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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  But the A/C system (doesnt) blows - 2007 Ford Edge
  By WasAChevyDriver - April 17 - 2:44 pm

  Love the Edge, no going back to my unreliable and mostly unresponsive, GM vehicles. The Ford is great, seems very safe and reliable. Our main issues are the A/C (always on max, not enough air flow from vents to keep you cool in Arizona) and gas mileage (17- 19). The vehicle had 21,000 miles on it when we bought it, should be better. Also, there is a peculiar smell occasionally, smells like natural gas and we see some light wisps of smoke out from the hood area. Dealer says nothing wrong with it. For the price, though, its a great vehicle and wed never be able to buy a Murano here for the same price range!

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  I like It - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By carpeni - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my exploror for 2 yaers now and like it a lot. Have had only 2 problems with it. A leaking rear shock after a year, which took the dealer 6 months to order and replace. And a transmission leak where the motor and transmission mate. The dealership has yet to return my calls on the transmission leak. (maybee because they saw its still under warrenty). Oh and the milege sucks around town (16mpg) but is awesome on the highway (25mpg).

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  Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew 4WD - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Reggie - April 17 - 5:30 am

  Great truck. Drives great on the highway and fantastic for moving the kids around. Pulls loaded trailer with ease at highway speeds. 4WD system works good. I prefer the part time on the fly system. The leather seats are nice as well as the memory seat positions and the movable pedals. Highway feel is more like a luxury car than a truck, but it definitely is a truck when you need it. This thing is a work horse.

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  New Pony - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By gregariousgreg - April 17 - 2:33 am

  I just bought this car day before yesterday and I love it. I ordered it straight from the factory through a fleet manager, which I highly recommend. Initial gas mileage is horrible, but Ive heard that it gets better over time. This car is really a blast to drive and it looks spectacular.

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  I love this car - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Hin - April 17 - 2:07 am

  I knew this was the car after I test drove it. The sound even on the V6 was plenty of drama. Im not looking to street race so the V6 model has very good acceleration and more sensible MPG. I cant wait to drive it all the time. Every time I drive it around, I get stares like its a Ferrari or something. Probably the over the top stripes. Anyway, Im very happy about the purchase and this is the coolest car I have owned. (I prefer this over my wifes new BMW 3-Series), thats gotta say something.

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  Great truck...but - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Chandros101 - April 16 - 11:34 am

  I have not had a problem with my Edge 4wd. The only complaint I have is the gas mileage. If Im lucky Ill get 13 mpg hiway! If I had known mileage was this bad I would have bought an F150 or F250. Other that that it is a great truck. I have had for 6 years and the only thing I had to put on were brakes and front rotors. It now has 128,000 miles on it.

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  Good Vehicle, 8 years and running - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Pat Smith - April 16 - 8:19 am

  At 83,000 miles the only work that has been done on the auto is throttle body cleaning at 80,000 miles and replacement of one coil at around 50,000 miles. Survived a strong hit from Ford Explorer with little damage and no one hurt. Mileage at 20mpg on highway which is good for a large SUV. Cannot get rid of it because it has been so very reliable and secure. Good driving position. Simple dash and plain styling and truck-like ride but big and safe. Rear back up sensor works great. Thanks.

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  Better than the Asian cars - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Domestic guy - April 15 - 10:16 am

  The new Five Hundred is a nice full sized car with room to spare. I can put a ton of things in the trunk and people in the back seat can really stretch out. This car has so much more trunk space and leg room than the Toyota Avalon that I dont see why anyone would choose it over this. Of course more power would be welcome and gas mileage has been only so so but Im sure will get better with more break in miles. Really ticked at Ford for eliminating the bodyside door molding for protection.

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  So far, great car! - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Pete - April 14 - 9:35 pm

  We have put almost 15,000 miles on our Freestyle in less than a year. We just returned from a trip to Florida with 7 passengers (6 adult sized people plus a toddler) and luggage. Maybe it is because I dont test drive sports cars, but the pro reviewers missed the boat on the CVT and power. 25-27 mpg fully loaded and passing other cars going up the mountains. Too bad Ford dropped this powertrain for more horsepower and poorer mileage. The only problems I have heard about are the premature tire wear and rear brakes. Our tires are ok so far, and well see on the brakes. I think the writers did a disservice to this car. The Freestyle is not flashy, but does what it is meant to do.

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  Big Positive Surprises for Me - 2001 Ford F-150
  By MustangGT - April 14 - 8:21 pm

  XLT short box. It just keeps on running. Now past 120,000 miles and I started with 12,000 so I got my moneys worth. One set of tires, another coming up soon, 3 batteries, one super set of brakes, better check on them again too. But thats it, in 108,000 miles except for the 30 oil changes. 17 mpg with the a/c running. 19 mpg driving real nice without the a/c. Great truck that just keeps surprising me overall with reliability. Had one ton in the bed once, the nose was up, but I made it the 12 miles needed. If there is a bad point, I dont like it in the rain. Its a squirrel. As long as its dry, this truck has surpassed my expectations.