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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  Doesnt get any better - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Dani - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is great and nothing could be better on it. It turns heads, its fast, and its fun to drive. Nothing makes you smile more than walking out the door and seeing your stang in the parking lot...Ive been told it looks like the only car in the lot because it drowns everything else out. What more could you want?!

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  Freestyle "Freedom" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Clifford McKinstry - November 28 - 1:53 am

  The performance is outstanding. I had three previous Windstars, and the Freestyle exceeds them in comfort, economy, ease of handling, and price. The CVT is an outstanding transmission, it is quick off the line, and really performs. Very comfortable seating, and tracking is effortless while on long trips.

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  could not find better car for the price - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Great car - November 26 - 11:12 pm

  Had 24k miles when I purchased, now at 65K only one problem with A/C that was fixed with CPO warranty plus. Overall this is a reliable car and travels well. MPG on highway at 29 running at speed limit. No mechanical problems. I compared with Altima, Camry, and Accord V6 models, saved 40 - 50% in price comparison plus I am warranty covered to 100k miles.

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  Pleasantly surprised from a Honda family - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By lh - November 26 - 11:44 am

  I come from a Honda family. We own a 95 Civic, 04 & 08 Accords. My mother has owned three Camrys, including an 09. I regularly drive the Camry. The Fusion is right up there with the Hondas and the Camry. In fact, its quieter than the Hondas and the Camry. Totally trouble free with over 20k miles in the year+ Ive owned it. You would make a mistake buying a midsize care without checking out the Fusion.

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  Great experience - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By deb - November 26 - 10:11 am

  I was so surprised to see the changes Ford has made in their mid-size cars. I owned a Lincoln Mark 8 for 11 years. I test drove everying under the sun...all high end cars costing 38-60 thousand. I was so impressed with the NEW taurus limited and the Price was excellent for all the style and interior excellence. AND 0% interest for 36 months! You gotta see this and test drive. I bought it and LOVE it.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By merlin07 - November 25 - 2:53 pm

  Ive been wanting one of these since I first saw it and traded in a 1996 Plymouth Breeze to get it. Love the car, excellent comfort, great in the winter, has heated seats!!! Even a year later I still grin like an idiot, yes I know its a mommy wagon (and me with no kids) but I just think this is the best car Ive ever had.

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  Gene - 1991 Ford Probe
  By Gene - November 25 - 1:47 pm

  I am the original owner. I have a V6 Automatic that just turned 205,000 miles. Transmission & engine never taken a part. Not even a valve cover gasket!! This car has never stranded me, still starts better than my 2005 Honda Accord! Fun to drive with great visability.

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  Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Lori Mendoza - November 25 - 7:29 am

  I agree with the other reviews pertaining to the head rest. Is does make your head lean forward a bit. But, if you recline the seat back a bit it seems to help. I have had a problem with the brakes squeeking while I am backing up from the garage to the barn. So only while backing up a long distance also. It also seems to double shift when I stop at a stop light and at times it feels as if it wants to excellurate while my foot is on the brake. It is in the shop as I write this but they will call Ford and Ford will say there is nothing wrong as they always do. FYI I also had to take it on for a Computer upgrade from Ford. Didnt know I had to do that but on occasion you have to so i was told.

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  Yep, Its THE Truck! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Car Guy - November 24 - 6:15 pm

  This was my first full size truck, I hadnt thought about a truck, but I upgraded my travel trailer last year and it was all my Explorer wanted to handle. Now with 15,000 miles on the truck I have been very impressed with all aspects of the vehicle. Controls, interior layout, seat comfort, mileage...I could go on - Mileage for mixed driving always around 18 and hwy over 21, even with the 5.4 liter. I was amazed with a stretch last summer pulling a 6,200# trailer and still about 14mpg. I was also surprised that this truck actually has the lowest total cost of ownership vs the other full sized on the market. If you are looking for a truck, drive this - youll probably own one too!

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  Happy Owner - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Ron Williams - November 24 - 12:19 pm

  I bought my 2000 Explorer Limited just before the intro of the 2001. I average 18.4 in town and 20 highway and have 135,000 miles on it. I went thru the tire recall and a couple other minor recalls, but have throughly enjoyed this SUV. Its been garage kept and looks nearly as good today as the day a bought it. I really take care of my SUV as it is my second most expensive investment after my house. Im not happy that the value has dropped so badly, but thats American for you. Ill drive this thing until either it or I dies. If I had my time to do over, I probably would have gotten the AWD.