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 excited - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By meme - August 8 - 2:06 am

  I traded my 01 Escape for and 08 Escape Hybrid, and Im loving it. Im averaging about 32mpg. The engine turning off and going to electric takes some getting used to because it feels like your car has stalled. It also took some getting used to not having the power of the v6, but the car does great for the size and only being 4cyl. Its roomy enough for 2 children in the back. Blind spots are not that bad for a suv. Tons of storage space and little cubby spaces. Not that many out there so it was hard to find the color I wanted...black. This car makes my wallet happy

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  I flash my lights! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Manager - August 7 - 11:36 pm

  I really enjoy driving this replacement for our Ford Aerostar. We were concerned about losing the roominess of our van but when I drove this against the Pacifica and reviewed other wagons there was no comparison to the functionality of the space. I drove 3 hours daily (on avg. 200 miles) for the first 2 months that we owned the vehicle. Most days I drove my Audi 100 (1989) that had better gas mileage but I looked forward to the days that I drove the Freestyle. I read that Ford has sold a bit more than 45k since 2005 but ear-marked sales at 100k and thus feel that they have missed their goals. I say great because when I see other people who have made this great choice I flash my lights!

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  Believe - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Believe! - August 7 - 8:30 pm

  Bought new in 1991, this car has amazed me. Great for hauling stuff (hatchback) around. We never got rid of it. Weve owned many cars, Chevys, Toyotas, Olds, even Mercedes. Theyre all gone and this car is still here. We didnt use it much for a long time but now with gas prices up, I resurrected it. Runs great, and getting close to 35 mpg hwy/28 city (5 speed). Over the years only pcv valve, and windshield wiper motor went out. Did a new serpentine belt with about 80k on it and a new set of tires around 95k. I keep thinking buy a new car but this Escort is money in the bank. For the cost of a new car, $15- 20K, I can buy a lot of gas for this Escort even at $5 a gallon. I think Ill keep it!

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  Another good Ford - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bill Meana - August 7 - 12:31 pm

  This is my third Ford Ranger. I upgraded with the options each time. The current vehicle i am driving has the 4 liter engine with the towing package and it handles my 2000 lb boat very well. I will definitely buy another Ford.

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  F150 4x4 6 cyl. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By offrdford - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The 4.2 Liter has some guts but not quite like the 300 ci inline 6 cyl. However, it has done everything Ive asked of it including pulling 2 very large Quarter Horses in a 3000 lb. trailer. Off-road this truck will go almost anywhere and I mean anywhere- very impressive.

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  cobras rule - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By carsman - August 7 - 10:00 am

  the fastest production car under $40k. The best sports car for the money

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  This car cures mid-life crisis - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By fishboy - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Abundant low-end torque makes this modern day musclecar run off the line like a scalded dog. The big blocks of yester-year only wish they could match this car in terms of perfomance, comfort and amenities. To put in in perspective: This car has the same acceleration stats as the 1986 Lambourghini Countach 5000s. Nuff said.

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  My Ford F-150 Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By My Ford F-150 - August 7 - 8:23 am

  I had driven my brother Ford F-250 Lariat and I was so surprised that a truck could handle so easily along with comfort plus quietness. When the time came for me to purchase another vehicle, Ford F-150 Lariat was my choice of trucks I had been looking at.In fact, my Ford truck handles more easily than my car. My Ford F-150 is very good on gas, example, I live in Georgia and I took a trip to Jacksonville, North Carolina, approximately 390 miles and it didnt used a full tank of gasoline. It still had 134 miles to go before the big "E". Great on gas, especially now with gas prices over the hill. I wouldnt trade my F-150 for any other truck, just love driving it too much. You Check one out.

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  I REALLY want to love it, but... - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By mikejbam - August 7 - 3:56 am

  This was both my first new car and my first Ford. The dealership was awesome and made the buying of the vehicle both fun and easy. As for the Freestyle, I wouldnt change a thing about it. The power is adequate for me and the ride is better than anything else Ive driven. Interior is very comfortable and the stereo and DVD system are lots of fun and sound great. My only problem with the vehicle so far is that we havent had much time to drive since the rear end failed at just over 200 miles and its been back at the dealership being repaired. Oh well ... thats what the warranty is for I guess. Probably should have listened to my parents and gone for the Subaru. :)

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  Ford Quality - 2010 Ford F-150
  By GMM - August 6 - 9:10 pm

  The 2010 Ford F-150 is by far the best truck that I have owned and driven. Everything Ford has said about this truck is on the money. I bought the XLT with the 5.4, 3.73 gear and max tow package with tow mirrows, sync, and rearview camera. With only 1500 miles on the truck I am getting 16 to 17.5 mpg on the highway and 14 to 16 mpg in town. It is the quitest truck I have driven and has a excellent ride. I have towed with this truck and so far the truck has performed great with excellent power.