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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  Best family transportation - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ed - August 24 - 4:02 pm

  I bought a 2005 Freestyle with 23,000 miles. Leather seats are real nice. I read some peoples issues with the CVT trans and the lack of power but I find the power fine loaded up with 6 pass and I average 28 to 29 mpg highway and 24 on country roads. With 4.00 a gal. milage would win over pwr.In Freestlys case it has both. Why Ford is going in 09 to a bigger motor and back to a 6 speed trans to lower milage to 15 to 20 mpg is a mistake. Plus all the seats including the pass seat fold flat to fit all kinds of material in it is a big plus. Family mover, material mover, nice looking, lots of room 29 mpg hwy their is nothing out their that offers so much. Buy a good used one now SEL or Limited

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  Responsible Owner - 2000 Ford Focus
  By George - August 24 - 1:27 pm

  Bought the car because we needed a small wagon for commuting. At the time of purchase very little existed in the market for choice. Ford had brought the Focus design from Europe to the states and we liked its crisp lines and the fact that it was a wagon. We found my 64" frame fit comfortably in the cabin and the responsive road handling fun to drive. We had the recalls from Ford fixed and thru the years of ownership I have had only a few unexpected repairs. Overall I found preventive maintenance is the key to the 150000 miles of service this car has provided. I expect to own the car another 150000 miles before I aquire a new replacement. We are pleased with its performance and reliability.

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  Rocket Ride - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By highway58 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Smooth power especially midrange makes passing a breeze. Confident handling at any legal speed makes this car my car of choice for long trips as well as around town. The interior is as big as a small office for those travelling salesman types.

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  Good Job Ford! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bartley - August 24 - 10:00 am

  So far I am very pleased. Have not run across any problems. I find it very comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

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  This Escape Rocks! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By FordReview - August 24 - 4:40 am

  My wife and I were looking at many SUVs in this size range - Rav4, Highlander, Mitsubishi Outlander, Escape, Jeep Liberty, etc. When we sat in this Escape XLT with leather interior and sunroof, it felt head and shoulders above all the rest. The ride is smooth. The V6 packs plenty of power while maintaining a fairly solid fuel economy (~25 mpg for our use) The exterior design just looks beautiful and makes you want to drive out to Yosemite National Park for a campout. The seats are comfortable. The interior is very roomy and the design is very nice/elegant for the lady while retaining enough of that rugged look for me. We have had the car now for one month and it rocks!

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By NV travlr - August 23 - 6:37 pm

  Fit, finish, and paint are great. Engine powerful, auto transmission flawless. Quiet ride (I had mine undercoated). Pulls pop-up trailer (2500 lbs)without effort. No rattles, wind noises, or other problems. Had Nissans in the past, but I love this Ranger.

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  Inside Needs Help, Rest Beautiful - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Willie - August 22 - 5:30 pm

  This is really a great automobile! If Ford would do a little domestic change on the inside it could stand up to anybodys car/SUV! Drive, turning radius, comfort, etc. is wonderful. It is fun to drive. I would highly recommend the car, but would tell Ford to fix the plastic inside. This is A WINNER with a few changes.

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  So fun to drive! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Whoa! - August 22 - 7:04 am

  My Mustang GT is so fun to drive! The interior is very comfortable and classy and the ambient lighting is just plain cool. I am most impressed by the driving experience. Such quick response and smooth ride. Absolutely a blast to drive!

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  Fun, well made and economical - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dennis - August 21 - 6:08 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. It is well made and has much trunk space too. Most of all it is very economical for a 300hp V8. I am averaging 27 to 29 mpg at average speed of 62-65. If you want to burn the gas tromp on it and it will run and still get 22 to 23mpg. The manual works well, some mechanical noise from 1st to 2nd gear though. One rattle in the dash on right in right hand turns. Bought it $500 over cost and then deducted the Loyalty rebate of $2000 and the additional incentive of $2000 and it is practically a steal! MSRP was $31,430 and out the door for $25,330.

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  05 Crown Vic Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By GM defector - August 21 - 5:56 am

  After being totally turned off by my 02 Chevy Impala LS sedan, I looked at some imports and then was told to look at a Crown. Wow, I opted for the sport model, and it was worth every penny. This is an unbelievable car that has my peers in there thirties absolutely amazed. They thought that only the older generation would buy this car..I can run circles around their Grand Prix GTs and Camrys and Jettas. Thanks Ford, you have me for life, sorry General Mistake, i meant General Motors!