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:

• 

  CVT Forever - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By John - July 10 - 2:49 pm

  I traded an 05 Freestyle w/ only 30,000 mi in order to get the CVT which was phased out in the Taurus X! Usually drive machine to 100,000 to 150,000 mi! An hr of expressway driving with the six spd AT after getting used to the small efficient 6 w/ CVT made me take the depreciation hit! My 07 has had no issues mechanically and the fit & finish is excellent! I enjoy getting away from the stoplites faster than most and no hunting for gears as the RPMs stay up and then come down to cruise. Very comfortable vehicle for 6 adults!

• 

  Love the Trac! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By me_alves - July 10 - 4:03 am

  Have been driving it for over a month now and I am completely satisfied with my decision in the purchase. Smooth and comfortable ride that no other truck could beat!

• 

  Best thing I have owned sense my 70 Mav - 1996 Ford Probe
  By David Johnson - July 9 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased my SE in Nov 2005 and this car has done nothing short of giving me its all. I tested it on the highway and it got 37MPG 5speed standard is the only way to go with one of these cars. I have sense then installed a turbo upgrade from a Mazda 626 kit that makes this little car a tiny monster. I am pushing 300HP at the front wheels and still get 30MPG when I drive it like I have some sense. The only car that I have ever owned that came clse to as much fun as this little car is my 1970 Maverick that I put a 1969 302 BOSS in. If you can find one in standard shift it is worth buying for a single person to get around in. Dont have any room in the back seat for anyone older than 7or 8

• 

  2001 Ford Taraus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By dk111 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Great experience with car. No problems at all. Duratec engine has lots of power and gets 29mpg on the highway. Power pedals are nice for my wife. Great family car.

• 

  First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Keithk - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2003 Explorer in December 2002 and it is probably the best car Ive ever had. Rides great. Exterior and interior good. Third row seating a definite plus and its easy to get into. Zero financing was the reason we got it instead of the Escape

• 

  The best Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jstroh - July 8 - 10:26 pm

  The Freestyle is fun to drive for both long and short trips gets; great gas millage and is very comfortable.

• 

  One of the best years - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LuvMyFord - July 8 - 8:51 pm

  In spite of the low mpg, this model is an excellent reliable vehicle thats great to drive short or long trips. The overdrive is worth its weight in gold, dropping rpm to so little you forget the engine is running. No road noise, so you know the insulation is terrific. The downside is even the V6 only gets 16 mpg, but thats with the a/c on and doing 65mph. Not terrible considering the weight. This V6 is also a flex fuel, but if you use E85 the mpg is far worse. Plenty of room in the back for sleeping, or cargo. And you cant beat the 6 CD stereo, and the seat warmers that are coordinated with the cabin temp selection. For the sheer comfort this model is a winner.

• 

  Beautiful and fast - 1999 Ford Escort
  By seekbob - July 8 - 5:39 pm

  This car is great looking and fun to drive with 25 to 30 mpg. I have had it for over 4 years. I have replaced front brakes and tires and one tie rod that is it. Best car I ever had.

• 

  Love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Vcar2o - July 8 - 5:16 pm

  I drive 30,000 miles a year and I needed a good reliable car. I am very pleased with the quality and performance. At a steady 65mph I get 27 to 29 mpg. I traded a 1998 Explorer XLT with 164,000 miles that had been exceptional in my view (never had any major problems). This is a much more economical and quieter vehicle, although not as powerful, but if I had wanted a truck I would have bought one.

• 

  Right Style, Right Price, Right Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By FordFanInBowie - July 8 - 12:46 am

  My other car is an 04 Ford EB Expedition and we traded in an 02 Mercury Mountaineer for this vehicle. My youngest son started following the introduction of this car back in January and got me hooked. Once gas went over $3 I knew I had to get rid of one SUV. Drivers seat is firm yet comfortable and has easy access to all features. This car looks good and handles the road very well while providing a comfortable, quiet ride, one you would expect in a more expensive car. More than adequate acceleration. and passing performance at highway speeds. Good all around visibility except with the high trunk lid, but I would not give up the trunk space, just add rear back-up sensors and moving mirrors.