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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  Wonderful - 2005 Ford Focus
  By linda engh - July 21 - 9:46 pm

  This is the best car I have ever bought; very fuel efficient and thats what I needed. Very well equipped.

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  Best vehicle buy Ive ever made - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By BB - July 21 - 2:03 pm

  Bought new in Dec. 2004 when the Heritages had big discounts. Cost 20k new. 67,000 miles now, one blown fuse. Less than a buck in total repairs! 4.6 has more power than I need. Pulls boat with ease. Lived in MN, 55 mph speed limit, got 17-18mpg on the road. Moved to SD, 75mph speed limit on interstate, 65 on 2 lane hiways. Really sucks gas at 75mph, down to 12-13mpg. At 65mph it gets 15-16. Just a quirk of the engine- tranny combination I guess. Put bigger- 265-75-16 tires on at 40k to replace the too small 235-70-16 tires it came with. Much better. Trouble free truck, great to drive, 4wd great in snow. Squeak in the dash the only minor annoyance. Best vehicle buy of my life-Im 62

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  Great Ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By derousser - July 21 - 12:56 pm

  We purchased this vehicle from overseas and without a test drive. We had a Honda Pilot which we loved but was a bit short on rear leg room. We love the Freestyle, it is truly roomy inside and extremely versatile. I love the leather seats, and the endless amenities. The Freestyle drives like a dream and is very responsive. Within the first few days of driving it, I had someone pull right out in front of me and had to make a very quick stop. The Freestyle stopped on a dime and its responsiveness saved an accident. It only has a few hundred miles on it, but I feel quite certain that this is a vehicle we will enjoy for a very long time.

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  What a thing of beauty and drive! - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mike - July 21 - 3:53 am

  I ordered my 09 Escape Hybrid back in June and just recieved it on 11/26. The inside is gorgeous (love the light blue hue) and if I ever get stranded, I can eat my seats! I love Sync and I finally can listen to Howard Stern in the mornings now on Sirrius. I drive back and fourth into Queens (31 miles from home to work and back). Right now, Ive done 200 miles and the gas gauge is just now showing a half a tank..not bad! The car looks bigger; but slightly compared to my 05 EH that I traded in for this one. The hood has been flattened out to make it seem that the car is wider. The acceleration is better and I in fact go electric at 40mph or lower.

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  My FORD- "fix or repair daily" - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By msnurse - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I thought I had made a great purchase until I passed 30k--when the warranty was no longer valid. At 32k the transmission blew apart --thanks to a defective converter (By the way, I dont drive like a maniac--and really take good care of my cars). Needless to say, I was out almost $2k. I have just been informed that my engine needs to be rebuilt at only 100k miles. After speaking with other Ford owners, this is a common problem. Very frustrating. I have been VERY disappointed with the repair costs and problems. This car is going to the junk yard this week. Can promise you that my next car will be anything but a Ford.

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  For Sho - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Cotlpython - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The SHO model Taurus is supreme. I get over 30 MPG of gas. Yet the Yamaha 3.0 motor gives alot of power, 220 HP to be exact! Ive owned 2 of these model cars, and both have ran great for me. I would suggest this car to anyone looking for a sedan, or a sports car for that matter.

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  Works good for me! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Bigol - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Windstar offers alot of bang for the buck! Although it is not the hottest selling minivan on the market, my family and I enjoy it! This is our second Windstar! No problems with either van but a minor recall on the drivers side floor mat hinge.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - July 21 - 12:23 am

  Over the past 30 years I have purchased new cars made by gm (6), Toyota (1), Chrysler (2), Honda (1) and Volkswagen (2) 12 in all. I never even considered a Ford. Well this time I drove a new 2010 fusion sel with the new 4 cyl and 6 speed auto. What a car! Fit, finish, interior + quality and excellent ride and handling nery good power in the 4 cyl. I was impressed. This is by far the best new car I have ever purchased! I have waited to write this for a while because I wanted to get a true Gage on fuel economy. I get 26-27 mpg city and 35 mpg hwy anyone that has a Toyota Camry or any other mid-size should look at this car, drive the car and buy it! Thank you Ford building this great car...

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  Solid Vehicle - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By supreme2005 - July 20 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my Crown Victoria two years ago and I now have just under 50k on it. I havent had a single problem with it during its entire lifetime. It hasnt been in the shop except for regular oil changes. I feel extremely safe in this car; its very solidly built. I bought this particular car over a similar 2002 Sport model because it had a much firmer ride with better road feel. Its very fast with ample power for freeway merging.

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  2006 Focus SES review - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Mark - July 20 - 7:56 am

  My wife and I just picked up our 2006 Focus SES, and love it! How can you beat all the rebates Ford has put out there. Car is very sporty, handles great, and is good on gas. We looked at a Saturn, and a Cobalt but went with the Focus. We plan on having this car for a very long time, and the Ford extended warranty will surely help us achieve that.