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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  2005 Freestyle DOA - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By brian - January 11 - 6:36 am

  We purchased a 2005 Freestyle new. It is presently broken down at a gas station in CO. My wife barely made it off the road. With less than 50000 miles on it we have had the rear brakes replaced, a throttle body replaced, numerous problems with the rear passenger door seal, gas cap sensor problems. Good luck to anyone who purchases a Ford Freestyle.

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  Love My 09 SE V6 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By virioncr - January 11 - 12:05 am

  I bought a blue ink 09 v6 se in late Dec 08 with sync and I love the car, and sync. I have about 500 miles on the car and have no complaints at all. The car handles very well after two fill ups i am avg about 20 mpg in combined driving. If you are on the fence about getting SYNC get it. SYNC is amazing and hands free driving is nice as well as being able to use your ipod with the SYNC feature. Take a look at this car if in the market for a similar car.

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  Just Love My First Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Mustanglover - January 10 - 11:37 pm

  I first drove a 05 Mustang V6 and after that I just had to own the new style Mustang. My 07 GT convertible is a real blast to drive. Cant decide whether to listen to the exhaust or the 500 watt stereo. Like other comments the gas mileage, acceleration, and handling is superb in this car. This is a true muscle car in my opinion. The 300 HP v8 engine has plenty of power. Mine is the torch red color with the hood scoop option. I get comments all the time about the looks of it. No rattles or problems since I got it new and its just over 2 years old now. Will keep this car for a long time. Paint quality is super on mine. I have keep everything stock on it for now.

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  Just the right size SUV. - 2007 Ford Escape
  By John in Kingston TN - January 10 - 9:22 pm

  Ive been shopping for an Escape for a couple years now and finally made the plunge. I was going to buy the 07 new, when I saw the re-designed 08, but it was too late to order one as I wanted a 4x4 with manual 5-speed. Found a clean 07 4x4 stick 17K miles and love it. Very comfortable, excellent visibility. Mileage 23/27, and absolutely fun to drive. Handles great with lots of power for a 4cyl. The 2.3 has 25 years of refinement and it shows - especially with the stick. Interior is basic, but very functional.

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  A Great Compact Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Paul Cox - January 10 - 3:18 pm

  I bought the car with 62k and it now has 122k. Ive owned it for 7 years. I change the oil and filter every 4,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance items, Ive replaced the timing belt, cooling fan, gas tank filler pipe, alternator, battery and front brake pads. The gas mileage is between 35-39 mpg. By far, this is the most economical and dependable car Ive ever owned! Im 63 years old and will never part with it!

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  Never again - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Pat - January 10 - 2:28 pm

  Bought my truck used 1 year ago with 12,000 miles on it. Just got back from my 5th visit to the dealer to have it repaired. Once for 4X4 transfer switch breaking, 3 times for transmission leak, and once for blown shock (the truck hauls air and has never pulled a trailer) and a clogged fuel filter. All with less than 24,000 miles. Oh, I have to go back next week to have the shock installed. The dealer had to order it. Whats sad is that I really like the style and size of the truck. Its perfect for my needs, but Im not going to have it spend as much time in my garage as it does as the dealers.

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  Glad I bought this - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By wiiz - January 10 - 2:19 pm

  I rented a Ford Aspire once and decided it was the car I wanted to buy. Ive had this car 10 years. Replaced a clutch (60K miles), and have had the front end (outer tie rod, and L ball joint replaced just last year. I give it regular oil changes and keep the tires inflated. Except for this last year with the front end work, this has been a dream. 41+ mpg highway, 34 city. Quiet, and small enough to fit into even the smallest parking spaces. The hatch is roomy - its like a clown car on the inside! I can get so much stuff in it its crazy! I can drive in the snow when bigger 4WD vehicles cant. Its 13 (near 14) years old, and I dont intend to get rid of it any time soon. Yay for me.

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  Would Purchase Again! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By akireeap - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I looked at other smaller SUVs and this was the only one in the same price range that had a lot to offer, without feeling like the inside was a "fischer price" inside. I test drove a bunch, and the Escape road smoother, less bumpy, very comfortable, and sturdy. It also doesnt feel so "top heavy"

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  Nothing Compares - 2005 Ford Escape
  By xleex1 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my new XLT Escape. Ive owned Toyotas and Hondas all my life. My friend had one with 50,000 miles on it and has had zero problems with it. So I made the jump and couldnt be happier. It handles better than the CRV, Highlander, and RAV-4. It has more power than any of those. It has more than enough cargo space for anything. The only thing I would change would be a bigger fuel tank. Im so glad I didnt pay more just for the name HONDA OR TOYOTA!!!!!!!

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  Ford Escape 2004 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Christine Hanyzewski - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Perfect size. Great handeling. Lots of power. Lots of cargo space.