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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  Excellent Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kris Loewen - September 2 - 4:36 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased a Freestyle. We love the car. The door openings are large and comfortable, easy to see out; smooth and very quiet ride; nice acceleration, and no annoying jerk at the shift points. We love the car, and are satisfied with the mileage. The fold away seats are wonderful; we can pack tons of stuff in the back of this car.

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  Personal Experience - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchell - September 2 - 1:26 pm

  Purchased for wife new. Car is underpowered, power steering is unsually stiff. I drove others and the steering is the same, stiff. Takes more effort to turn. Transmission went out at 37000 miles, heated seats stopped working twice shortly after purchase, repaired under warranty. Stopped working again past warranty, still dont work. Front wheel bearing went out at 39000, air conditioner quit at 71000, rear brakes and rotors replaced under recall, engine extremely noisy when down shifting/acelerating to pass on highway. Also had to replace bulbs in front fog lamps and rear tail lights.

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  My Vic - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Stan - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since it came off the lot. I love it. It is roomy, comfortable, handles well with the handling package. A great car on the highway. I love RWD and V8 power and torque.

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  Fabulously Reliable - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Jared - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2WD EX Sport 5 years ago with 70K miles. It now has 127,000. It has been a fabulously reliable vehicle-- but I do a lot of preventative maintenance on my vehicles. There are a few rattles and it rides a bit rough on bumpy roads. Only seats 4. The fabric seats look brand new. Excellent quality. Much lighter than a 4 door 4WD Explorer and is quite peppy. The silver painted finish on the console chips easily. I Average 18 MPG. 22 on the FWY. Idles a bit rough, but runs smoothly. Actually does pretty well in the snow for a 2 WD vehicle.

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  Love our Freestyle! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By daire - September 1 - 7:46 pm

  Love the handling and especially like the performance of the CVT. We bought a 2006 Limited FWD with the safety package in Titanium Green with pebble interior. The suspension seems a bit stiff here at the beginning, but all in all a nice ride. GREAT mileage! We got 27.7 average MPG on our first tank. That exceed our expectations for a break in period. Love the memory seats and mirrors too. Makes it feel like a luxury car at a not so luxury price. A great value, in my opinion. Seems to have plenty of power too, although we have yet to drive it loaded up. The only minor complaint is that the LED is difficult to see in bright sun, and I wish the windshield was larger. Love the moonroof.

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  Fun to drive! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Bill C - August 30 - 4:34 am

  I bought my Fusion new and have owned it for close to two years (22,000 miles). Love the styling inside and out. My main complaint is activating the navigation system with voice commands. I believe it should work seamlessly like Google Maps - "..directions to 123 S Main St, CityName". Not even close. I have demoed this to friends and it is so awful to engage the navigation - it is comical. It will not accept a generic command and forces you though the questions it needs. Takes way too long and frequently does not even work. The Sync voice command interface is inconsistent as well. I average about 27.3 mpg with mostly highway commuter driving conditions. I am pleased with this given the level of performance this car delivers. The car is a bit jerky at low speeds. Seems like a transmission design issue. This is not a huge distraction, but I hope Ford addresses it in the future. Huge trunk - seats fold down easily for additional storage when needed. Love the Rudy Red paint. Get lots of compliments. Overall, I am very pleased.

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  Costly Mistake - 2001 Ford Focus
  By MeganRC - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Mom & I bought "foci" & regret it. I’ve replaced my ignition @30K mi; my moms was replaced twice @ the same mileage. My check engine light is on & dealership didn’t fix the trouble; they reset the light. A week later the warranty ran out & the light came back. I won’t take it to Ford due to disappointing experiences @ 2 shops in 2 parts of FL. My mechanic said this trouble could cost 150-500 depending on if it’s a leaking hose or a defective valve. My moms is having this problem (still under warranty)& the dealership said it didn’t cover this & it would cost her 300+ to fix. The fabric on the seat has worn all the way through in places-I‘m 120lbs

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  Vette Killer - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Big Dom - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Spend 10 to 15 thousand dollars less than a Corvette and you are still destroying it. With this car, I have walked stock vettes by car lengths and had great battles with Z06s. This automobile is indeed the best bang for the buck ever!!

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  Saleen Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By J.F. - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Extremly power full,480HP,after Saleen Mustang finished this unit in California,its one of 6 coupes produced by Saleen Mustang in 2003,car #97,off the production line

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  Almost Perfect Car For The Price. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Ireland - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. There are definitly more pros then cons. This car is great for nicer weather. And has a great look to it. Definitly a bang for your buck. Back wheels do not grip well in rain and poor road conditions and can fish tail easily if your not careful.