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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  Happy owner so far - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Tim Lu - November 27 - 8:51 pm

  Had 2006 Sport for about a year and 25k, no problem so far. Drawn to it by the price (for the same level, 6-disc CD, reverse sensing system, alloy wheels DVD, etc), I would have spent $10k more on Japanese models. Overall, a great vehicle for the price.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rambler65 - November 27 - 8:26 pm

  I really wanted a wagon, but this is as close as I could get to a full sized wagon. Turned out to be a great choice, and the trips to Home Depot are a cinch with all the fold down seats. The car gets about 20 MPG around town and 25 - 26 on the highway. Not bad for a car this size. The car has been 100% reliable and has only had to return to the dealer for routine service. Im glad to hear Ford decided to keep this vehicle around for 2007 and beyond.

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  So Boss - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By SOBOSS - November 27 - 6:10 am

  I have added a few mods, lowering springs, Kuhmo 255/50/WR17 tires, shorty headers, SCT Flash, Cold Air, under drive pulley. Dynod out at 301 RWHP and 312 RWTQ and that is prior to the headers; at the flywheel about 350HP. I was going to go the super charger route but I dont feel its worth it. Im going to replace the charge motion plates which should get me 375HP. This is the best Stang Ive owned, Ive had a 68 Shelby GT350, 69 Boss 302, 73 Mach1 with 4V Heads and 01 GT.

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  The New Fusion is Awesome - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By gth743b - November 27 - 3:33 am

  This car is amazing. Ford has done nearly everything right on this car and it is much improved over the 2006-2009 model. I looked into it because of the 2006 Fusion we own, and was blown away at the improvement. Worth every dollar you pay for it. Better than Camry and Accord, and the sticker is lower for the same features.

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  My 2005 Freestyle FWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By maxdraw - November 26 - 9:56 pm

  I have 2500 miles on my 2005 Freestyle FWD and so far it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. My previous vehicle was a 98 Explorer Sport and it gave me 115,000 trouble free miles. In my opinion the Freestyle has been well engineered to have an effective balance between fuel economy and performance. I have never felt the need for more power. If I wanted a sports or muscle car I would have bought one, but this car is not gutless from a drivers perspective. My close second choice was a Honda Odyssey, but in the end I liked the overall driving experience I felt driving the Freestyle. It feels smooth, tight, quiet and responsive.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SoSaysU - November 26 - 6:30 pm

  Looked at all the small SUVs before buying the Escape. Great handling, visibility and power. Test drove both the 4 cyl. and v-6, and wouldnt consider anything but the v-6. Also didnt get sidestep bars as were a hinderance, more than a help, to entry on a test driven vehicle. Just took it on a road trip across the state for hockey tournament. Held all gear and passengers wonderfully and was comfortable on long drive. Averaged 19mpg fuel economy on trip. I have leather seats and moon roof, both of which I love. Im not usually a fan of leather, but they were way more cushy than the cloth seats, and figured they would hold up better, as Im leasing my Escape. Would get again-no regrets

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  Love This Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By wlbrez - November 26 - 1:30 pm

  I have had my truck for about 5 month & I love everything about it. I was brought up on Chevrolet but when I to buy my pick-up (yes I consider it a pick-up) I saw the Sport Trac, took a test drive & I was sold. It rides & handles like a dream. Plenty of room on the inside for my 6 foot plus two sons, extra storage space behind the rear seat plus hidden space in the bed. I have never been a Ford fan but now I am sold. The V-8 may not be the one of the best for gas mileage but it has plenty of get-up-and-go! If you are worried about that get a 6 cylinder. I really like the auto 4-wheel drive & the stability control. The window sticker is a lot lower than expected on a vehicle with this much wow.

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  Exceptional Value - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Guy Glennon - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I test drive and have owned several different trucks from the Dodge Ram Hemi Crew Cab to the Chevy Trail Blazer LTZ North Face- I recently traded them both in for the Ford Expediton XLT 5.4L- I have never been so satisfied with the ride quality, quiet ride, comfortable seats, cargo room, transmission performance, squeek free interior and highway speed ride. I recently towed a 5300 lb trailer (6X12) and I did not know it was there. Braking performance is excellent and it cuts through the snow with ease. I bought my wife the new VW SUV in december, whcich is an excellent performer for a mid/lux/ SUV- but the fords ride quality can compete!!!

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dman - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable to drive and as a passenger in front or back seats. Impressive handling. Beautiful vehicle.

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  Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rod Saborio - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle handles, feels and rides more like a comfortable automobile. It has the advantages of great clearance and, of course, four wheel drive. On the down side the fuel economy in the city is not very good. On the highway, allowing the overdrive to cut in, the efficiency improves dramatically.