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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  Excellent car that feels safe to drive. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By MagicMarv - September 5 - 10:28 pm

  Big but not too big. Comfortable and great sound system. Low road noise. Great acceleration and more.

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  Best vechicle ever - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Rob - September 5 - 3:01 pm

  I have 120,000 miles on this and have NEVER replaced a part other than oil, air filter, two sets of tires and one battery. (I replaced the battery this winter). Never had the front end aligned, NOTHING. The A/C will run you out in about three minutes. It has never broken down, never been in the shop. Simply the best vehicle I have had or know of.

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  Great Van for the Money - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By F.J. Rogers - September 4 - 4:04 am

  The Freestar is a very good value for the dollar. The 3.9 engine performs and offers good fuel mileage. The vans design offers good visibility and the controls and gauges are all in the right places. There is good driver and front passenger leg room. The third seat is a little cramped, a complaint that is common for most minivans. When equipped, the van will tow 3,500 lbs., allowing for a small family boat or utility trailer to be pulled. Once again a good value in the minivan market.

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  Cant WAIT to trade it in! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By optimusbjork - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2002 Exporer Sport after driving a Civic. While at the time, I thought I was upgrading, I soon came to regret my decision. The suspension is my main complaint. The ride is SO bumpy and the back will sway and shift if you hit a pot hole or large bump. Also, you can get blown around on the road if its windy. Like any SUV, the fuel economy is awful. I do love the factory stereo, though, and the A/C blows very cold. I have not had any performance problems, and it runs excellent. I cant wait to get rid of it, though, and get something safer and more fuel efficient.

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  Cant WAIT to trade it in! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By kismet - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2002 Exporer Sport after driving a Civic. While at the time, I thought I was upgrading, I soon came to regret my decision. The suspension is my main complaint. The ride is SO bumpy and the back will sway and shift if you hit a pot hole or large bump. Also, you can get blown around on the road if its windy. Like any SUV, the fuel economy is awful. I do love the factory stereo, though, and the A/C blows very cold. I have not had any performance problems, and it runs excellent. I cant wait to get rid of it, though, and get something safer and more fuel efficient.

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  a - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By srcOR - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Buy the police package if you can find one in good shape. I have 140K on mine with no mechanical problems whatsoever. For the price, you cant beat it if youre looking for a solid, rear wheel drive, V8, full size vehicle that can drive like a smaller car.

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  Fun but quality lacking - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By viking093 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Rear bumper and wheel housing weak. Electric windows squeak. Interior not well insulated - road & engine smell strong.

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  basically a good truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By red rangerman - September 2 - 11:40 pm

  Acceleration is good but highway speed acceleration not so good, rear sliding window leaked and had to be replaced, 6 cd player isnt very good -- cds get stuck inside and sometimes wont eject, been in shop twice for this and still does it, door ajar light comes on intermittently, is a beautiful color of red -- basically a good truck.

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  Cant give it up! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Carter - September 2 - 11:00 am

  I hesitated to write a review for fear of jinxing myself but my EXP has been a great truck. Bought new in late 97. Now has 112k on it. Other than routine maintenance and replacing a few seals here and there, nothing major has gone wrong. I love loading up the family in it, putting big dogs in the back and heading out on a road trip, confidently. The biggest improvement I made was to put Michelin LTXs on it. The stock Goodyears were junk. Its a totally different ride with the Michelins.

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  Such a pretty car! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lucia - September 2 - 7:53 am

  When I first spotted this car I thought it was a Mercedes with its overall good looks of distinction. I instantly fell in love after looking at so many cars. It drives like a Cadillac with a smooth ride and the extra room inside is reminiscent of the big cars of yesteryear. My husband who is an auto mechanic swore he would never own a Ford, but was highly impressed with this car. He says the only down side is the engine is too small for such a large car. Hes into speed while Ill take comfort and smoothness of ride any day.