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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  Underrated AWD Wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freestyle Fan - April 4 - 2:06 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle for several months now and have been delighted with its overall performance and utility. As a user of SUVs for the last 15 years, I have found the ride, handling and accessibility of this vehicle to be outstanding. I have used this vehicle multiple times for hauling large quantities of lumber and the fold-down front seat has been very beneficial. The only change to my original vehicle order that I would make would have been to put a tire with a little more aggressive tread on it for winter driving, although Im sure part of the better ride is attributable to the current tires used on the vehicle. This vehicle should be getting much more notice than it is.

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  Very good first car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By that guy - April 4 - 1:27 pm

  This car was a gift from my parents as a first car. The car is great. It gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. For being only a 2-door the back seats are still roomy and I was able to fit my friends who are over 6 feet tall in it. But its a good car and recommend it to first drivers because its safe.

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  Great So far - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By patrick - April 4 - 1:11 pm

  This new 2007 expedition is awesome. I have been around a lot of Fords and they really stepped on this one to make it compete with the other full sizes on the interior. We were also considering the Armada and the QX56, but were totally blown away the first time we saw this and got to drive it.

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  Fords Best Kept Secret - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Central Virgina - April 4 - 8:35 am

  I was at the dealership looking for an Expedition or Explorer when the salesman pointed out the Freestyle, and I am glad he did. I bought the last 2006 the dealer had, it was on the showroom floor. Mine has AWD, extra airbags, safety and security option, rear AC, 60/40 middle seat, individual climate controls up front. It is dark Pearl Blue with a pebble interior. The car has a low center of gravity and is fun to drive and handlles really well.

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  Best Vehicle Ever - 2005 Ford F-150
  By dan - April 3 - 10:14 pm

  Wow, Ford did it right with the new F-150. Im 50 years old. I have bought new Dodge, Chevy, Honda, and other Ford products and this 05 F-150 is the best ever. I have owned it almost two years and 30,000 miles and not one problem. Not even a small problem. The last new truck I bought was a 2000 Silverado and that was a nightmare from the time I took delivery until i traded it 36,000 miles later. The Ford is at the other end of the scale. It rides nice, is super quiet inside, and is pretty good on gas. Seats could be softer, and it could use more power. I got the 4.6 v8, should have got the 5.4. Other than that, the truck is flawless.

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  Eleven Year Ownership. - 1996 Ford Contour
  By D.Adams Contour LX - April 3 - 4:06 pm

  This car has been one of the most reliable and economical I have owned, especially after 11 years of mostly city driving in San Antonio,Texas.

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  DREAM CAR - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By ALLAN ROBINSON - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS EVERY THING ABOUT THE CAR IS GREAT.NOBODY MAKE IT LIKE FORD.

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  First Time SUV Owner - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jen in Atlanta - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the Escape Limited that I purchased. Has all the bells and whistles, LOVE the heated seats. Its fun and easy to drive -- a great little SUV. The V6 has a lot of get up and go when you need it and the feel of sitting up high is pretty cool compared to my last car. Overall Im loving my first experience owning an SUV. The gas mileage could be better, but then in reality its about what I expected.

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  My first SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rodney Vaughn - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the comfort, speed and looks of my first SUV. I think that if you take one for a test drive you will also.

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  A Fun Car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By X Explorer Driver - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Awsome car for the city. Zips in and out of traffic and so far is great on gas. I had a 94 Explorer and it does not compare for fun. Cant wait for summer to go up in th Sierras