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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  The Vista Kidster - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Nini - August 12 - 2:06 am

  I love my 07 Mustang. Since I was 16 I always wanted a 66, but I just didnt see how that would have been sensible. Now years later I have features of that model and updated ones. I cant explain how much I love my car. It drives just like I dreamed it would. The sound system is awesome. I actually want to drive it just to listen to the engine and the radio. If you love sporty cars then this is a great car to own.

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  Glad I Made the Change - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Christy - August 11 - 10:43 am

  I went from driving a FORD Expedition to driving the Freestyle. It has been a great change. I feel like Im driving a car again with the safety I have come to expect from the SUV. The car handles great in the snow and rain. I love the fold down quick and easy seats. The kids love the DVD player and sunroof. I have been asked many times about my car and have told everyone I would buy it again. If you are looking for a good and relatively inexpensive family car, go check out the Freestyle.

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  Buy this thing already - 2004 Ford F-150
  By clifford - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent balance of power and grace. This truck rides like a dream and looks great. Guages are very nice, seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room in there. Have not pulled anything yet, but power and tourque seem to be more than adaquete.

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  Mustangs Rock - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By SexyGTMustang - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is great it runs really smoothly and it looks great

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  obsessed - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By crystalnicole - August 11 - 2:00 am

  i have loved mustangs since i was about 10. my first car was a mustang v6. but now i have a 2003 mustang GT and i absolutely LOVE it. i couldnt be any happier.. well i would if i had a SALEEN but thats beside the point. Mustangs are the best cars ever made.no questions asked!!!!!

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  scott&chris review - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ssctt - August 11 - 2:00 am

  My wife has fallen in love with this car.It is the most comfortable vehicle, I have ever driven.It handles very nicely.

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  Best Full size working truck Ive owned - 1999 Ford F-150
  By bruceglenn@yandex.com - August 10 - 4:54 pm

  The company purchased a 1999 F-150 off lease in 2000 with 42k miles on it. Cost 20k at the time about 6 off retail pricing. Yes a little high miles but it felt like good solid truck... 237,500 miles less the original miles the truck has been great abet not perfect but all in all Im very happy with its performance all of these years. The 5.4 has had no. 8 coil fail twice and # 7 coil failed recently due to a small leak on the head gasket. The fuel pump, left front wheel bearing, one alternator, one starter, one battery, has burned a little oil through its life up to one quart every 3500 mile oil change. The brakes are not the best when cold and need to be slowly warmed up to stop correctly, they have a tendency to lock up if cold. The engine and transmission are perfect I dont remember the axle ratio but its a smooth ride amazing fast when need to punch it...This truck get loaded to the gills and runs perfectly...Interior driver seat of course tore, dash lights burn out, odometer stop working so I sent it in for repairs 100 bucks later reinstalled...Paint is getting ruff after 17 years and one really lousy Auto paint guy... The new trucks are too tall for contractors to work out off unless your 66" tall..Im 58" ....In 2004 ford added# 500 plus pounds to a half ton truck ? FTW.... Dumb ....engineering design IMO.. Im looking for a 2003 last model of this truck with 135K or less miles ....Do you have one?

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  New Escape Rocks! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By rf9928 - August 10 - 3:01 pm

  Fantastic vehicle! Acceleration is quick and very responsive, leather seats are very comfortable, has every feature one could ever want in a car right now and also has good gas mileage. Ford Touch has worked great for the moment and I havent had any issues like I read about. Hopefully that will continue. I really dont have any complaints at the moment.

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  Lime green Mustang convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Lisa Socha - August 10 - 10:20 am

  I love the Mustang . I wouldnt change a thing about it. Love the color too (Lime Green).

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  1 Thing in Common with 2012 & earlier Ford Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Sue - August 9 - 7:53 pm

  I want a pre-owned mid sized SUV and the Ford Escape came highly recommended. I dont like the look of the newer midsize SUVs or crossovers or hatchbacks. I prefer the more boxy look. Ive done test drives & love the Escapes. Dont want a car. Mid size, older SUV is perfect for me. Have gone to dealerships and looked and have stopped to look at Escapes in parking lots or parked on streets. Out of about 18 Escapes 2012 and earlier I looked at or test drove, all but 2 had 1 major problem in common----premature RUST! I was soooooo disappointed. I had my heart set on the 2012 or older Escape. There should not be so much rust consistently on a vehicle only 6 years old. My 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (19 yrs old) is just now showing rust and that was my fault. I dont want to get a used vehicle starting out with a problem that will quickly get worse. Now I have to start my search again with other particular makes already eliminated. When I think about it, weve had a Ford F-150 and a F-250 and both rusted prematurely and once it started, very quickly. Without the rust problem Id buy the right Escape in a heartbeat.