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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  Buy One of These - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By messianicrock - July 31 - 3:20 pm

  The day my wife finally decided to get rid of the Sedona we did not hesitate to buy the Freestar. Ford has done an excellent job putting a SAFE, comfortable, attractive vehicle on the road at a reasonable price. One thing I would like to address is the power issue. A consumer magazine stated the vehicle was under-powered my question is compared to what? The Freestar does not have the power my 04 Marauder, with SuperChip and K&N air induction, but it has ample power for a back road pass or a trip up I40 or I26 into the mountains of NC.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Ltd. - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Stephanie - July 31 - 3:08 pm

  I love my Explorer Ltd. but am just ready for a newer model vehicle. I test drove the 2005 Explorer Ltd. and was not very impressed. I think Ford used cheaper materials in the interior construction of the 2005 model, as my interior is much nicer in my opinion. The engines are pretty much the same and I have never (knock on wood) had a major mechanical problem or been stranded on the side of the road with my 2001. The only minor thing was a hose broke. It cost me around $70. I do however keep up on the maintenance.

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  99 Explorer Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Eren - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in summer of 99 with 11k miles on it and now 3yrs later and now at 60k miles, it still runs great! It was my first car at age 15 and I think this vehicle makes a GREAT beginners car. The Winsheild wipers and Firestone recalls were a bit of a problem but the people at Ford replaced the wipers hassle-free and Firestone bought me $400 Goodyears. This SUV is really good when towing(Jet Ski) and I didnt have to buy a towing package (Just a ball). Overall an EXCELLENT car!

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  "Worth the Wait" - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Poppa - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Explorer and "what a difference"!! My previous two were trouble free; however, this 2002 is a "GEM" to drive. Recently had to drive in a torrential rainstorm & this Explorer handled extremely well. Looking forward to taking some trips in this newly redesigned Explorer, as I know Im going to throughly enjo them

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  I love my focus! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By maribela21 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I used to owe an escort, and the difference with my new focus is night and day. I look forward to driving my car everyday......im still in love with my car, thats what buying a car should feel like......wouldnt trade it for the world!

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  7/8 Marauder - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dr511scj - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Until the price gouging on Mercury Marauders subsides, the Crown Victoria LX Sport is a worthwhile alternative. Although in a side-by-side test drive, I could really notice the Marauders extra horsepower, better sound and larger tires, it wasnt $10,000 better than the LX Sport (including incentives). Both the Marauder and the LX Sport are VASTLY superior to their progenitors (Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria, respectively). Both are much quicker and handle significantly better. The LX Sport is as close to a Police Interceptor as a the average civilian can buy.

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  2002 GT - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Catmanjj - July 31 - 10:00 am

  2002 GT bought in March of 2002 and I love every second of driving it. The only thing that is bad as far as Im concerned is how thirsty it is. But thats understandable cause I new what I was getting into when I was buying a V8.

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  I love this car ! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By taylor - July 30 - 10:20 pm

  This car is amazing! After showing to my family members i think we can all agree on how comfortable the car is to be in for any sized person. It drives so smooth, and is just an all around good car. I commute to college and being in a car for almost 2 hours a day, Ill never get sick of getting into my Fusion. I couldnt be happier with my purchase. Justin and the Freehold Ford dealership made my experience buying this car a great one that i know i wont regret it.

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  Great Value - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By chris - July 30 - 8:32 pm

  I love this vehicle, I feel safe with the family riding in it and you dont feel cramped up after long road trips. Ford has come along ways in the past years and I plan to stick with them.

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  ) - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Deric - July 30 - 5:44 pm

  I would buy again. I was reluctant to purchase this vehicle, but did it anyway. I have to say I was wrong. I have been most impressed with my experience. Recently I took it on a 1200 mile road trip. Wow ... 26 miles to the gallon (that was with a full load and the air conditioning full blast the entire way) and yet it still had plenty of passing power on the highway!