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:

• 

  Nice Family Vehicle - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By hageman6 - August 30 - 10:26 am

  I have had this vehicle for a few months and I have been very happy with the performance. I know people keep knocking the lack of power, but really the overall power and passing power has been satisfactory for me. I must admit we are a family that had minivans due to the kids, but I am happy with the performance and comfort of this vehcile and there is plenty of room for the family.

• 

  Nice Van Overall, but Bad Brakes - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Iowa Van - August 29 - 8:46 pm

  I like the interior design. This is my first van. I have owned primarily SUVs for 15 years. The brakes were pulsating a year ago and I took it in and the dealer said I needed new pads. I took it to a brake shop and they said the pads were fine. I put new pads on and had the rotors turned and the problem is back. The fan in the heat/AC broke the first 2 months. The gasket on the rear door leaks in a hard rain and in a car wash. Terrible gas mileage. Had to get new tires after 40,000 miles.

• 

  2004 F150 SuperCrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jcghill - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful truck!!! Rides very smooth almost like a sedan. Upgraded from 1998 F150 Supercab and there is no comparison on the interior design. Very roomy and comfortable back seat. Our two year old now has plenty of room in the backseat and Im not being kicked all the time.The leather seats are also much softer than in previous model. I would definately buy this vehicle again.

• 

  Hybrid vs. Quality - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jeb - August 28 - 3:20 am

  I was determined to buy a hybrid and I guess I was lucky to get one but I had to pay a premium for it. I am not sure it was worth it - I think you give up quality in other areas. I will have to say that the quality is no where near as nice as the Expedition I had prior. Some of the interior and exterior portions of the car are cheap plastic and scratch very easy. have a fully loaded model except for the navigation system. I am getting about 25 miles to the gallon but if you like to stay cool during the summer months forget driving in electric mode - the one thing they dont tell you is you wont go electic with the AC on even in econ mode!

• 

  Nice ride - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By jquin4 - August 28 - 1:33 am

  Ive driven 2 Altimas & a Corolla before this vehicle. Big step up in fun factor and performance. I dont know of any speedy, chic autos that can compare to Mustang convertibles when it comes to price. Im glad I have it and am seriously considering buying a GT in the future. Ford please dont change the body style. Id like to see the interior improved, but most people who are aware of Mustang realize that cheap interior is par for the course. Besides, that would increase the price. Some small mishaps occurred in year 1: the windows malfunctioned at times, the trunk light went loose, the turn signal had problems. Driving out to the beach is a blast. Better than a Sebring or Solara!

• 

  Good - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By Walkthelin3 - August 27 - 8:05 pm

  I bought this car from a friend in November for 250 dollars. It was in pretty good condition and had 132,000 miles it is now August and I have 160,000 miles. Within that time Ive replaced the starter, radiator, hubs and water pump. Ive over heated the engine and beat on it. The thing still runs great just like it did the day I got it. Its a very reliable car and even though its not as powerfull as Id hoped it would be I instantly fell in love with it and still love it.

• 

  Im in love! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By EH78 - August 27 - 4:00 pm

  After having our first baby three months ago we decided we needed something bigger. I usually have my husbands help but he will soon be deployed so I needed something big enough to carry everything and anything (including two Ridgebacks). I had looked at several SUVs (Honda, BMW, Toyota, Hyundai etc.) and settled for the Edge.

• 

  For Style and A Very Smooth Ride - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By w77collins - August 25 - 5:33 pm

  People will ask you about this car whenever you pump gas or are out and about. The ride is super smooth as the car weighs nearly 4000lbs. The 280 hp Lincoln LS engine makes a wonderful roar and the exhaust is tuned to rumble at idle. Turn off the traction control and you can easily burn the tires for a few seconds with a little braking off the line but not without. Expect seven second zero to sixty. The traction control is awesome. The five speed transmission always finds a gear to give you a lot of kick if you go throttle wide open.

• 

  Techie Ride - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By e.r. churilla - August 25 - 12:46 am

  Cant wait for the snow to fly. We bought this vehicle over a minivan and did not sacrifice much in the way of roominess - AWD, traction control. the CVT and its Volvo lineage were the big selling points. The constantly variable transmission took a little getting used to, but the vehicle has decent acceleration traits and the engine settles down to 1800 or so RPM at 70 mph on the highway. The middle row folds away quite easily to allow fairly decent access to the third row, and two adults can sit comfortably in the 3rd row. The seating system is well engineered and is a very sturdy platform when in cargo mode. The stereo features a 6 disk MP3 player.

• 

  Best work horse van ever - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By Bob - August 24 - 8:59 pm

  I have over 178,000 miles on ours and it still runs and drives great. Never a problem and the AC both front and back still work like new. We got it used and i have never had to fix anything on it. Used up two sets of tires. This is one amazing van. It just keeps going and going we love it. Best van I have ever had and I have had vans all my life.