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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  too many bugs - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Heather - January 25 - 11:43 pm

  Overall, I love the versatility of the Freestyle. Although, for a $50K vehicle, I am not pleased with having to take it in for service once a month on average. Trouble with leaking lift gate and sun roof. Trouble with door latches last winter (doors will not close) and again this winter because dealership didnt feel need to replace ALL latches under recall. Trouble with brake cables rubbing and heating up (finally fixed) and groaning in front end on tight turns (apparently fixed). Still determining if my real problem is the car or the service at dealership (could we fix it right the FIRST time?).

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Hayate - January 25 - 11:20 pm

  Ive been driving for 37 years. Owned 2 dozen cars. My Focus ZX-3 has been the most reliable of all of them. I think its been to the dealer twice in 5.5 years! I dont think Ive ever owned a car for 5.5 years before getting bored of it or disgusted by the lousy reliability. My Focus has been wonderful. 55K miles and running great.

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  solid dependable vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By chris - January 24 - 10:10 pm

  Weve had this car about five years and really had very few problems with it. We call it the snow beast as its awd is fantastic in the snow. Ive had a couple other 4wd trucks and this is just much more competent in poor conditions. It has the 302 V8 and can pull a trailer without complaining and is comfortable to ride in and drive. It beats you up at the pump, but it averages about 17mpg in mixed driving, so its not much worse than your average minivan, suv, or pickup truck without awd! It beats the Jeep Cherokee I had prior to this by about 4mpg and it had the 4.0l I6 with part time 4wd,

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  So far so good - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By AWJ - January 24 - 1:20 pm

  Bought this car used,18 months/30,000 miles 49,000km), so some factory warranty remains. It is fully loaded with all the features on a Limited AWD model. The vehicle has 6 separate bucket seats. Lots of room. Good head clearance. Easy entry front and back. Very comfortable ride. Lots of room in the 3rd pair of seats, which fold down easily when not in use. For cargo, all the seats (except driver) fold down. Holds the road very well, no "Van-sway". Seamless acceleration with the CVT, but a different sound than the usual. Interior is very nicely laid out. Above average sound system. For families who want a Big Wagon that easily seats 6 instead of an SUV, this car is great. Nice winter drive too.

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  Great Fun! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By banderss - January 20 - 9:46 pm

  After driving a Corolla for several years of commuting it was time to get back to a fun car. I owned a 99 Mustang so I know this was what I wanted again. In the past 6 months I have relished in my renewed love affair with this car. You just cant get this kind of performance for the money anymore. Really get on it and you can get the tires spinning even going into 3rd gear...loads of fun!

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  99 one owner.... - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By UPCRAWFISH - January 20 - 11:46 am

  Generally good vehicle. No issues until past month.. Disc brakes started squeal. Time to change pads.. Get in and find that the caliper pistons, 1 is broken and not applying pads and 2nd is cracked. (Original - PLASTIC piston) A $100 job for pads turned into $500 for pads/calipers(2), rotors. While under the car, found one of the link for anti-sway bar broke/missing - 2nd cracked... ADD $165...

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  Amazx2ing - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mike1975nj - January 20 - 10:31 am

  I purchased this car used in 9/03 from a private party. I have all original receipts from this car since new including the window sticker. I lucked out big time. I have a 1998 5 speed and at the time I didnt want red nor did I want a Ford. After three years of owning this car I must say it is without a doubt mint. I love everything about this car except the fact that Ford canceled it and replaced it with junk. I must say that I am so happy that I got a stick rather than the automatic which is terrible and boring in this car. This is not a sport or racing car rather a sporty little economical car that if treated right with go head to head with any Toyota, Honda, or Madza (lol). Amazing!

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  2001 Ford Explorer /Black - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By slimdashady1 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  When I bought it it seemed pretty good,but then I started to have some problems with it.First there is some kind of vibration that comes from the trans when I am at a stop.This doesnt always happen but it is very annoying when it does.Then twice when I had to come to a sudden stop the passenger seat came flying forward.It was in a locked position both times.Then the paint started to fade all over the truck.Last thing is now the brakes squeek when I brake at 45mph or more.The dealer could "not find anything wrong with my complaints".Besides the really nice looks of this truck,and the roomy interior I am not happy.

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  svt #525 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By slidemaster - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased #525 of 4788 2002 Focus. Currently have 29,000 miles on it. Have had one warranty cover repair for a intake manifold problem. Other than that had a great experiance..for the price I cannot imagine a better driving experiance...lots of room for the size of the vehicle, dynamics are good and the amature club level driving events are plentifull. Would purchase again.

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  My Ford - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By wingnut - January 18 - 1:11 am

  This truck has been a good, solid means of transportation. It is good for hauling standard cargo (though the back suspension is a little soft for heavier loads). However, as a daily driver it has mediocre power and lousy gas mileage (17mpg mixed!). If you need to haul light cargo, get the 4cyl. If you need to pull things, get a big diesel. As for myself, my next purchase will be a good hatchback. However, I wont be buying anything until my truck dies. Admittedly, with a Ranger, that could be a very, very long time.