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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  Ford Five Hundred SE AWD - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By vthockeydad - August 7 - 1:46 pm

  I have had my Ford Five Hundred SE AWD for 4 weeks now and cannot understand why there are not a lot more of these cars on the road. (I drive approximately 50,000 miles per year and trade every two years) This is one of the best cars I have driven, especially for the money. It is a Volvo S80 frame and is incredibly solid, smooth, and safe. The handling is excellent with the AWD and you can get an interesting transmission that does not shift like conventional transmissions. I am averaging approximately 26 miles per gallon with a little over half my miles on highways. I highly recommend them. You can get one for around $22,000. Great car for the money.

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  A Great Little Sports Card - 1995 Ford Probe
  By probedriver1995 - August 7 - 1:20 pm

  Ive only owned my Probe for about a month now, but Ive really enjoyed driving it. Combined with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Probe can get moving pretty quickly. It looks great, even for a 14 year old year. Seats are very comfortable, and the whole interior is well layed out. It gets pretty good gas mileage considering its a 6 cylinder. The trunk space is pretty generous as well, with a 60/40 split rear-seat. All-in-all, the Probe GT is a great little sports coupe!

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  Great buy-Good Ideas - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Big Ed - August 7 - 1:00 pm

  I like to haul several passengers but was tired of pouring $50 bills into the gas tank of my Eddie Bauer Expedition. Checked this and most other crossovers out. Decided to try the Freestyle and have no regrets. It is comfortable, sporty, and has easy access to back seats. It is truly fun to drive. There is little or no road noise. Gas mileage is short of the 27 estimated on the sticker but big improvement from the Expedition. The seating flexibility is unbelievably simple to use. Plenty of room for bulky items. I would highly recommend it!

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  Still enjoying this 2000 Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Gumby - August 7 - 8:18 am

  We bought this 2000 Expedition new and now have 177K miles on it. All repairs have been wear related - alternator, upper & lower control arms (because ball joints are sealed and not replaceable separately), and the anti-lock control unit. I dont consider any of that major repair. (I had the original anti-lock control unit rebuilt, which was an inexpensive repair.) Of course weve done brakes, shocks, and plugs. This SUV rides and drives great and I will definitely miss it when I finally have to part with it. Only complaint is that it is under-braked, but I knew that when I bought it. You can run out of brake when towing in hot/high conditions - so beware when going downhill.

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  I would buy again - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Diane - August 7 - 6:46 am

  I purchased my 2000 Taurus SEL brand new and I still own it but am thinking of retiring it to a teen next year. I love the duratec engine and have had only minor repairs as I have always taken care of it. My air conditioner just now went, but that is expected with the age. I have enjoyed my Taurus very much over the 9 years.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Joe60152 - August 6 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this truck right after high school and it has been very reliable. The only problems ive had are the ball joints which ive done twice along with the right radius arm bushing that like to get hard,fall apart and make a really annoying squeaking noise due to it being so close to the catalytic converter. I suggest if replacing Napa makes a high heat style bushing i put 2 regular bushings in 50000 miles before finally replacing it the last time with the high heat and have not had a problem in 80000 miles since. I have had no major problems with this truck it now has 245000 and it still runs good on or off road

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  Key stuck in ignition - 2005 Ford Focus
  By rebel5386 - August 6 - 11:43 am

  This is an awesome car. I love it. I have 63000 on it, bought it with 35000. I just now had to replace the breaks and a tail light. However, my key wont come out. Its the ignition tumbler, and ford wants 300 at least to fix it. I dont suppose someone knows a way around this? I love this car, its so much fun, I paid too much at the time, but it has been so worth it. I just hate that I cant get my key out. The car starts fine, and turns off fine, its just that the key wont come out. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Excellent deal - 2003 Ford Focus
  By linuxevangelist - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Handling is nearly unbelievable. Braking performance is awesome as well. Low-end torque is missing so its a little slow of the line but once it gains enough RPMs to hit the power band it really takes off. The interior design is really nice. Stereo system is awesome. Seats are comfortable and the back seats are surprisingly roomy. There is a slightly noticable problem with rough idle that appears from time to time. This is a known problem by Ford and can be made better (but not fixed completely) by having the computer reprogrammed by an authorized SVT service center - this issue was fixed in the 2004 model. Im very happy with my purchase overall and would certainly recommend this car.

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  review of 2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan Sturdevant - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Intended to trade 2003 F150 4wd for 2004 model of same. Did not care for the cumbersome large car feel of newly designed truck. Test drove the Escape and found it far more comfortable and easier to handle. Having driven a truck for the last fifteen years (I raise horses and cattle), but also having other trucks to do the "work" I opted for the SUV. I have not regreted it in the least, and would not hesitate to do it again.

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  love my truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By sparkeyjr - August 5 - 10:21 pm

  5sp. which apparently is rare in this configuration. came with a shell. I live in CA where we instantly lose 3+ mpg once we enter the state so I average around 15. Out of state I get around 20. A little stiff for fun off roading. I use it to pull trees and brush out of canyons and generally drag stuff around. I also use it as a sports car and commuter car. For an all around vehicle for someone who does a little of everything this is it. Tight suspension and steering with the BFGs make it scream around corners in the mountains of so cal. Good turning radius and truck width. Great towing rig! The front tow hooks are perfect and get used a lot. My favorite truck!