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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  2000 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By K. Lampe - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I truely enjoy my Excursion. I pull a 9000 pound trailer with almost no effort, I do have the 7.3L Power Stroke.

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  A Great Ride - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Nobes - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I got my Ranger when I was 19. It has been a great truck. YEAYEAYEA

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  Good solid car - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By joya - July 16 - 2:00 am

  We found this car to be perfect for our family of 5. It was very comfortable and we felt safe. The 3rd seat in the back came in handy, and we had very few things go wrong with the car. Very reliable!

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  Better buy a new car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By deejay - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 76K miles. I had to replace AC Pump, AC Hose, Water pump, Starter (three times), suspension etc. Power windows do not work. Have spent more money on repairs than the cars worth. It is not worth buying this car after 75K miles.

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  Great crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By mypoohbearstah - July 15 - 5:00 pm

  I had a Ford Expedition prior to the Freestyle. I have 3 children ages 5, 4 & 1 so I needed something with plenty of room and a 3rd seat to split the boys up (4 & 5 year old). My Expedition was a gas hog and I was doing good to get 12 mpg. When gas got up to $3 a gallon it was close to $90 to fill up. I noticed the Freestyles were rated 20-27mpg and was still 7 passenger. I love it. It even has a ton more room behind the 3rd seat with it up than my Expedition did. I am a young mom so I did not want a minivan. NO offense to others but it is not my style at all! As you see on my fav features you never realize the small things until youve had a car that has things that drive you crazy.

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  Man, What a ride - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Sandman - July 15 - 8:16 am

  I have had my 2005 GT for three months and 6500 miles, and man what a ride. This is my fourth Mustang, having had a 67, 69 and 74, this is by far the best. I live on the north coast of California, The roads here are built for this car, lots of curve and twists along Highway 101 and through the redwoods put this car to the test and man, what a ride. I recently took a trip to San Francisco and got 23 miles to a gallon, and I was not driving slow. In and out of traffic the car is a blast to drive and it does get a lot of looks and thumbs up from folks along the way. Would recommend this car to anyone who takes pleasure in driving.

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  Bitter Sweet Experience - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Road Warrior - July 15 - 4:30 am

  Enjoyed this vehicle greatly for the first 63,000 miles. Then started having trouble with keeping it balanced. Had tires balanced numerous times, also aligned, purchased new set of OEM tires (old set still had many miles left on them at 65,000 miles), purchased one new rim that might have been bent in a pot hole in Danville, IL. Still the ride is not as good as before the tire rotation that started what I feel is a vibration problem. Dont know what causes this slight vibration, whether its the vehicle or just transmitting road imperfections. Considering trading for a 2007.

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  One of the best vehicles Ive owned - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jay Roig - July 15 - 2:50 am

  My daughter bought this vehicle used and had 80,000 miles. She drove it and put 100,000 miles on it. I got it at 180,000 miles and now have 197,000 miles on it. Its not a drag racer (but it can get up and go when needed) and its rather plain looking when compared to other wagons and SUVs but its got clean lines and has a solid feel on the road. My only complaint (daughters too), is the air conditioner. It stops pumping out cool air when the vehicle is idling. Unfortunately dealers do not repair things anymore. They want to replace the system ($2,200 plus). From my research Ive learned its a valve and/or spring, located under a plate at the rear of the compressor, and that the problem exists in other Ford models that use the same compressor. I guess dealers make more money, without breaking a sweat, by replacing the big parts only. The CVT took some getting used to, but its not given me, or my daughter any problems. Im looking to keep my Freestyle until it gets to the 250,000 mile mark - or sooner if I croak.

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  Keeps on ticking - 1995 Ford Probe
  By wader - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive got 221,000 miles on my 95 Probe. I love the car and hate to get rid of it. Only handling problem is that it is very hard to control in slippery or wintery conditions. Other that that, it performs extremely well.

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  truth - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By me the man - July 15 - 2:00 am

  good car needs transmition improvements.