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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  Reliable truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By mandrw - November 20 - 6:37 am

  This is a good truck. I purchased the 4.6L V8 and it is underpowered. I suggest that you purchase the larger V8. The electronics should be laid out better. I often take my eyes off the road to change the radio. However, this truck is fun to drive and has a tall stature on the road. Handles well and drive more like a car than a truck. I have the split bench front seat and it is a little uncomfortable on long trips.

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  California Fusion Review - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By TrojanAffairs - November 20 - 1:53 am

  I really do like this car, but the only problem is that there isnt enough power. I wouldve gone for the V6, but they didnt have it in a manual. In any case, the reliability and build quality of the car is great (my family has owned 4 Fords in the past and this is definitely the best). The interior isnt any worse than the Accord or Camry, but all three are pretty ugly. The interior design is simple (which is a good thing) and the leather wrapped stick feels great to drive.

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  Blind Spots - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By S. Jonsson - November 19 - 6:53 am

  Nice smooth ride compared to the 2000 Explorer Eddie Bauer I traded off. This is my third Explorer and they keep getting better.Very sharp body style. Interior dash is laid out nice. Interior door handle is in a awkward spot to get at. The upgraded 18" wheels look sharp but the chrome painted caps are cheap.

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  One fun car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By andy - November 19 - 12:13 am

  This car was just a blast to drive. Had many compliments on style and performance. I would buy another one without hesitation. Want to buy the new style GT

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  Poor ratings - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By shocked 1 - November 18 - 2:19 pm

  In short, 3 years owner of 2004 Ford van, Freestar. No warning, trans quit! No safety recall? Its a major safety when youre in middle of a freeway and van litterally stops pulling! Come on Ford, own up. Were 60 & 70, cant just go & buy new car! Ford wants a loan, but wont help fellow customers over bad workmanship? Poor, poor bussines. Never will our families or friends buy Ford!

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  Cost average with gas versus my Expedition - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tnerb - November 18 - 12:52 pm

  So far Im pleased with the car. I purchased it with the thought that I would cut my fuel consumption for my Expedition. Gas was $4.25 when I bought. I took a trip to Carlsbad caverns and also to the Grand Canyon, my weekend trip was in excess of 1300 miles. My dislike: Radio has an XM button Im unable to add XM to the radio or any of the Sync options, there is no upgrade other than going to a higher cost on the vehicle. Cruise control: Engineers this is a gas miser add cruise? No spare, yes you save weight, break down in the desert New Mexico see if you walk out. No aftermarket, no cruise, no radio and who knows about a spare. Other than that I like.

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  Reliable, economic transportation - 2006 Ford Focus
  By gedeon40 - November 17 - 10:42 pm

  Owning Toyotas, I wasnt sure about this Ford, but this one comes from the European Ford lineage. Decent acceleration and above average gas mileage, about 27-28 mpg combined driving. Interior is comfortable, but still too much plastic. The engine is a bit noisy compared to a Corolla, but Im really surprised how reliable it has been after 30k miles. Id wish all Ford products would be like this Focus.

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  Underrated - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Happy Freestyle owne - November 17 - 8:33 pm

  Had doubts about first year of new vehicle. Issues in reseach were power and brakes. Ive found power is more than adequate for 2 people in vehicle with luggage. Brakes were replaced (pads) at 30k. Gas mileage is as advertised 24 mpg highway. Miss no satellite radio. The storage space is more than adequate. Ford needed to push this vehicle more, would consider the new Taurus X version at trade in time.

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  Nice SUV, Cheesy Interior Changes - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Petersdraggon - November 17 - 7:24 pm

  Previously owned a 2005. This one has the cheesy chromed instrument cluster/tunnel?),chromed round air vents. I liked the retangular ones better, not gimmicky, but kept with the truck-like theme and feel of the rest of the SUV. I also liked the column mounted shift lever, now in the console it takes up space lever so huge-looks out of place and gets in the way of the controls especially when in park-that was another gimmicky move, form over function, I hate that. New door handles are bulbous. Engine roars-needs insulation but bulletproof. U-Haul still wont rent a trailer to Explorer owners, what a shame. It pulls them great. With that said, it is solid, boxed framed and spacious. Buy it!

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  A Solid Built Vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Steve in Houston - November 16 - 11:46 pm

  This is our first SUV after a series of three mini-vans. The Explorer is very well built with no rattles or squeaks. Since it is built on a truck frame, the ride can be a little rough on certain terrain. I really wanted a Tahoe, but the Eddie Bauer Explorer comparably equipped was 10K less. It is a little smaller vehicle, but for 10K it was worth the difference.