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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  So far I like it - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Michael - October 18 - 5:15 am

  I have had my Freestyle for a little over 9 months now, and I love it. There are some things that could be better... engine noise for example. But the room I have and the fuel economy are better than I hoped for. The kids no longer fight about whos touching who. Sure, some people ask me if it will ever grow up to be REAL SUV, but thats not why I got it. ROOM! plus fuel economy. I think I got both... now lets hope the reliability is good. I am concerned about this new CVT.

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  My Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By 1stSUV - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV and am loving it. It has great visibility, and handles very well in the snow. I have about 3500 miles on it and enjoy driving it. Easy to get in and out of it. My grandma enjoys driving and riding in it. Great for taking the kids out. Comfortable and spacious. Doesnt compromise the power by having better gas mileage than other SUVs. I highly recommend one!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever had. - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By steve - October 17 - 10:49 pm

  My 94 Explorer has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. When it had 144,000 miles on it, I drove it cross country, from CA to NC, hauling a load inside. It now has a little over 148,000 miles on her, and she runs like a champ. Small windshield leak, and axle seals are staring to go, but other than that, an awesome vehicle.

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  Just the Ticket - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By David - October 17 - 2:33 pm

  I fell in love with this car when it first came out in 2002, but couldnt afford it. Things changed and once I was able to, I bought a 50th anniversary edition. I told the dealer I didnt even need to test drive it, I knew I wanted it. I find all sorts of excuses to take it out for a drive, and love the second looks and "Thumbs Ups" I get from other motorists.

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  Great car that is fun to drive - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By DavidCaruso - October 17 - 5:36 am

  I got the fully loaded 502A package in early May and have put 2,000 miles on the car so far. Its been worth every penny. On the long road trip to the beach I made (Around 500 miles round trip), I didnt find myself constantly trying to adjust my body sitting down for so long because the seats were so comfortable. The sound system was great to listen to, and the navigation has been a godsend for my fiancé who is used to me getting lost on trips. So far Im averaging 39 MPG and its steadily climbing the more Ive adjusted my driving thanks to the efficiency leaves. No matter how efficient a car is, its the driver that gets the most out of it. The leaves help with just that. GJ Ford.

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  Fantastic, luxurious, fun to drive - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By SMB - October 16 - 7:10 pm

  I couldnt be happier with my new Escape Hybrid. Even during the break-in period, during which MPG is slightly less, the efficiency is stunning. As a city driver, getting 34 mpg in the city in a beautiful, luxurious, peppy SUV is a dream come true. The pick up makes it feel more like a V6 than a 4-cylinder. The interior of the Limited edition is second-to-none, and the Sync feature is incredibly convenient. The car handles wonderfully, the steering and braking are responsive (which is an improvement from 2008, where braking was somewhat problematic, I understand). Could not be happier.

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  Focus ST - 2006 Ford Focus
  By mospace - October 16 - 1:43 am

  I love my Ford Focus ZX4 ST. It is fun, fast and reliable. I also really appreciate having a sporting oriented car that gets better than 30 mpg. Mine is a head turner with the Street Appearance package. Its interior is very comfortable with leather, moon roof, and loaded up. Fantastic car.

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  2006 Explorer XLT - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bruce - October 15 - 2:16 pm

  We had been shopping for an SUV for months. My wife and I are typically GM buyers, but for this go around if one of the big three fit our needs the best than thats what wed get. For the money and bang for the buck its really hard to beat what you get out of the Explorer. The third row seat option is nice and with our planning to start a family next year, the crash test ratings are very important. Ford did a great job with the makeover. I cant believe how quiet this thing is. As far as gas mileage goes, Im not sure why thats such a big complaint. Youre just not going to get sedan type mileage out of an suv. If mileage was such an issue then its best to stick with the 30mpg sedans.

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  A great car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Prashant - October 15 - 1:12 pm

  I have bought this Taurus 2 months ago and i just love it - ride quality, handling is just great. I have driven lot of other cars including Chevy Malibu and Cavalier, but this is the most comfortable ride. I just love long drives in it. A/C is very powerful.. in a cold area like LaCrosse, it just turns the heat immediately. Boot space is too good.

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  The first to buy 07 Expedition Limited - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Blue Creek - October 14 - 10:15 pm

  This car is Sweet! I can not say enough good things about the improvement from past models. I traded my 03 Eddie Expedition With the 6 speed transmission, it feels like my old LS400 gliding into gears and very quiet. The voice nav will blow you away if you never had one. Very stylish inside and out. Im really enjoying this ride.