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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  Dashboard reflection - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Roman - October 27 - 2:40 pm

  On sunny days, extremely annoyed with windshield reflection coming from the drivers side instrument gauge dash hump, the dash compartment, and the drivers side airbag all reflect back at you in bright sunny weather. Either the tint needs to be looked at or an anti glare modification is needed. This is a 2006 model and Ford should of found out about this problem already. This is a safety hazard.

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  Retired Person - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Charles Cooper - October 26 - 11:23 pm

  30 days doesnt give a good review. I like the way it handles, the comfort and it carries my golf equipment with ease.

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  Just what I wanted...sort of. - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By K3 - October 26 - 5:23 pm

  The 2008 Explorer pick-up is perfect for me and my high school aged daughter. I cannot complain about one thing other than gas mileage on the V6. I guess I would have purchased the V8 just to get the six speed transmission if I knew the mileage would not be all that different, although, my five speed seems fine for my purposes and the eight cylinder just added to the cost. My leather interior, the paint and trim are outstanding. Microsoft Sync and Sirius radio combined with the 6 disc changer gives me so much music through the trucks killer sound system that I dont know quite what to listne to sometimes. I love the handling, et. al. Really neat truck for a city boy.

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  be aware - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By s grieshaber - October 26 - 5:10 pm

  many maintenance and repair items take twice as long as say GM cars. if well maintained can be reliable.

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  Owned a lot of cars - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ace - October 26 - 7:50 am

  Ive own a lot of cars, built here, in Europe, and Japan. You cant beat this car for the money. I drive a combination of stop and go city and highway miles every day and get 27 - 28mpg. Very reliable. I also got rid of the Firestone Firehawk tires and put on 4 new BF Goodrich Traction T/As. Better handling and superior rain and snow handling. This car handles better than most cars costing over $35K. Nice trasmission, smooth engine needs more power. 150hp would be just right.

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  2014 Hybrid SE Review - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Geno Gomez III - October 26 - 7:09 am

  Make sure to view and add your phone to the car. Most newer car systems have a very easy to use system and can stream Pandora. This car, while technically can pair, is only for calls. Not significant in the grand scheme of things, but if you hate wires, it might be something to consider since an aux port is needed to play music of any kind from your phone.

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  I love this car - 2008 Ford Edge
  By kiacat - October 25 - 8:40 pm

  My daughter talked me into looking at this car/suv and I love driving it. It is so quiet, no road noise, rides smooth, beautiful interior, love the hands free phone system, navigation system (still have to learn this). Like the tailgate automatic lift & closure, automatic seats that lay down in the back.If you havent looked at this vehicle you are missing something special. Oh dont miss the full moon/sun roof its really different.

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  Best Ford Yet! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Conneaut Lake - October 24 - 12:03 pm

  Ive had my Five Hundred since March of 2006 and find it to be one of the best cars Ive ever owned. No problems since the day it left the dealership. On the open road I get 28MPG and combined it usually get between 21-25MPG. While the car is a pleasure to drive, I would like to see a little more style to it. Ford has a problem with making all these cars look the same. A good example is the Five Hundred/Taurus will have the same look from the front as the Fusion. With all the stylist Ford has, I would think they could of come with with a different look.

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  My first new car, wont be my last Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By italianguy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Its been a reliable hauler (love the folding split seats) and has plenty of giddy-up for a small car. Outside of the recalls, Ive had no major problems with it. I get about 34 highway/27 city mileage wise. I cant complain with that. Havent had a need to transport many passengers, thankfully, the rear seat is a pain to get into.

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  Gotta Love an SC Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By CobraFan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The Cobra is the best bang for the buck anywhere...plus its all American. Mild if you want, Wild if you want. The only V8/stick/conv on the market - can take the family with you! I think well always have one from here on.