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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  Free in my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jeane - March 13 - 3:23 pm

  I have had my Freestyle since August of 2005. It is a wonderful vehicle. Comfort is number 1 and ease of handling is also superior. The name was perfect.

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  Just plain happy - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Galen - March 13 - 3:10 pm

  Have been the only owner of this car and it has given me the most pleasure of any vehicle Ive owned. Its fun when the sheer power puts you back in your seat. Only take her out on weekends since my other cars a hybrid.

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  My Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By nlvjenn - March 13 - 2:29 pm

  I have never had any major problems with my Expedition at all. I love the way it drives, it has plenty of room, and handles well in any condition. I bought it in Oct. of 2003, and it had 53,000 on it. It now has 83,000 and runs perfect. The air conditioning in awesome (I live in Vegas). I have only had to change out 2 of the coils. Other than that it has only needed the regular maintenance stuff, brakes, tires and oil changes. I just love it , and know that it has many more years in it for me and my family.

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  Wow! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Lyle - March 13 - 1:14 pm

  What a great car. A friend bought one and let me drive it. Within 2 days I had one. Love everything about it, except the gas mileage could be better. Very comfortable to ride in from all seats. The traction is great. Drove in a couple of snow storms and had no trouble, handled very well. Good looking car. I get favorable comments all the time. Came with hte Sirrus radio, when it came time to renew I didnt. Didnt realize it was so expensive. The mp3 plugin takes the place of the Sirrus radio very well.

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  Great Value compared to Japanese - 2007 Ford Focus
  By byrnes - March 13 - 10:20 am

  The Focus handles terrific, tight turning radius, a little firm on the ride but it is a small car. So far I am averageing 31 mpg with auto in mixed driving. It is a nice little car and should be considered over the Civic and Corolla if value is what you are after. I wish the auto press would consider this when they review them.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid Evaluation - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By john - March 13 - 10:00 am

  The car is great. It is responsive and roomy, having all the attributes of my former Jeep without the ugly gas mileage and size. I especially love the display on the dash that tells me what the powertrain is doing at any time. I believe that this hybrid car has made me a much better driver, more conscious of mileage and more conscious of the virtues of driving smoothly and efficiently. But that doesnt mean that it does not have the pep and performance of an all gas powered vehicle. It has plenty. Over all, it is a joy to drive.

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  great ride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By rrupp - March 13 - 4:26 am

  I have only had this car for two months, and compared to the 2001 Toyota Sienna that I traded in, it is so much more fun to drive and is much quieter and smoother riding than the Sienna. The gas mileage so far is around 21 city driving and 27 highway. The driver power seat adjusts many ways to give you very good visibility. The theater style seating allows the rear passengers a much clearer view, instead of looking at the back of someones head. The CVT transmission works great. It is very efficient. I got used to it right away. You dont feel the gears changing at all, it is just super smooth. The rear seats flip and fold to create a very large flat cargo space in just a few seconds.

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  Birds Fly! - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By Franky_402 - March 13 - 12:08 am

  I bought this car on my birthday, and the five speed is awesome. I have killed many a Mustang in this car. It was very advanced for its age, and well thought out! Some people complain about the head gaskets. I would rather replace those than the whole engine block! Moonroof, cd player, power everything, ke, auto belts, very smooth ride and turning!

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  This is a great old truck! - 1993 Ford F-250
  By articfox687 - March 12 - 2:29 pm

  I bought this truck after a fleet retired it at 115k. It pulled a 14,000lb trailer every day before I bought it. I did have to rebuild the trans at 190k. But nothing else. I have the peppy 5.8L, and at 255k it will still pull a full size van on the trailer at 65mph and not slow on the hills. MPG 14-16, no matter what. The body is rusty now but from the drivers seat the truck still feels new. I love my big white beast. Way better truck that my 02 c2500 Chevy. I only wish Ford still made this exact truck!

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  2005 Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dennis - March 11 - 8:10 pm

  Ford has outdone themselves with this new retro body style. I have to remember its the car theyre all staring at, because its a real head turner. I acquired the "Mineral Gray" in a premium 6 cyl. coupe, with many of the options offered, for now. GT was just gonna cost too much. The 6 cylinder really has some get up and go, and still gets great mileage. I have been averaging about 24-26 mpg. In a few years I expect that Ford will have fine tuned this car to make it the sweetest thing on the road. I love it, and you will too.