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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  A Modern Classic - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By JHawk - September 19 - 1:26 am

  I used to own a classic Mustang convertible. This car is just like it except: this car has better steering (no dead spot in the steering), doesnt shake going over bumps, has a great radio, top doesnt leak, cowl doesnt leak (no more wet carpet), windows dont rattle, and yes, the gauges all work. All in all, this car has all the great styling I remember with none of the bad things I had tried to forget!

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  Fuel Efficient Ranger Does the Job! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By ranger rick - September 18 - 9:51 pm

  Ok i admit it I love big trucks. In fact I almost bought a Sierra work truck for $11,900 this summer but couldnt get past the 17 mpg Id be getting. So I went to the Ford Dealer and looked at the Rangers. I bought an XLT long bed 4 cylinder 5 speed model and its been great. Great on gas, great on performance and great on usefulness. The 2.3 liter motor is torqued down well and the size of the bed for a compact truck is great. A real 7 foot long bed tops Toyota and Chevy. The exterior of the Ranger is a timeless well executed design. It is a truck so you do feel bumps, however tooling around town getting 28 mpg is fine with me. The inside is nothing new but there has been some updates.

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  Freestar Cargovan rating - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By towgunner - September 18 - 8:15 am

  This van was purchased as a practical utility vehicle and as a "daily driver". As such, the Freestar Cargo van meets all of my requirements: ability to carry a reasonable weight (1/2 to 3/4 ton) of cargo under cover (enclosed), be economical to drive to and from work (19-21 mpg combined), be comfortable to drive, and not be a financial burden to purchase.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - September 17 - 9:35 pm

  I have been a "Ford Guy" for a long time. Over the years owned a Ranger, a F150, a Probe, a Mustang, and now every SUV they have made except the Bronco II. I am not disappointed. This is one comfortable ride. Every feature I could ask for and looks great. Rides smooth and for the size I am getting pretty good MPG.

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  Very Good Pickup - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By gman - September 17 - 6:20 pm

  Have had this truck over 5 years now. It is not perfect but darn close. Have not had any real problems so far. I have had it back to the shop only once and that was for some door moulding that was coming loose. I dont put many miles on this truck each year but it has performed great so far. Fuel mileage could be better but hey, its a truck. Finish/paint looks as good as the day I bought it. Probably only real complaint is road/wind noise. Some of that may be due to tires. Would not hesitate to buy this vehicle all over again.

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  Ford 4wd crew cab - 2005 Ford F-150
  By roger mobley - September 17 - 6:04 pm

  This vehicle was to be the last one that I purchased after retirement. So far the truck is all that I want in a pickup and tow vehicle. It has the power to pull any size load so far (8000#). I installed an aftermarket leveling kit. Wow what a difference in appearance, I would say that it has passed all tests. VERY HAPPY!

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  My view from the Ivy Tower - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Marion E. Hall - September 17 - 8:46 am

  This is our first all wheel drive and our first CVT. This makes for some interesting situations when the car is in the cruse mode and you are in hilly areas. Overall, the car performed quite well.

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  Bruces Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Bruces 04GT Mustang - September 16 - 3:59 am

  One hot car. 5th gear is only used after 60. It is amazing that at 80, it is turning just 2000 rpm. No joke. I took a trip at 60 to 70 mph and got 22.8 mpg. Most times I get right around 19 to 20 mpg. It is very difficult to find information about this car. How many were manufactured? HP/WEIGHT ratio. How much are the commemorative medallions valued at. I have six of them. I have special wheels bought from a noted tire dealer. I have been offered $250 or more for the original alloy rims. Why are they worth anything at all? 3 people have offered me at least that much money.

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  Great Family Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Brandy T - September 15 - 1:59 pm

  I bought this car when we were expecting a second child. Its roomy enough for all of us. The trunk has a TON of space. Love the extra features of the SEL, but with the extra power comes less than optimal gas mileage (22 mpg city, 26 hwy). Since I only drive 12-15k/year its not too big a deal.

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  IMPRESSIVE - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By eileen - September 15 - 4:20 am

  I traded in my Honda Accord for the Freestyle. IÂ’m so happy I did. It looks great, gets the best gas mileage in its class, its roomy. And best of all, our dogs absolutely love it! We put all the back seats flat, cover with a fitted sheet (queen, fits perfect!) and comforter, roll the windows 1/2 way down & our dogs are in heaven. We cant wait to take road trips in it. I absolutely recommend it to families & active folks with kids or dogs, or sports enthusiasts. We have the SEL in white/gold trim. ItÂ’s sharp. For us, its perfect. But most importantly, the safety features, comfort, mpg & fact that it suits not only us, but our dogs, sold us on this one. Enjoy!