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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  great family car and its not a minivan - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By dan - February 17 - 8:36 am

  I did not want a minivan or large SUV but still wanted the room. This car fits the bill. So much room inside. Weekend trips are now a pleasure instead of packing nightmare. I got the bucket second row instead of 60 40 split. I would suggest it because the middle armrest is a great place to keep all the things you need having kids. Wipes toys etc. (you do lose a seat but with a third row it did not matter to me.) Only have 1000 miles but I have yet to discover any problems. Could use a little more power but with the price of gas, what is under the hood does a good enough job.

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  One look is all it took. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tonia - February 17 - 2:46 am

  I dont usually buy American cars because I felt the quality and the design of them was not that great. The Ford 500 hundred looked different from all the others. So I took it for a test drive. It drove great. It felt like I had more control of a car then every before due to the driver seat. For the first time ever, the thought of buying a foreign car was completely out of my mind. So I bought the Ford 500 hundred. p.s. I have never before been stopped by so many people inquiring about my new car. The car is a great ego buster. :)

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  Fun Car - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Bessie - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I got this car when I moved from PA to NC. One of my gripes, no air conditioning. It has been very reliable getting me around town and on road trips. Its been from PA to FLA and from NC to PA many, many times. I have 69,000 miles on her now, and weve only been to the dealership for oil changes and fender bender fixes. I have been sandwiched between two cars in a nasty accident two years ago, and my car is still going strong. It would be nice to make it up an incline at a decent pace, but it just allows me to enjoy the scenery a little more. Overall, great car. Im going to miss it when I buy new. Especially the gas mileage.

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  Ford Cancelled it For a Reason - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Alan Nash - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The Contour has been a complete nightmare. My starter doesnt work, all three catalytic converters are faulty ($3,000). I was only 200 miles over the 70,000 emission warranty and the dealer refused to help. The gas mileage is 17.33 MPG, on the HIGHWAY!It produces a horrific smell during and after acceleration. It has alot of wind noise. The brakes are underpowered. It is uncomfortabable on highway trips. The transmisson slips and the speed sensor has gone out.Ford service is absurd. They will not help customers when there is a problem.I bought this car new and I would not recommend it to anyone, you get what you pay for.

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  1st Time SUV owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By UrtDog - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Im a female owning this vehicle and I just bought it not to long ago, and had already had to replace the raidator and the egr sensor, but thats the risk of buying a used vehicle, yet so far Im impressed on the vehicle that I have. needs and owners manual.

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  This is not your fathers sho - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By James H. Murray - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have been a sho owner senice 1997 and it has been a love hate relateshoip since day one. The car is one of the fast best looking fun to drive cars on the road. But on the other side of the coin unless you enjoy turning your own wreches you will be your meches best friends. My car eats front brake like they are made of paper. About once a year I have a problem that I must take to my mechice to fix(crank pos. senor,clutch). But be side that it has been a great car to own.

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  2003 WINDSTAR - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jhansen - February 17 - 2:00 am

  GOOD PERFORMER TO DATE, SAFTEFY FEATURES A PLUS, I.E., REAR SENSOR, AUTOTRACTION, SAFTEY SIGNALS WIFE AND KIDS LOVE THE RIDE AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM.

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  Good, Solid SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Lou - February 16 - 7:23 pm

  This is my second Explorer. Love the extra room they gave it in the 2002 upgrade. Comfortable, serviceable vehicle that I would recommend to anyone looking for an SUV. Nothing fancy in the XLT, but still does the job. Comfortable ride - great for long trips - with plenty of storage.

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  TRANSIT - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By PAT - February 16 - 5:43 am

  This van handles better then expected, smooth ride, great visibility from the front windshield and sides windows. Also has a tight turning radius. Have it just one week, every thing is within reach and the over head storage is awesome. Its every thing they said it would be. Dont believe what they say about the power, this vehicle has plenty of power as far as I am concerned.

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  a good all around suv - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By putang - February 16 - 2:00 am

  have had no problems with it so far. the gas is kinda expensive but other than that its a good car and drives like a champ...........I put a K&N intake on it and that made it sound clean and mean.