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:

• 

  Quite satisfied! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Deb - August 18 - 2:49 am

  We replaced our 1994 Aerostar with the 2006 Freestyle SE in 2007 and have not been disappointed at all. It offers a very smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride. We average 20 mpg in town and about 22-24 on the highway. The steering is tight, but can turn on a dime. The only problem we have had is with the second row seating getting stuck and not always wanting to fold flat. Overall we are very pleased with the performance and absolutely love the CVT transmission! The vehicle had 32,000 miles when we bought it and now has 41,000. To those reviewers who say the vehicle has no power I am at a loss as to why because it moves when you want or need it to and it doesnt hesitate.

• 

  Third Brake Light - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sparky357 - August 17 - 2:00 pm

  I need to replace the gasket in the third brake assembly and Cannot buy just the gasket.Ford sells only the entire light assembly ($65.00)for maybe a $5.00 gasket. If you change the bulbs you need to change the gasket. In my case it leaked inside and now the back sliding window doesnt work. Their way of thinking I would need to just buy a whole new truck. This is my last ford. Never again and I have owned fords for fifty years.

• 

  Should have bought the Pilot - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Paul M - August 17 - 1:54 pm

  I made the mistake of going for the best deal not the best automobile. My choice came down to Pilot or Edge and to save a few bucks went with the Edge. I am kicking myself now. Pilot was quieter, smoother, and had better quality materials especially interior. Cant believe I didnt notice only way to stop cruise is by braking. Edge looks nicer but quality wise doesnt compare.

• 

  Rented for a long trip - 2017 Ford Edge
  By JimBob - August 17 - 1:41 pm

  Decent gas mileage. Visibility and ride comfort are quite good. Handles very well although the turning radius seems quite large. Sensitive, sticky brakes. Averaged 20+ mpg running the vehicle at 70-75 mph for a couple of 1500 mile runs on I-95. Plenty of room for luggage for the 2 of us. Would definitely rent an Edge again.

• 

  Perfect Fit - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Keith - August 17 - 12:23 pm

  I live in mountain terrain, snow, long way to stores/gasoline. I feel safe & secure, and the 32 mpg makes me feel a bit smug.

• 

  Fusion frenzy - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By hammer - August 16 - 4:19 pm

  Had my SEL for 3 weeks now. Its a a great car. I have the Blue Suede and moon and tune pkgs. The blue suede seats really dress up the interior of the car. The 18 inch aluminum rims gives the car a sporty exterior appearance too. Overall a solid car

• 

  Long time Honda buyer goes with a GT - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Jim B - August 16 - 1:01 pm

  This is the first Ford product I have owned in 20 years and I have to say that Ford has made serious progress. I have casually considered GT Mustangs for the past 10 years - I wanted that V- 8 engine - but was put off by many things. Among other things, the poor quality and ergonomics of the interior, the cheap black side mirrors, and rather bland handling. But I guess Ford finally listened to Consumer Reports. The interior is 200% improved over previous models and they finally put body-colored side mirrors on the car. The handling, however, is what really shocked me. It is on par with my Acura TL. The engine, of course, is what this car is about. It will not disappoint.

• 

  Work Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Me - August 16 - 10:55 am

  This is a great truck for the money and its easy to work on but be ready to work on it because nothing lasts. Make sure to do all preventative maintenance.

• 

  6 to one, half dozen to the other - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By bigfly - August 16 - 8:53 am

  We had the car for a month or so until we noticed the ground effects in the front were warped. We were told by Ford that we could either leave it alone or have them replace it.I elected to leave it alone. Overall, we were impressed with the acceleration and amenities of the car, along with the build quality of the somewhat dated interior. We were happy with the looks of the car and the Mach 460 sound system whether the top was up or down!

• 

  luv it - 2006 Ford F-150
  By mary - August 15 - 9:29 am

  I love this truck! It drive Nice its quiet good power body is easy to dent not like my 1 ton but all around a good truck I wish the dealer would have offered me treatment for the interior (cloth stains) going to trade it in on a 2009