get you better fuel economy.

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  Great truck for the money! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By T Almond - August 17 - 2:00 am

  3 years and 60K miles with no mechanical problems and a great ride has made me a fan of the F-150. High comfort design on interior and smooth styling on the exterior. I always get good comments on the truck expecially when they find out it is a 99 model year.

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  Fits me - 2004 Ford Escape
  By rcadwell - August 17 - 2:00 am

  this is my first SUV. I like the compactness of it, yet lots of storage. Feels good on the road, although, it does feel bumps more than Im use to. The V6 is the only way to go for get up and go. I love the way the drivers and passenger seats feel on my back..very supportive. Gas mileage is something to get use to. But Ill sacrifice a bit for the feel and cargo capablities of this car. Highly recommend it.

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  Nice Nice Nice car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Mr - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Second car my car for running around town love the car love the silver color hope to have it another 10 years. Have a grand marquie for other car feel safer with grandkids in bigger car, escott is a nice nice nice car and I love it.