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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  Mr - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BayAreaStyle - June 8 - 12:06 am

  Clean exterior styling, massive cargo space in a mid size vehicle, peppy CVT transmission. Freestyle doesnt stand out on a spec sheet but it does the things I purchased it for really well. Carrying a family of four and lots of outdoor gear in comfort in all conditions. We have been in Sierra blizzards, carried the in laws (with the extra 2 seats in the back), hauled 3 kayaks with camping gear and have been happy with the performance. Fuel economy in cruise is around 22 mpg which is pretty good for an AWD that weighs 5000 lbs

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  Unreliable after year 5 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cougar10 - June 7 - 10:27 pm

  My family purchased this truck new for my brother. My brother didnt like it so my dad drove it and when I got my license I inherited this pile of junk (it was 10 years old). When i first started driving it it was ok but lately its been making sudden jerks and noises. After i drive it for a little bit the motor keeps on making noise. The temperature gauge has caused it to die. I have to hit the tailgate to open it. My family has only had Chevys before this and we are all going back to Chevys. Built Ford Tough is a big understatement. I cant wait to get something nicer.

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  09 escape hybrid--what an improvement - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jrs3 - June 7 - 9:46 pm

  I just traded in a 4WD 07 escape hybrid for a 4WD 09 hybrid--what a huge difference--the driving experience, quality and comfort much improved. The vehicle has become a class act rather than a noisy bare bones 4X4. Other improvements include a much better tuned switch from gas to electric and the mileage is better (31 average in mixed driving and it is not yet broken in).

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  Flex gets it right - 2009 Ford Flex
  By JC - June 7 - 6:16 am

  We were looking for a larger alternative to my wifes Lexus RX330. Wife wanted more upscale vehicle, but no SUV. Flex is technically not a "luxury" vehicle, it gets very close in terms of leather, materials and technology (I am referring to the "Limited" model). Interior was in quality to her Lexus RX. The use of space inside the vehicle is superb, with many functions and useful touches. The seats are extremely easy to fold down for storage. The ride is very nice (better than the Lexus RX). Suspension is soft, but firm enough for good handling. Takes corners better than any SUV, little body roll. A solid vehicle - highly recommend.

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  My honeymoon with Ford is over! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Zack - June 7 - 1:56 am

  I bought this car from a dealership with about 40,000 miles. I drive less than 10,000 miles a year but the repair costs on this car have ended my honeymoon with Ford -I cant wait to pay it off and never, ever tough a Ford! I had a Mazda before and then decided to try American but this was a big mistake. Unless Ford works on its quality, they will definitely collapse. I just got a Honda for my wife! –The catalyst convertor, peeling paint, the engine light never halts!

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  Way to go Ford!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Doug - June 6 - 11:05 pm

  Nav is kinda lousy. The rear dvd is awesome. Heated seats are insanly awesome. Love toasty buns. Motors right along. Looks better with 20s.

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  Lasts forever - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Rae - June 6 - 8:22 pm

  I bought my ford taurus used with 115,000kms on it. Now with 320,000kms I am considering replacing it. The frame has rusted and the tranny is on its way out. Its built tough. In accidents where other cars wouldve crumpled, this taurus came out with a only a few dents and some repairable alignment issues. I take excellent care of my vehicles and they do tend to last a long time. This one is the best so far.

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  SuperCab XLT - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By mars - June 6 - 5:38 pm

  Love the new front fascia design. I chose the 4 cyl supercab with a few options. Other than the vibration felt in the strg whl, door panels and seat, I love this truck. I drove the Toyota and it is just ugly as well as $4000 more with less options. GM products are not worth considering.

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  My Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By PWRSTRKEOGRE - June 5 - 4:05 pm

  My escort was the best little two door car ive ever owned. I had a toyota corolla before and compared to the Ford Escort it was crap. It was running strong until some one beat on the hood. My battery waring light came on one day and i was drving and i was at a Wendys drive through and it died, i tried re starting it but it wouldnt turn over. I thought it was just a dead battery but it had wireing problems it said. I jump started it drove for about 1 mile and then it started to jump like you would push in the clutch then let it out while having the pedal to the metal. Ohter than that problem it has been the best vehicle ive owned and drove. Great MPG comfort and way fun to drive!!!

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  My 2nd Ford Probe - 1997 Ford Probe
  By criticsdarling - June 5 - 12:34 pm

  The 1997 Ford probe was my 2nd (my first was a 1990). The 1990 died at 140K mi and my 1997 is at 130K on its final legs. Its been a pretty good, reliable car, but in the last 6 months Ive had to put in $1000 in repairs. Its had computer chip problems, the axles fell out, new battery, the exhaust is starting to fall out. Its fun to drive and looks great! Sometimes repairs are a bit unusual because I am told its actually a Mazda, so the parts are not from Ford. Ive truly loved this car, Im sad its life is over.