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:

• 

  06 Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Harold - November 3 - 3:46 pm

  I never expected such a big, comfortable car to be so economical. 22mpg city, 29 highway. Handles great and its built like a bank vault. Solid and rattle-free after 20K miles. I am completely satisfied.

• 

  Fantastic Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Happy Ford Owner - November 3 - 8:41 am

  A great truck. I get 18 MPG around town which is fantastic for a full size truck. I have 55,000 miles on it & been to dealer only once for a tire wear issue. They aligned and gave me 2 new tires at 12,000 miles. Rides and handles great, seats are comfortable. The 4.6 engine has plenty of power. I am thinking of trading for a 2007 Crew Cab. My 6+ sons have outgrown the back seat.

• 

  Better Than I Expected - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bill - November 2 - 5:40 am

  Bought this car after owning a Honda and a VW and wasnt expecting too much. Ive owned Fords before and have had good luck but this car has far exceeded what I expected. Im 6-6", and the interior space is great, including the trunk. I bought the I-4, SE w/SE premium package and a 5 speed transmission. The car has very good acceleration, handles well and gets gas mileage above what I expected. The radio is very good and plays MP3 CDs, seats are comfortable and is a great looking car. For the amount of money you pay, this car is a great deal. In 5 months of ownership Ive had not 1 problem or complaint or any reason to take it to the dealership. For the price & reliability try Ford again.

• 

  Hard to beat - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Carl - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  Bought this loaded LX (leather, dual power seats, climate control, etc.) in June 04 for $10,000 off sticker price of almost $30,000. For performance, comfort, safety and quality, this car is hard to beat. My wife loves it. Gets solid 25 mpg on highway and almost 16 around town.

• 

  1994 Ford Escort LX Sport - 1994 Ford Escort
  By X. March - November 1 - 1:19 pm

  I recently took the car to the mechanic for a periodic full check up. My mechanic volunteered the following unsolicited comment: "I wouldnt think twice about taking this car across country. It is in such a good shape." This experience reflects my feelings about the car and my experience with it: "Not a single real problem in all these twelve plus years!". I chose the car because of (1) its fuel economy, (2) its ample room for either people or for loading shopping, (3) its comfort for unloading or loading because: of low back door and back seat down option, and (4) its sporty look. It turned out that to this I should add (a) its dependability and (b) its reliability.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By MoeMan - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I love This Car

• 

  Ford Freestar Limited - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Jerome E. Welsh Sr. - November 1 - 9:17 am

  I have owned a Ford Windstar in the past, so I was familiar with front wheel drive. The handling response is great, its peppy when needed, and gives a feeling of confidence. I find myself trying to increase my gas mileage by driving carefully. Side air curtains are a super plus for my grandchildren.

• 

  GREAT TRUCK - 2004 Ford F-150
  By automaticj5 - October 31 - 10:59 pm

  I LOVE THIS truck. Much improved over an already great 03 F150. I like driving my 04 F150 better than I did my Cadillac that I traded in for it. Lacks a little in the "fast" category. But I didnt buy it to race. Love the design, very quiet inside.

• 

  F150 Regular Cab 4x4 XLT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mike - October 31 - 7:58 pm

  I love this truck... Ive had a 89 F150 XLT, 97 Expedition, 2001 SuperCrew and now the 04 F150 XLT and I cant rave enough on how good this truck is. Towing is a dream, power is excellent, brakes are great, steering is tight and responsive. Only problems were a warranty recall on the rear axle, and a recurring dead battery since year one, which is a bad battery, but Ford wont replace it. Im going to try one more time, before our Minnesota winter to get them to pony up. Did the K&N filter and cut off the stock muffler for a Flowmaster 3" 3 chamber SUV series muffler and this thing sounds great without droning at any speed. I still get 15 mpg avg summer and 13 mpg avg winter! I drive it hard.

• 

  Best Used SUV Deal, PERIOD! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Iowaexplorer - October 30 - 9:54 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. This is a $40,000 dollar truck out of the factory, and I picked it up for tiny fractions of that. My Explorer has more features than anyone could ever need, and the powertrain has been rock solid. Ford may not be on par with some of the imports, but I get twice the amenities for half the price. I recommend the 4.0 SOHC if you are not using the car for consistent towing. The 4.0 has 210 hp, and unfortunately the 5.0 only has 215, and you pay for it in poor mpg. At 70 mph, I consistently get 20+ mpg on the highway. Mach stereo is powerful and crystal clear. Never a single reliability issue.