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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  Great family truckster - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rich Anderson - December 1 - 2:39 pm

  We have had our Freestyle for almost a year and a half now and still think it is wonderful. It is easy to drive, has plenty of room, and returns mileage that one does not expect in such a spacious vehicle. Yes it is a wagon, and like generations before, that is what works for families.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Balosc - December 1 - 9:06 am

  The car has been great all round - plenty of storage, surprisingly good acceleration (as it does not have to change gear) and amazing how much stuff you can get in the car for a road trip. Great for dog trips and hauling mountain bikes inside. Even fuel economy has been surprisingly good on long trips.

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  Great car, should have bought it sooner - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BRYAN - November 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have been debating for some time now on trading my 2003 G35 coupe and 1997 Chevy S-10 in. We wanted to consolodate vehicles. So, my wife suggested we start looking around. It was hard parting from my G35, and I was not sure that the Escape would be a good replacement (as flashy or fun). The vehicle that we purchased was a 2008 Limited 4WD that was pratically loaded. My wife sat in the front seat and was love at first site. Once I started driving it around town I fell in love as well and forgot all about my G.......(what).

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  Escape from low MPG BIG SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Jamel - November 29 - 6:49 pm

  Bought new Escape for my wife since we just had a baby girl. Sold my 2003 Ford Focus and 1996 V6 Mustang to get it. Gets great MPG for an suv 25mpg overall so far with only 500 miles on it. Shifts great. Ride is nice and high for only having 15 inch wheels. Love this car makes me want to trade in my 06 Ranger and get a matching Escape. Great SUV love it.

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  2005 F-150 FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Andy Johansons - November 29 - 2:54 pm

  My driving consists mostly of city driving. Even though this is a pick-up truck, I have found that I can use this vehicle for everyday, get around type of driving. There is enough room in the cab to take the kids to school, go shopping, or pack luggage for vacation. Plus, when I need to, I can load up the "bed" for anything else. It rides great, the seats are awesome, and the fit and finish are excellent. Maintenance has been minimal. Although I had to have the rotors turned to remove brake "shimmy". Outside of that, its been scheduled maintenance.

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  Best truck I ever owned - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Jerrys Truck - November 29 - 12:25 pm

  I now have 275,000 miles on my 97 F150. The only thing I have had to do to it is new front brake pads, new fan belt, 1 new battery, change plugs and plug wires twice, 3 sets of tires, 1 set of shocks, 1 coil pack, and kept the oil changed. Everything else is original. If this truck was to quit on me today I would buy another one. I park it on a concrete driveway every day and there is not one drop of fluid where it sits. I love driving a truck that is paid for and I can depend on!

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  Great family vacation vehicle - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By jack - November 29 - 10:30 am

  Great vehicle for towing a big camper with stability and power. Had problems with rotors that was warrantied twice but replaced three times. 13mpg. Can haul everything but it is a long vehicle.

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  Keeps On Truckin - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Jim - November 29 - 9:31 am

  I drive a lot, usually about 40k per year. I have had great luck with the Ford Ranger. I have the 4.0L with a 5 speed manual (special order) and love it. It has plenty of power and torque. I also do a lot of off road driving. The off-road package handles great and is very comfortable on the highway also. This is the 5th Ranger that I have had. Other than replacing the clutch at 120K I have had not maintenance issue. I have 160k on it now and do not plan to trade it for at least another year so it will close to 200k. When I trade it will be for another Ranger!

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  Dream Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By LUNAGLO - November 28 - 3:39 pm

  After 19 months, this car is still the one I have always dreamed of. I knew I was going to buy one as soon as I started reading articles about it a year before it came out. I still get looks and positive comments all the time. I am glad I went for the GT instead of the V6 because it truly has the Mustang "roar". The stability is fantastic and it feels like it glides from lane to lane. I added an "Airhog" air filter and I now get 34 mpg average, which is fantastic for a V8. I love the pick up when merging or turning into traffic. It is also quite roomy for a 2 door. At age 60 and female, this is my first "status" car and I hope to own it for the rest of my driving days.

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  WOW What a Looker - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Radbikr - November 28 - 10:56 am

  Everywhere I go people are twisting their necks like rubber ducks; even the young kids are giving me the thumbs up. Great job Ford.