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 Mustang gets 22.23 MPG over two years - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Shirley - April 25 - 3:26 am

  My Mustang gets 22.23 MPG over two years. This is a fact. Ive kept careful and accurate records. Regular gas. I dont remember which coupe I have. Its the anniversary issue. Red. I love it.

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Joel H. - April 24 - 10:55 pm

  Only had this rig for 5 months now, but have enjoyed owning it this far. It has 100,00 miles on it. I am a service tech, at the dealership where it was sold new, So I have presonally done alot of the service work on it. The CVT is original and has no problems so far. Thinking back I can only remember 3 CVTs with problems at our dealership. I worked on one of them. They are pretty simple and compared to other vehicles, I think the failure rate is probabally average. I am planning to tow a 14 fiberglass boat this summer so well see how that goes. Removed the rear center console so our 4 year old can get through to the third row.

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  This is a good car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Rob Good - April 24 - 6:22 pm

  My BMW 328 is in the shop and this is my rental for over a month. I had a SHO back in 92 and loved that car, but had come to see standard Taurus as mediocre. I was not prepared for how much I like this car. This is a big car, with swagger and enough power in the standard models to move. Better than my Beemer? No, but if I was buying new I would take a long look at the new SHO. The model I have is a Limited and is by itself pretty damn good. Kudos to Ford. And they didnt need a dime of my taxes!

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  It was old but good! - 1993 Ford Probe
  By GWilson - April 24 - 5:22 pm

  I only had it 6 months before the radiator caved. I decided just to get a new car rather than fix it as it isnt worth how much the fix would cost. It was much faster than I expected and much more comfortable as well. Gas mileage was on par with the rating (19 mpg mixed) but it excelled on the Highway at 28-29 mpg. Nothing weird broke on it so it was reliable and always started. Had to adjust the idle once but not a biggie. Also the drivers door panel fell to pieces after a couple months. And Premium fuel was annoying!

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  Liked the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Lobo - April 24 - 2:29 pm

  We live in S. MD and bought the 05 Freestyle new while on a trip to WV happened to pass a dealer in VA and just stopped in for a look. Traded an 01 Explorer Sport, and have really enjoyed the Freestyle. The handling, comfort, and space were very good mileage averaged around 24 for 65k miles. CVT took a little getting used to, but really liked it in the mountains, and great in up to 10" of snow. No problems or repairs just traded it in for a 2010 Lincoln MKX, wifes an SUV girl at heart. Interesting note, local dealer thought our Freestyle was so nice, its in their showroom for sale, and they can only fit 3 vehicles in the showroom. Freestyles dont stay on the lot long around here.

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  Last Ford Ill ever own - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By dale - April 24 - 2:08 pm

  Pretty good vehicle, but Ford refused to work with me on refixing three problems "supposedly" fixed once under warranty. Cant accept this lack of concern for a loyal customer after spending 41k on original purchase. Will just have to shop elsewhere next time. If this is a common practice with other claims, I can see them losing a lot of business.

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  Good Compact SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By G.Johnson - April 24 - 11:46 am

  My 3yr/60,000km lease is about to expire and Ive decided to share my thoughts. This SUV is my first FORD product and has met my expectations. The transmission cooler went at about 40,000km and was replaced and covered in the lease. Other than that, the 3.0lV6 and powertrain have been very good and the SUV has done flawlessly on many trips across Alberta and British Columbia.

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  Keeps on going - 2001 Ford F-150
  By nick - April 24 - 8:43 am

  I bought this truck used with 54000 miles on it. It has severed me well. It has 178000 on it now. The trany went at 101000. After 75000 you should keep a extra ignition coil in the garage, you will need it. The 4x4 is amazing, I have never been stuck anywhere,and I go off road alot. She hauls an amazing amount of weight. I was looking to replace her,but I will hold on until the last heart beat.Shes just that good.Change the oil every 3000 and trany 30000 and shell treat you right.5.4L rocks, I can get 18 mph if I drive normal. It usually gets 16 mph.

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  My Edge is a Lemon - 2010 Ford Edge
  By fianna@optonline.net - April 23 - 9:50 am

  I have a 4 month old Edge Ltd with 3000 miles. It has been in the shop 6 times. I spent 3 mornings at the service dept, and lost it another 3 times with a total of 26 days out of service where they provided a loaner vehicle. The main problem is the rattling noise from the sunroof. They have tried to fix it 5 times. They know it is an issue, but Ford stopped replacing sunroofs a while back, and now try to find fixes. They have tried lubing parts, and found unpadded dowels, but it is still rattling away. Now, they say that they will not replace the roof, or work on it anymore. They said to come pick it up, or I will be charged for the loaner. Basically, deal with it. Also, it has been in

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  A Very Good Car! - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Ford Buyer - April 23 - 2:19 am

  I bought my Taurus on Oct of 08 with 31000 miles on it. Im very happy with it. Its been very reliable and never lets me down. Very comfortable to ride in lots of power to out drive others if you use premium gas and keep the fuel system clean. I Average 22 on highways and 18 in City. Maintenance is very important for this car so keep everything updated. Tons of cargo space love the color of the exterior its gold ass metallic with Medium Pebble interior . I will recommend this car to friends and family.