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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  Reliable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By djuro - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vehicle for reliable, all weather transportation. Great performance to fuel economy ratio. Easy to park in LA.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Terry - July 4 - 9:57 am

  Weve had this truck over 2 years and its a great truck. The 5.4 has plenty of power, we pull a 34 ft. camper with it, use it to haul my cars home on a car trailer when they break down, pull our boat, and we use it for hauling everything. The wife likes the adjustable peddles, the captain chairs are very comfortable. It now has 144,000 miles on it and I have no doubt it will go another 144K. Weve had no major issues with it. Also like the composite body panels as we live in the north east and they wont rust. Again good truck

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  96 Taurus LX - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By af - July 4 - 9:04 am

  This is a great car. The Duratec engine has more than enough power (the response is amazing when you put the hammer down), and the ride is very smooth, and the seats are very supportive and comfortable on a long drive. Being tall, this car fits me well. Unlike similar Japanese competitors, this car actually feels like it has substance to it. The steering is tight, the 4-wheel disc brakes are powerful and the doors close nicely. Its well built. The controls are well placed, and the standard casette non-JBL stereo is great. I dont know why people hate these cars so much. If you take care of it, it will last a long time. No problems so far...knock on wood.

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  Over a year and 16,000 miles so far... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MacDaddy - July 4 - 6:10 am

  I suppose I may be a typical purchaser for this vehicle ... family guy, kids, dog, and a desire for a fun car but have bowed to practicality. For what this truck/car/SUV/CUV is, its fine. Drives well, feels safe, returns pretty respectable mileage considering its size (21 city/metro and 25-27 highway). I have not had it back to the dealer for anything. Everything works and runs great. Some of my low marks are for below-par plastic finish, and a lack-luster driving experience, though it is competent. Most drivers will not be as sensitive as I am to some of these nuances. It really is a good car and is very safe. Great family hauler.

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  finally ford does good - 2009 Ford Escape
  By jim k - July 4 - 5:46 am

  i just trade in nissian max with 160000 with no major problems.i wanted a suv. i tried rav 4 hated it if you are tall don t even try rav 4 rough ride and very compact. my buddy works at a dealer ship and told me to try 2009 escape he said no problems with it.he did say do not get 2008 model because of 4 speed trans no good 2009 has 6 speed. i tried it and loved it lots of room and getting 23 miles per gallon great for suv with awd. you will not be disappointed. i will give ford a chance don t let me down

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  Good Reliable Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Pro19Nova67 - July 3 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the car used with 57,000 miles. The car now has over 129,000 and its been one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned. Its had few problems here and there but what car with that mileage doesnt? Ive done all my own repairs and none have cost me over $200. Its never left me stranded, gets great gas mileage for a V6 and after all these years it still shines like new. Ive never been big Ford fan until I owned this car. I highly recommend the Ford Contour.

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  Better Than Two Previous Towncars - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By James - July 3 - 10:31 pm

  Unlike the Towncars little or no road and wind noise. Most miles are annual trips between Florida and New Jersey. Loaded to the roof, it has more than adequate power. At 14,062 every aspect of it is dependable and holding up better than any other car I have owned.

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  The Lariat is a premium ride - 2005 Ford F-150
  By dlh - July 3 - 4:56 pm

  Its good looking inside and out. It drives and rides more like a SUV than a truck. The premium audio system is very impressive. The Lariat is really a luxury machine. It has many features only found on the finest cars. My only complaint is that it is so large that it is difficult to park or put through an automatic car wash.

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  Nice SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jim - July 3 - 12:51 pm

  Bought mine with 60,000 miles a couple of years ago ... been a GREAT little SUV. Had a master cylinder replaced and new tires and thats it. Starts EVERY time and has been one of the most reliable vehicles Ive owned in the last 30 years. Good storage and rides pretty well for a smaller SUV. Id buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Love this car!!! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jimbo` - July 3 - 10:11 am

  I love this car. The interior is a little plain compared to the Colbalt and stuff. But otherwise, this has been a great car. It now has over 55,000 miles on it, and is still running strong. I havent had to replace a thing on this car. Its great for me. I just cant stop talking about it.