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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  Surprisingly Good & Reliable - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MRC - June 22 - 3:16 am

  Got this car a a second vehicle (other car a Z4) and have been surprised at how comfortable and easy to drive it is - a good compromise between an SUV and a wagon. It is simple and the fuel efficiency has been ranging in the low to mid 20s. The new gear system is smooth and once you get use to it, it make the ride smooth and comfortable. The flexibility of the seating arrangement (1-7) is great and easy to change. We were lucky to get this vehicle before a snow storm that left 16 inches behind and the Freestyle did great in the snow. The sound system is good and the temperature control system is easy to operate. Very happy so far with it.

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  A lot for he Money - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Mike S. - June 21 - 11:04 am

  We bought our Freestyle 2wd used with 32,000 miles on it. Needed more space than the Taurus we had to haul things. Recent trip from N. Indiana to St. Louis on interstate got 26-27 mph doing 70-75 mph. Do that with most SUVs. Real versatile with seating and hauling. Slight hesitation on exceleration (like a turbo lag), but hang on when the engine revs and the trany adjusts for the need. First trip was from N. Indiana to Mackinac Island 4 adults, 2 bikes on the back, loaded, doing 75 mph on interstate and some 2 lane driving - and got over 23 mph - super. Brakes are not a problem. Still have originals at 53000. Anyone going through them fast needs to change their driving habits.

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  Great crossover, my Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Vinny - June 21 - 10:51 am

  Ive driven my Edge for almost 1,400 miles and, love it. Traded in my 05 Murano. The ride, performance and, comfort are better. The Vista roof and, Sync are fantastic. Gas mileage is okay, was getting around 17 per gallon with mostly local driving. Added a Cyclone fuel saver & added 1.5 MPGs. What you get for the price is great, got everything but Nav. My only complaint, non Nav. radio display is very lacking in info and, impossible to see in sunlight and, the auto climate control gives you no idea of what the system is doing while in auto mode. Again, still love the Edge and, would recomend to anyone.

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  06 Escape at 7700 miles - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Horatio - June 21 - 2:53 am

  This is the only vehicle I know of that exceeds the EPA window posting. If one modifies driving habits, the 4X4 Escape will return 34 MPG hwy and 31 MPG city. Fit and finish better that my neighbors Honda Accord. Ride unexpectedly good for size of vehicle. Very quiet except when 2.3 is revving, and only then is engine noticeable. Transition from electric to gas is almost seamless. Cruise control on long trips returns better MPG than not using cruise control. Nits are lack of steering wheel adjustments & unlighted cruise controls.

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  2004 Ford Focus ZX3 2 Door hatchback 2.0 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ford for me - June 20 - 10:54 pm

  Had a couple minor problems with, but with mileage now at 135,000 and running well mostly, I cant really complain. Only problem is if I run for a while, stop for 10 minutes and start, has tendency to die on me. But as long as I stop and keep the engine running, no problem. Hope to drive it for many more miles. Runs like a new car (other than the one problem mentioned, really feels like a new car - really smooth.

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  Aspire resurrected - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By jermnc77 - June 20 - 4:01 pm

  I bought my Aspire from my cousin (after begging for years for him to sell it to me). It had 163K on the motor at the time. Nine (k) later, the motor finally gave out. I have since had a new motor installed and worked over most of the parts. I dont know what I would do w/out it now! I got 38mpg city and 41mpg highway (easy driving/no AC on)!! I wouldnt hesitate to find another Aspire and get it back on the road too!

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  As Good as it Gets - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Ovaleeter - June 20 - 11:55 am

  We needed a replacement for our 125,000 mile Honda Pilot. Naturally, the new 09 Pilot was our first stop. It wasnt an improvement over our current one. Looking and researching over two months brought us the Expedition. Wow, what a serious step up! We got a true 8 passenger SUV for the price of a pretender. We love it!

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  Love It - 2016 Ford F-150
  By allie mysliwy - June 20 - 4:41 am

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  Beauty And The Beast - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By jscjarhead - June 19 - 11:06 pm

  Its great. I got it before I graduated. However I did the mpg myself and I found mine only got 18 mpg in the city. That might just be my Mustang though. Compared to other sport cars thats good. The comfort is great, I feel more comfortable in it than other cars. The car has great control and feels like Im going 20 when Im going 60.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By richard - June 19 - 9:36 pm

  Have encountered no problems with vehicle. Maintenance costs are very reasonable, much lower than on our non-Ford vehicle. On recent trip from Colorado at 75-80 mph we averaged 21.4 mpg on regular. City driving averages 17.5 mpg. This is a great vehicle and a great value.