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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  Great value for the money! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Unknown - September 5 - 6:33 am

  I just recently bought a 2010 Ford Escape with 79k miles and the V6 engine. So far, I am very impressed! I just had some maintenance done to it to make sure everything is sound; this included transmission flush and oil change. Everything looked good according to the dealer. I have read a lot of negative reviews, but I would advise to buy one with some miles. That way, all of flaws would be worked out. So far, excellent car!

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  Pleasant Suprise - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Manny - September 5 - 5:53 am

  I was planning on buying a Cadillac SRX. A friend told me about the Freestyle (havent seen many out there and Ford hasnt really advertised the vehicle?). LOVE THIS CAR!. Saved $20,000 from the SRX. Great room in all 3 rows, very nice handling and CVT is very smooth. Ford really should start advertising this car cause its a great all purpose family car ... better than my previous SUVs and as functional as a minivan without the stigma.

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  Like a good friend - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Dentpipe - September 4 - 1:48 pm

  Ive owed this vehicle new from dealership driven it hard and regular. Ive never experienced a problem - Just semi-regular maintenance. Id buy it again. The only thing Id change is adding a console.

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  I really like this vehicle. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By GlenM - September 4 - 10:54 am

  Just got my 06 Freestyle this weekend. I went in looking for an Escape but as I was walking by the Freestyle my head did one of those whip around things. Unlike some who think the Freestyles exterior is dull, I actually like its looks. Then I discovered the functionality of the interior. But, I reserved my buying decision until I test drove it. True its not going to beat a lot of similar sized vehicles off the mark, but thats not what its designed for. Ive owned mostly Chryslers, Chevys, and Beemers, but I cant think of one of them with a smoother tranny than the Freestyle. My only concern is long-term durability, but well see about that.

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  A Perfect 10 - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jerry - September 4 - 1:15 am

  Purchased this vehicle after having a Mercury Monterey minivan. Wife thought she would like something a little smaller so we drove the Freestyle Limited and we both agreed that this was the car for us. We like everything about this vehicle with one exception...we had heated/cooled seats on the minivan and have only heated seats on the Freestyle. Dealer advised me that cooled seats are not an available option. Living in Arizona cooled seats do make a difference.

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  2017 GT Premium Fun! - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By MHR - September 4 - 12:38 am

  I used the Edmunds.com price to buy the car through the ford dealership fleet sales manager. It could not have been easier. The car is one month old now and its a fun car to drive... Just put the top down and go! I got the new platinum white color which I love because it has a nice pearl finish.

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  Freestyle Hits the Mark - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kevin - September 3 - 8:33 pm

  Our kids are now as big as us! We needed a car (not a van) that would fit all of us and occasionally more. We traded in a large 4-Door Chevy pickup that had plenty of room, but the V-8 was gobbling up more than the kids and it REALLY rode like a truck (well, duh!). We bought the AWD Limited with everything on it. All the automotive reviews moan about how underpowered the Freestyle is, but I can tell you it has plenty of power, especially in the 50- 70 passing range, when you really need it. The CVT tranny is incredibly smooth and the AWD keeps you glued to the road. I dont know if any car can truly be all-purpose, but this comes close. For those who want more acceleration - Buy a Mustang GT

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  Phat GT Ragtop - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Phat Ragtop! - September 3 - 6:19 pm

  Have waited a long time to find a ragtop which was not driven into the ground by a youthful driver. If you are lucky enough to find one as I did, adult owned by only 2 owners, it is a GREAT car to drive and performance is very good!

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  HOT 05 GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ken - September 3 - 12:20 pm

  Outstanding, could not find a better car so I bought it. I would do it over again and again. A far out automobile.

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  Great truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Trixxie - September 3 - 1:23 am

  I bought this truck brand new and as I say Ive had it since it was a baby. It has been a great truck. Of course I have given it its proper maintenance and has really paid off. I have been a Ford Woman since I was able to be a Ford Girl at 18. I am now in the decision making of color for my new 2007 F250 diesel with that new engine. I believe I need to order it in November for shipment in February. It seem like it will again be a white with tan leather interior.