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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  2005 ST - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dale - June 7 - 11:06 am

  Ive had my ST for a couple of months now and its a real blast to drive. My wife got the basic model and I got the ST and Id recommend the ST for it has a much tighter feel for the road. (and a bit quicker). I havent had a 5 speed in yrs and I forgot how much fun they are while getting better gas mileage also. The heated leather seats are a real plus and the stereo really cranks!

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  2000 V6 Convertible - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang2000Vert - June 7 - 10:30 am

  I bought this car a year and a half ago with 24000 miles, now it has a bit over 50000. Absolutely no mechanical issues to date. Always starts right up, even in the dead cold of winter. Plenty of power for a V6 and gas mileage is good for a V6. I was wary to buy a Ford after owning an 1989 Escort in the past that was garbage, but this car looked so shiny and lonely when I first saw it, just pleading to be driven, and I fell in love with it. Its such a pleasure to drive, especially with the top down. Its a real head turner too, I always get complements on it. I highly recommend this car and would definately buy another Mustang in the future. Take car of it and it will take care of you.

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  Excellent SUV! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Mark - June 7 - 9:47 am

  I was debating buying a new vehicle since my 99 Expedition was treating me very well. But the new 2007 came along and I made the mistake of test driving one, after that I needed to have one. The ride and comfort are great in comparison to my 99. The new engine and tranny combo is terrific, it pulls my 5500lb boat with ease and the power is managed well with the 6 speeds. Ford really did well with this design. Gas mileage is better than my 99, the only way it will get better is with a diesel, maybe by 2010. With a kid on the way I am sure I will get my use out of it.

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  ZTW Wagon with a manual? You bet! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By lerust - June 6 - 9:06 am

  Yes, you can get a ZTW with a manual! For some reason American manufacturers insist comfort = no pulse. After some searching, they found my manual-shift ZTW Wagon and its great. Sure, its no dragster but its powerful enough to get in trouble. The seats are uber-comfortable and supportive, even for a tall guy (6 3"). Good sound, sharp steering and compliant around town ride. I drove about everything in this market segment and, with a manual, the Focus ZTW wagon is solid.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By crafty - June 5 - 1:56 pm

  Traded from a 2005 to a 2007. Pretty much the same truck but different. Something about the 07 is better. The mileage for one thing. Presently getting from 16 to 18 mpg. Sirius radio is a change. Lots to choose from. I read about owners saying they need more power, all you have to do is push the throttle down. These trucks will run hard and fast. I have a 22 ft boat and it pulls it great. With the dual power/heated captain chairs the comfort is great. The seats are very supportive. We use this vehicle in our business and have driven as high as 900 miles in one day. A very comfortable way to go. Love it!

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  Johns Review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By John Blevins - June 4 - 9:19 pm

  I have owned this car for two years and have not had a minutes trouble with it. It avrages about 22.5 mpg and is a fun smooth ride. There is plenty of room to haul grandkids and their junk. I would buy another one.

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  great getter arounder - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By george / djr 8 - June 4 - 9:13 pm

  my 2wd Independent rear supension with limited slip axle is great for off road -- no 4x4 needed.

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  Cool Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Johnny - June 4 - 7:34 pm

  i bought this car a few years ago with 135k and havnt had any major problems with it. I get about 25 mpg in city driving. Its sweet and fun to drive

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  Freestyle economy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Rawson Mordhorst - June 4 - 12:37 pm

  On a 700+ mile trip across WA to Idaho and back we observed 27.4 and 28.3 average mpg with 60 set on the cruise control. This includes mountain driving/passes. Best observed cumulative average was 31.2 mpg on level ground west of Spokane to central WA. Exceeds expectations since EPA highway is just 24 mpg for AWD. Freestyle allows chains that are required to be carried here in NW going over mountasin passes in winter with AWD/4WD even if you dont have to put them on. One reason we bought the car was because of needing to drive over the mountains in the winter. The GM Acadia owners manual says no to chains, probably the same for the Outlook and Enclave.

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  Love my 94 GT - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Chili Doc - June 4 - 11:01 am

  Bought this car new and it served 7 years as our only car. We carried dogs, lumber and christmas trees in her. I added underdrive pulleys and a K&N FIPK. She gave me almost 30 mpg on the highway (at legal speeds at least). Now she is a toy with subframe connectors, new MAC exhaust from the motor back including the powerchamber, 3.73 rear gear, more racey seats. The Dyno run gave us 285hp (215 from the factory) with 117,000 on the odometer. I love this car and will keep it until I pass it on to my son. Glad I didnt buy the Camaro that we looked at! Going to have Carrol Shelby sign the glove box cover this fall!