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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  2007 Ford Mustang Coupe V6 - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Richard Clark - April 20 - 10:32 am

  Great looking but practical sports car, with very good performance and a gorgeous noise. My wife (who is old enough to know better) floors the pedal just for the noise. Pin sharp handling that gives a whole new meaning to "Im just popping to the Post Office" - it is rather an interesting little road with some good bends. I have to slow down for the straights! Excellent value for money and amazingly reasonable to insure.

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  My Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By James Shultz - April 20 - 7:13 am

  I bought the vehicle on a whim and loved the way it handled. I quit driving my Cadillac DeVille and after it sat in the garage (undriven) for 8 months, the battery was stone dead. At that point I put an ad in the paper and sold it. Now all I drive is the Explorer. It sits high for great visibility, has great clearance, and rides very comfortably. The 4-wheel drive is super easy to use.

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  Good For the money - 2008 Ford Escape
  By astromike - April 20 - 12:02 am

  I am a tall guy that likes alot of head/leg room, as well as cargo room. During these recession times where fuel econemy is VERY important, I figured this is the closest SUV to a car as I will find, at an afforadable price. You will average about 22/24 mpg. (4 cylinder). Which I am OK with. The exterior body design has been given a more masculine truck like appearance which I like! For a tall guy (61) I have ample head room. Seats could be just a bit more comfy.

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  A Duratec Taurus is the only one to own. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By David - April 19 - 7:44 pm

  I purchased my 01 SES 24v in September of 02. I have had amazingly trouble-free miles (148k currently!). I upgraded the springs/struts (that was a personal choice), but other than that, nothing major has gone wrong. The key to these cars -- any car, for that matter -- is to perform maintenance on schedule religiously. I have reduced the transmission fluid interval to 20k, as these transmissions are a known weak spot. Around town, I drive this car with the transmission in Drive, not Overdrive, and that seems to have made a big difference in the performance of the transmission. The Duratec motor (24v DOHC) is far superior to the Vulcan (12v SOHC) in both performance and mpg.

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  Follow up to April 08 Review - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By PRGR - April 19 - 6:08 pm

  I wrote a review a year ago about how great the car was in the winter and on a trip to Florida.In April 09,I still like the car, but the rear brakes needed replacing at 28,000 mi.Dealer said my car was not in the recall period.My response:"I am not paying for new brakes-period."Ford would not cover them, even though I had the same problem as others.The dealer saw my 8 years of having vehicles serviced and paid for them.The infamous Continental tires were done at 34,000.I replaced with Triple Treads.I am not sure if I will buy another Ford.I really like my Freestyle,but understand why people buy foreign .

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  My poor poor bed :( - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Katore - April 19 - 9:41 am

  The XLT is definitely worth the extra few bucks but I am thoroughly disappointed with the longevity of the bed and front quarter panel in regards to the rust factor. Fords knows for rusting out, the bed body in particular is not the best of design. outside of that, the auto lock in hubs are amazing, the loaded cab is excellent, and the engine and drive train reliability all get high ratings in my book. 5 speed auto transmission would be nice however. For those of you who seem to be confused as to what 1/2 ton means, it is not the towing capacity but the weight of the trucks frame directly relating the strength of the frame to how bad you can beat on it by its weight and thickness of metal.

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  1999 P71 Crown Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 1999 Crown Vic P71 - April 18 - 6:10 pm

  Purchased Crown Vic in 2/08, $2700. Crown Vic has very good handling. I installed extra reflectors that are well placed, interceptor emblems, converted to honeycomb grille, impressive looking vehicle. With the spotlight, dark wheels and recognizable style, people tend to move out of the way or even better stay away. Also installed Goodyear touring type tires, ride is significantly smoother. Performance is very good but seems to shift into overdrive at a low rpm, however push the pedal and the Crown Vic has impressive power for a heavy vehicle. Interior design is basic but with the added center console it is fine. Even though the Vic is a 99 it retains the appearance of newer vehicles,

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  Gas Mileage Poor - 2006 Ford F-150
  By David - April 18 - 10:36 am

  Bought the truck in Feb 06. On board computer rated gas mileage on highway at 11.4, then after 2 months moved to 13.4. Not knowing how accurate this was, I checked the mileage myself 3 times, only to see at best 12.5 MPG. This is somewhat lower than manufacturers rating for this truck. I was greatly disappointed. Had an 02 Sierra with 5.3, got over 18 MPG with it. Ride was better, seats more comfortable. Ford looks good, but mileage not satisfactory.

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  small but good car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By lp09 - April 17 - 8:58 am

  fun car......sold it after egr valve went to hell, and plug wires were shot. axle went bad...but that was prolly my fault....i couldnt complain i bought it for $450 in perfect condition no lie.... i got a deal....ran great for about 2 months, then one day it just wouldnt go....cleaned out egr valve and changed plugg wires and sold it.

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  REGRET BUYING A FORD PRODUCT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By STEVENS - April 16 - 10:49 pm

  Well.where do i start. I bought it 2004 and its been down hill ever since. The wheel bearings,replaced rear struts and springs twice, Ive spent a $1,000 dollars and the truck still shakes and dies at stop lights. I feel we as consumers need to take issue with FORD and press the issue with recalling these 30,000 dollar piece of junk. So I challenge you all with me and lets pursue a recall for all these mishaps with the FORD EXPLORERS.