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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  Nice seating room - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Sharon OConnell - December 21 - 1:20 am

  My husband and I bought this vehicle because of the ease of handling and the amount of seating capacity. We love that its so easy to enter and exit the vehicle. We dont have to stoop to get in or out. The visibility is another plus, but theres only one thing I would change, and thats the reflection of the dash on the windshield. My husband takes a crew with him to broadcast football games for his local radio station, and theres plenty of room for all 6 (big) men in the Ford Freestyle. Even with a big load like that, it handles easily and doesnt feel "bogged down" on the freeway. Our criteria in any purchase is, "Would we buy this again?", and thats an unqualified, yes, definitely.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Doug - December 20 - 10:20 pm

  I went on our first road trip. I was surprised at how quiet, comfortable, and efficient the car was. I didnt get tired driving at all. We averaged 33mpg going 70mph on the freeway. The 4 cylinder isnt like a V6, but it is very adequate. When I had to pass it had no problem getting up to speed. The only thing is that Im 6 and I have to lower the seat to have adequate head room. I love the sync.

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  Better than a van - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By FRITZ - December 20 - 1:27 pm

  In the Northeast, there is always the threat of snow, sleet, etc. We had a good run with AWD Astro vans, SUVs,and Subarus. But for the money, this is hands down the best wagon/van/suv!! Average 21 MPG in local travel, dont get much highway use. Rivals any AWD/4WD vehicle we every owned in sloppy conditions. Hope Ford just keeps refining and building this vehicle.

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  Best F-150 yet. - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Shaunjr_89 - December 20 - 1:30 am

  Bought this truck 2 weeks ago, so far it has 1100 miles on it. It handles like a dream has plenty of power, pulls my landscape trailer like nothing. Interior is roomy and comfortable. I been averaging 19-21 on the highway. Has a nice ride on road and off road, very quiet when running 75mhp on the highway. Overall best bang for the buck.

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  Fun Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By KIKI - December 19 - 8:46 am

  We have had the Flex for 1 month. Very comfortable, huge amount of space, great looking sitting next to my 06 Mustang GT. Combined driving mpg 22 excellent for a seven passanger vehicle. Sync is awesome must have option for any car (oh lucky Ford owner exclusive for the time) bought the SE to fit the budget but definitely does not feel like the budget model. Great value!

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  Disappointing gas mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cjweston1 - December 19 - 5:32 am

  Where is the 47mpg promised? Cant do any better than 35mpg after3 months and 3000 miles. NOWHERE near 47mpg. Had Fusion hybrid 2010, and did recieved the adverised mileage after 1000 miles. Love the car except, really really annoyed with the poor mileage. I am doing worse than the Fusion and only bought the CMAX HYBRID because of the advertised mileage. Time for a class action suit for renumeration or recall for new hybrid engine. Obviously from the other reviews- I am not the only one complaining.!!!!!!!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By bdr - December 18 - 9:28 am

  I have had this car for around 5 months and have had no problems and a ton of peole saying how much they loves this car the engine has tons of power with good gas mileage even without the AWD it does amazing in the New York winters traded it for my unreliable Camery with crappy headgaskets and transmission this car is awesome and also it was a few thousand less than all the media cars (Toyota Honda). Highly recommend best car for your money

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  Simply the Best! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mr Barry - December 18 - 5:30 am

  I have never had so much fun driving! This car is simply amazing. The Continuously Variable Transmission is fantastic. No gears to shift through, so you get a completely smooth ride up and down the speedo. This is the first vehicle Ive had that caters not just to me, but also to my family. The Freestyle is simply the best in breed - hands down. EPA estimates were 19/27. I am seeing an average of 22/30 with my AWD SEL.

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  500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gary M. Joraanstad - December 17 - 8:53 pm

  We have taken one short trip and one long trip in our Five Hundred and it is a very comfortable car to drive and sit in for long distances. Rides very nice and mileage was okay on the highway. I got 25.5 MPG driving at 73 miles per hour. We both like the high seats and the safety features on the car are outstanding. Since it is a large sedan, it isnt that nimble in a parking lot but not bad. On the road it is nimble and responds very fast to your touch. Ford needs to use a 3.5L engine with a 3.05 rear end. Mileage would increase and still have plenty of power. My engine is the 3.0L with a 3.49 rear end. When you step on the gas, the engine sounds like it strains a little.

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  Great car. Fun. Cheap! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By James C - December 17 - 7:37 pm

  I bought it used with 3000 kms on it. Black 2door with the dark interior. 5 speed. Fun and nimble in turns. I am planning to add the 2009 2door coupe rear roof spoiler and a 3d carbon body kit to it for looks. Other than that its an excellent car that is easy to drive and I send anyone I know that is looking at a new car to go look at it and test one! The motor is not a barn burner, but will hold you at 140km/h all day and not think about it! would love to add a 6 speed (overdrive) but hey- its a $15000 car not a $25000 one. Its handling is not a Lambo but it takes everything I toss at it and I havnt gotten it on 2 wheels yet!