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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  Mr - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BayAreaStyle - June 8 - 12:06 am

  Clean exterior styling, massive cargo space in a mid size vehicle, peppy CVT transmission. Freestyle doesnt stand out on a spec sheet but it does the things I purchased it for really well. Carrying a family of four and lots of outdoor gear in comfort in all conditions. We have been in Sierra blizzards, carried the in laws (with the extra 2 seats in the back), hauled 3 kayaks with camping gear and have been happy with the performance. Fuel economy in cruise is around 22 mpg which is pretty good for an AWD that weighs 5000 lbs

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  Way to go Ford!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Doug - June 6 - 11:05 pm

  Nav is kinda lousy. The rear dvd is awesome. Heated seats are insanly awesome. Love toasty buns. Motors right along. Looks better with 20s.

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  Lasts forever - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Rae - June 6 - 8:22 pm

  I bought my ford taurus used with 115,000kms on it. Now with 320,000kms I am considering replacing it. The frame has rusted and the tranny is on its way out. Its built tough. In accidents where other cars wouldve crumpled, this taurus came out with a only a few dents and some repairable alignment issues. I take excellent care of my vehicles and they do tend to last a long time. This one is the best so far.

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  My Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By PWRSTRKEOGRE - June 5 - 4:05 pm

  My escort was the best little two door car ive ever owned. I had a toyota corolla before and compared to the Ford Escort it was crap. It was running strong until some one beat on the hood. My battery waring light came on one day and i was drving and i was at a Wendys drive through and it died, i tried re starting it but it wouldnt turn over. I thought it was just a dead battery but it had wireing problems it said. I jump started it drove for about 1 mile and then it started to jump like you would push in the clutch then let it out while having the pedal to the metal. Ohter than that problem it has been the best vehicle ive owned and drove. Great MPG comfort and way fun to drive!!!

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  My 2nd Ford Probe - 1997 Ford Probe
  By criticsdarling - June 5 - 12:34 pm

  The 1997 Ford probe was my 2nd (my first was a 1990). The 1990 died at 140K mi and my 1997 is at 130K on its final legs. Its been a pretty good, reliable car, but in the last 6 months Ive had to put in $1000 in repairs. Its had computer chip problems, the axles fell out, new battery, the exhaust is starting to fall out. Its fun to drive and looks great! Sometimes repairs are a bit unusual because I am told its actually a Mazda, so the parts are not from Ford. Ive truly loved this car, Im sad its life is over.

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  waste of money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By john - June 5 - 12:17 pm

  Waited until I could afford Exp. 1st rear end replaced(warranty), then not under warranty was window motor, faded window panels and abs sensor. Then within last 6 months cracked rear panel in lift gate and heat/air fan control is stuck on vent. With in last week transmission solenoid pack needs to be replaced as do all 4 wheel bearings. When I contacted Ford they replied "we hope that your future experiences with Ford products will be more positive." Huh?

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  Rate highly - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Lou - June 5 - 9:09 am

  This is a fleet car that I have been able to drive for close to two years. 33K since Nov 2007. I have had to bring it in to FORD Dealers fr oscheduled maintenance per fleet terms and have had only one issue with a wire that needed to be replaced for the AWD ESC sensors. Other than that no mechanical issues. Great in the winter snow. Good visibility. A pleasure to drive.

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  Love our X! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By New Jersey - June 5 - 8:25 am

  We use this vehicle for daily use, trips and to tow our 33ft TT. We could not be happier, Gas mileage is awesome with the Diesel. My wife loves driving this thing daily and we love the space we have when traveling. The DVD player has saved us many times on trips. Our stock tires (The Pirellis) lasted us 85,000 miles and I am still on the stock brake pads. Buy one before they are all gone!

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  Well driven - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mr pbns - June 5 - 4:33 am

  12000 miles and defects starting to show. Front suspension bearings and springs replace. TSB issued. It is now winter and auto heating system not working properly. After driving Japanese cars for many years and after buying this Ford I now remember why I used to drive Japanese cars.

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  pleasure to cruis - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ford4Life - June 4 - 4:01 pm

  I have to say over all the vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable ride and no too bad on gas. I cant say i have had any major problems and as far as minor problems well.. the only trouble i have had so far was first on the passenger side the door sensor built into the lock that told the vehicle the door was closed stopped working properly. I needed to take off the door panel and play around with it and used a little WD-40. not sure what caused it but my fix seemed to work. Roughly 3 moths later same on the drivers side - same fix worked fine and they have both been fine since. Had the vehicle and needed to change all rotors and brake pads once. Besides that I cant complain at all