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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  Freestyle Living - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Del Buono Sr. - October 16 - 6:33 am

  The SE Freestyle 05 is a great basic car/SUV with the all wheel drive. The view from the roomy cab is excellent and the performance of the 6 cylinder engine is more than enough. Gas mileage is average for these tough times 21-26. The theater seating in the rear is roomy for teenagers as well as adults. They all comment on it.

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  Not a bad car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Mc - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Just sold a 94 that I bought 4/01, and drove for 17 months and 36K miles, got back 2/3 of what I paid for it. Was going to buy an 02, but went for a clean (69K miles) 97 instead. Figure on driving for a year and getting back close to what I paid. The 94 was a great road car, hope the 97 does as well.

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  highway and off road use - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By george henderson - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Ihave used this car in normal driving to distant ski and hiking sites, requiring 4wd in snow butnever driven it off of designated roadways. It has performed admirably and maintenance cost hasbeen reasonable with noi maker breakdowns or replacements required.

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  My first Explorer 1995 - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By frank2369 - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my first s.u.v. and i have a PT Cruiser 2001 too but i always take my Explorer in the week ends to go to the country love the space.

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  Pats van - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By Mrs. Jones - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This van is a great family vehicle! This van has a great radio. This van has pretty good pick up for a van. This van is very reliable.

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  Problem Car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By realmc - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Contour SE with the sport package thinking that it was going to last me a while. Unfortunately, the trunk developed a major leak which the dealership couldnt fix after 4 tries. The leak was so bad, mildew began appearing in the car and the metal parts inside the trunk began rusting. Ford Motor Co. was no help, the dealership had poor service, so I had to get my state attorney generals office involved. Sold the Contour within a year and took a huge hit on resale. Will not buy a new Ford again.

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  Best suv I have ever had - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Zachary - October 16 - 2:00 am

  You name it I have driven it. Ford expedition eddie bauer is by far the best.

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  My new Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By rgurta - October 15 - 6:43 pm

  I am very impressed with all aspects of my red Ford Flex SEL. It is very roomy and the quality is outstanding. My only cons on this vehicle is that I find my front seat headrests to be very uncomfortable and that the two second row captain chairs need armrests. The sync radio with bluetooth hands free cell phone features are a real plus. I can not get over how many people have asked to see my car and how many heads it turns when being driven. It is hard to believe that the dimensions on this roomy vehicle is almost identical to my 2005 Ford Freestyle. I am getting better than 20 miles to the gallon so far in mixed driving conditions.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By mkdive - October 15 - 8:26 am

  I have nothing but great things to say about my truck. It doesnt get the best gas mileage in the world, but heck...its a Super Crew 4x4, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? I think the ride is superior to other trucks I test drove. And I love the interior. All in all I am 100% happy with my purchase. I bought mine during the "Family Plan" promotion....I bought it for about $10k less than some of my friends bought theirs for (same truck same options)!

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  One of the best Trucks EVER! - 1997 Ford F-250
  By Flover5076 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  After driving this truck for snow plowing, pulling a 30 foot boat, and as a daily driver I have come to one conclusion, that this truck can perform at anytime you want. This is a great truck for doing anything.