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:

• 

  Freestyle the best kept secret - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jaybird36 - September 14 - 10:38 am

  After a summer of driving the kids around I have to say that the Freestyle is the great family hauler. Have a 2001 Windstar and decided to see if the Freestyle would as good a hauler as a minivan but with a better ride and comfort. Well, the answer is "YES". There is not as much interior space as a minivan but I am over it. The Freesytle is great!

• 

  20000 miles & perfect - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bruce - September 14 - 10:26 am

  Leased an early 2005, Jan 2005. Now have 20,000 miles. Car has been perfect. Only recall was the gas tank straps. Extended trip this spring from N MI to S FL resulted in an average mileage of 25 mpg driving 75 mph average. We get 20 mpg in town like clockwork. CVT has worked like a charm. AWD is awesome in the winter, as good or better than my 4x4 F150 Lariat. We will be leasing another in Jan 07. The dealers cant find used ones. No one is letting this car go.

• 

  Aftermarket - 2003 Ford Focus
  By pwallace01 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I used to drive a mustang and let me tell you. This car handles and responds to driver input much better. Anyone can take this car and drive it fast through a corner. The only downfall i see from the factory is that it only has 130HP. The aftermarket, however, is plentiful. You will like this car.

• 

  # 3 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By victor cavagna - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I have 2002 edge plus i towed a 6x12" uhaul to my property load and also bed of the truck good test for torque climded 4000in 4th in the auto and also the 4wheeler of it is asome

• 

  GOOD - 2003 Ford F-150
  By BILLY BOB SPIKER - September 14 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICAL I EVER HAD.

• 

  2005 Ford Escape XLT - 2005 Ford Escape
  By b scott - September 14 - 7:13 am

  Fun to drive, plenty of horsepower, more than enough head and leg room for six footers and taller, reasonable gas mileage, responsive steering and handling room for four with golf clubs and made in America.

• 

  Satisfied Customer - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Suze - September 12 - 4:50 pm

  So far Im getting about 34 to 35 mpg on standard 5-speed. It seems wider and is higher than my Escort wagon, which I prefer. I think it is a good value compared to others on the market. For me, if its not a Ford, its not a car.

• 

  2006 4X4 Ford Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Warren Silverwood - September 12 - 2:53 pm

  I wanted a plain truck that was good on gas with a lot of aftermarket parts available. The 2006 Ford Ranger with the 3.0 Vulcan V6 has been perfect. This truck was very affordable so with the money saved I was able to upgrade it to my specs. It is fun to drive and is very reliable.

• 

  Ford Escape Hybrid Delivers - 2005 Ford Escape
  By YesterdayWhen - September 12 - 4:56 am

  The Ford Escape Hybrid is a gem. It has exceptional power when needed and incredible responsiveness to the touch of the wheel. The Ford Escape hybrid just won the North American Truck of the year award in Jan. of 2005. If you drive one you will know why. The Ford Escape Hybrid is my favorite lifetime vehicle purchase to date. Ford went above and beyond to build this hybrid. It is a great feeling to have a SUV with good looks, one that is clean, with a super tax rebate at the end of the purchase year, that is actually using no petrol while crawling through traffic next to that monster gas guzzler and knowing that when you need to accelerate, the Ford Escape Hybrid will deliver!

• 

  70K miles, no problems - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Golfnut - September 10 - 4:57 pm

  I purchased this new w/ incredible discounts, $8,000 off and 0.0% financing, no Japanese car can compare with that. The interior space is great, Im 511", 270lbs and I have no problems getting in or out. I can not get into hardly any Japanese vehicle. I have not had to make any repairs on this vehicle and saved over $10,000 compared to comparable Japanese cars. I love my Taurus and will be giving it to my 16 year old son to drive because I know it is dependable.