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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  Overall very happy with the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Sam - January 31 - 4:40 am

  I have had this suv/station wagon for almost 6 months and am very happy with it. It fits my three children with no problem. The interior design is very appealing (although coming out of our Ford Windstar, anything would have looked good to me!) I love the CVT. It drives so smoothly. My only complaint is the handle on the liftgate is awful. I cannot get a good grip on it because it is not deep enough to put my fingers in. No doubt this car is a nice combination of my old Expedition and Windstar all in one with a little sedan feeling incorporated too.

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  No problems here! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By three-gals-n-gear - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new 1998- now has 60K miles on it...no maintenance issues- transmission is fine, everyone seems to complain about that one on Fords- very reliable- great creature comforts on Eddie Bauer model. Ford replaced 4 tires and spare for free, even though my particular tires werent involved in Firestone issues. Great customer service through the whole recall issue. Havent even replaced brakes yet! Plan to purchase another Ford after this one.

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  love it and hate it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By uniquezx3 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, great power, i take on even v6 accords and win. All around good car, but...dont get if you are looking for fuel efficency or dependability. i have a auto and get 25 on the highway!!!!! i should get like 30+, had the alternator go out, and the dpfe sensor go out 3 times!

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  4x4 xls 4cyl - 2001 Ford Escape
  By dm1600 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  really enjoy vehicle overall. power is a bit weak with 4 cyl, not a good trade off but saved $$$$ over purchase price. very comfortable for adults in front & back. now have 40k miles runs great and still tight. great value

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  ford escape 01 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By redzone98 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  great entry SUV, very quick, great engine, tons of TQ, fold down seats great when carrying alot of boxes / cargo, stock tires do wear a bit quickly,

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  It aint bad but not fantastic - 2000 Ford F-150
  By plaid_britches - January 31 - 12:16 am

  It is extremely reliable and for the miles on it, it has only needed one tranny service and currently is misfiring on cylinder 7. But with the miles and how much I pulled a trailer with it, its a nice truck and it could sit a little higher, 17 inch wheels should be changed to another size maybe 18" because of the tire prices, 18s being cheaper, engine could use some more power, but overall it is a great truck.

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  You get noticed - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Heather - January 30 - 9:26 pm

  When I purchased this car the first thing that caught my eye was the body style. How they had gone back in time at least in my mind. It handles very well, the interior design I think needs just a little bit of work but not a lot. The trunk release is only on the key chain that I have found and would have rather them put another inside the car. All in all I love my new Mustang and I wont be getting rid of it for a long time.

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By rainibow - January 28 - 7:44 am

  I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it. I have since only replaced the rear brakes and it is due for new spark plugs and wires, but nothing major. The only complaint I have is that my traction control light comes on randomly and I can not figure out what is wrong. That is a bummer, but nothing too bad. I drive 100 miles a day for work and this car makes it tolerable. It is very comfortable and reliable. It doesnt get the best mpg, but the comfort makes up for that. I have 2 teenagers and they say they have tons of room in the back. It is now at 130,000 miles and I am hoping it will survive a few more years!!! I would recommend this car!!

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  Good Compact Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Rich - January 27 - 5:46 pm

  We are big "researchers" when making a car purchase. We looked at all the compact cars on the market in terms of price, reliability, styling, etc. For the money, the Focus was the best. It is fun to drive, nice styling, roomy, and so far, very reliable. Also good gas mileage.

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  Fun, but far from 47 MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lysheen - January 27 - 3:39 am

  Selling point for me was the advertised 47 MPG, and thus far I get around 35-36. Done a lot of research, and found that most (Honda, Toyota, VW) manufacturers actually advertise a lower MPG than what their drivers get, except the CMAX, which advertises about 8-9 higher than what drivers are getting on average. I feel like I could have saved 15k and got a 2012 Civic. I will say that Ford has done an excellent job with the interior design of the car. Its fun and fairly easy to use.