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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  Factory safety checks - 2005 Ford Escape
  By KNS - July 28 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased my Escape on 7/2/05. On 7/8/05, with only 436 miles on the vehicle, the power steering went out while pulling into my driveway (power steering fluid spewed all over engine). SUV was towed to dealership and found out that power steering switch had been installed upside down and not screwed in. New switch installed on 7/9 and engine cleaned "as best as they could". Bothersome that the vehicle passed safety inspection prior to delivery to dealership. IF power steering had gone out while I was driving on the highway, it could have caused a major accident. No apology from Ford dealership at all ... just commentary from them that its a good thing that there is a full warranty!

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  FX4 - 1 Year Review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mmszoo - July 28 - 5:30 am

  Best looking truck on the road. Solid build. Had car back into the rear end of my truck the other day. Did lots of damage to car but not a scratch on my truck. Distance sensor is handy since seeing over bed is a bit tough. Enjoying the upgraded sound system. Would be even more enjoyable with steering wheel controls. Little disappointed with the brake squeals. Was told by dealership that all new Ford F150s do this. Started noticing grooves on the rotors early. Ford should really look at this flaw and correct immediately

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  BRAKES - 2004 Ford F-150
  By RUSSELL LEONCHIK - July 28 - 4:03 am

  I HAVE 550 MILES ON THIS TRUCK THE DRIVER SIDE ROTOR HAS GROOVES IN IT THE OTHER 3 ROTORS ARE SMOOTH TO MUCH BRAKE DUST ON FRONT WHEELS FORD NEEDS TO PUT BETTER BRAKE PADS ON THERE TRUCKS

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  Just bought it and Love it! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Karen - July 28 - 3:13 am

  I just bought this car and love it! After quite a bit of online investigation and the realization that I could not afford a brand new car with all these options, I bought mine with 15,000 miles. It beat out the new Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Imapala by a lot! Could use a little more get up and go, wind noise and the rear view mirror could be bigger, but all-in-all I love it. Excellent quality for the price.

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  Lariat SuperCrew - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Brian - July 27 - 11:46 am

  I traded my F150 FX4 SuperCab for this truck and am loving it so far. The difference in ride quality between the FX4 and the Lariat is night and day. So much smoother on the road, easy over the bumps, just a joy to take out. I love the extra room in the SuperCrew and getting the 6 ½’ bed is a real plus. Everything is at your fingertips and the captains chairs are definitely the way to go for comfort. Edmunds says there’s limited storage but I’ve had no problems. People say the power is lacking but before I bought the Ford I test drove the Chevy with the 5.3 and Ford felt to have more punch. I’m not racing anyone so for what I use it for it works great.

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  Focus SE - 2008 Ford Focus
  By MAdams40 - July 26 - 9:33 pm

  I have had my new Focus Se for 16 days now and I can truly say that I am impressed. I am driving 108 miles per day and I drive about 70% highway and 30% city. I am getting 32.7 MPG average. The car is very smooth and peppy while being comortable as well. I had a Mitsubishi Galant LS V6 and would definitely not go back. I have to say that Ford has really done a great job with this car. I would highly recommend that anyone looking to get a very nice car with lots of bells and whistles should seriously consider this. It beats out its competition without breaking a sweat by giving the buyer more features for less money. Gas mileage is great and the ride beats the Civic and Corolla.

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  Good little car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - July 26 - 1:23 am

  This little car is more than what I expected for the cost. I would have to say it moves nicely and does not have any issues getting around for a little 2.0 liter. I am happy to lower my payments as this is a great car for the money, I would choose it over a Honda civic any day of the week. Our other car is a 06’ Honda Accord and the Focus is quieter than my fully loaded V6 Accord. The interior is clean and well thought out as the controls with the satellite radio and sync take a little getting used to. I will have to say that “The Sync is far superior to the i-control of the BMW 5 series and the Honda Accord that I own.” This is a gas saver and a great commuter car and garage others

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  Comfort and Versatile - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By rcoogan1 - July 25 - 4:46 am

  Ive given my new Freestyle a rough beginning with freeway and city travel and using the seats to carry 7 passengers and also moving luggage and boxes while carrying 5 large passengers. This vehicle excels my wildest expectations. The power is surprisingly good, considering some of the reviews that it is underpowered. Not so, in my experience to date! The versatility is remarkable with my frequent use of the seats configurations to accommodate my every need. And the sound from the stereo is outstanding, coupled with the navigational system, I am happy to say that this cross-over vehicle is the best buy for the money, hands-down! I have a bad back and the seat comfort is the best too!

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  Junk - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Jason - July 24 - 5:42 pm

  Ford should be sued over this horrible product. The 5.4 3v is plagued with problems and wont do anything for the loyal customers to fix or replace vehicles.

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  Happy Driver - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By trishae77 - July 24 - 4:26 pm

  I work in sales, so I am on the road all the time. I am very happy with my Five Hundred. It is a very comfortable car, with lots of space. As I am on the road a lot, the safety ratings were very important to me. The gas mileage has seems fine. I looked at the Hyundai Sonata and Mercury Sable and found this car to be a much better value and liked its style.