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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  My Awesome Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By kpinho - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I am so happy I bought this car. It handles so well and feels like youre riding on air. Whie I was skeptical about having leather seats, I was plesantly surprised to find they are so soft and comfortable. I wish someone would pay me to just drive my Focus all day, then Id be even happier! Everyone should get this amazing automobile!!!

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  great vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Woman - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Have 1200 miles on the car. Getting good gas mileage up to 24.5 mpg so far. That was on the expressway for 200 miles. Has a good ride and good feel. Lots of room for storage if needed. Seats fold down in a flash. Ive had a Village Sport for five years and hated to give it up, but am really liking the Freestyle. Not quite as wide as the Villager. Feels a little more like an SUV than the Village but has a more car like ride than an SUV. Seems to have enough pick-up for me. LIke the transmission with no feel of shifting.

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  Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dterry1234 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Smoothest ride of any SUV-type vehicle Ive been in. Very stable with solid feel to road while driving. My St. Bernard dog loves riding in it and enjoys the side step for getting in/out. Cannot imagine having any other vehicle.

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  New - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By LannyKai - July 19 - 10:00 am

  New auto,first impressions are excellent,cant wait for Mach 1 and Cobra models.

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  The Best is Here - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By toof - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt wait and now I have it.

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  Whats Mineral Grey? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By G MANS 99 - July 19 - 7:20 am

  This is my second Mustang, and I hope it this one last forever! I traded my 99 v6 for a used 05 GT with 11K miles. I love the 300hp engine on the highway, it just begs to go faster! The growling exhaust noise lets others know to get outta way. Once you hit 60 mph, the growl goes away, but youll hardly notice as you fly by others with ease. Shaker 500 is loud enough, My Color with trip computer is a nice guy toy to have. Leather seats & interior are fantastic. Car has a lean forward stance that makes it look like the rear end might be jacked up a little. Looks like there will be hundreds of ways to customize your Stang. Ford seems to have got this makeover right!

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  what a car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rick - July 19 - 5:46 am

  I had a 07 Milan and thought that was a great car... until I got my Fusion Hybrid... WOW.Ford really did a fantastic job on this car.. the hybrid mileage is better than advertised, the sync is so cool and the build quality is another gem. Ford has a winner.

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  So many other choices - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By ariannasmom99@yahoo.com - July 19 - 2:30 am

  This is the most uncomfortable car I have ever ridden in. The back seat is like sitting in a childs chair at your childs school conference. Hard to get in and out of. Cost is very high considering the features that you get. No USB plugs in the back. You will pay a lot for a very "meh" car. I would look at other SUVs first before this very average one. The front seat is an okay ride, but if you have a family this is definately not the car for you.

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  Love it! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Josh - July 18 - 11:36 pm

  Bought mine a month ago, and I love this car more and more every day. I have had no problems. It drives well, feels tight, great looking exterior, and tasteful interior with buttons in all the right places. This is my second Ford, but wont be my last.

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  Great truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Marc - July 18 - 9:20 pm

  Over all the truck is fantastic, offering a lot of room and plenty of options. It is with out a doubt the best ride Ive ever gotten out of a truck. I do think that Ford could have gotten a lot more out of that 4.6L V8 than they did. Specs rate it at around 230 HP, which I found surprising. But it still has plenty of power for every day driving and hauling needs. Fuel economy could be better, but with a large v-8 like that it actually performs really well in that department. I have gotten 20 MPG for highway use and average between 12-15 for city.