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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  Eddie Bauer after 70,000 miles - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - December 2 - 10:41 am

  Our first Expedition was a 1999 Eddie Bauer which we traded in after 75,000 problem free miles. We bought our current Expedition primarily because the 1999 was problem free and we wanted the power fold flat third row seats (which are great). However the 2005 version has been in the shop a number of times. The AC compressor had to be replaced at 40,000 miles ($1400) and the front brake calipers had to be replaced at 65,000 miles because they were binding. However the worst part of the vehicle is the interior rattles, dashboard squeaks and suspension creaks, moans and groans which drive us crazy. Gas mileage has been OK, pretty much as expected. 17-18 on the highway and 14-15 around town.

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  Fine Car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard - December 2 - 7:18 am

  I always wanted a Freestyle and found a real bargain in the local area. Ive had the vehicle about 6 weeks. Brakes had been repaired before I bought it. Otherwise, the vehicle has been perfect. Wifes car, and I was a little skeptical as she traded a 2002 Lincoln Continental. Its not a Continental, but she loves the high seating and comfort the vehicle offers.

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  Fun, Reliable, Versatile, Great on Gas - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Geoff - December 2 - 3:15 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Excellent sound system, huge sunroof, very versatile. Great on gas for an SUV with 4x4 and V6 engine. On a long trip with the A/C on I averaged 24-25MPG! With the A/C I got 28MPG! The engine is very powerful making passing or merging effortless. Handles great in the snow. Never have I felt out of control, all handling is predictable. Very fun to drive! You will not regret purchasing an Escape!

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  Great car, but Ford could do better - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By SFKen - December 2 - 12:56 am

  This is a great car. It is put together well, rides and drives great, looks good, etc., EXCEPT it needs a little more horsepower. The 250 HP engine due in the 2007 model will solve that problem but why does Ford make us wait. Also, the interior doors, etc. are hard plastic. I wish Ford would spend a few dollars, and I will pay more, for a softer feeling interior. Design, etc. is great. Its just 95% of a perfect car.

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  298000 - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By worth it - December 1 - 1:59 pm

  i bought my 1992 Explorer 5 years ago with about 150000 miles on it. I bought it for $700. It rode okay and I thought it was worth the try for the money. I now have over 298000 on it and havent had to do anything but change oil, brakes, tires and a tune up. Best buy for the money I have ever bought

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  09 Fusion - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Dan - December 1 - 10:41 am

  This car is awesome. I got the AWD SE V6. It has plenty of power (honestly I dont even know why youd need 270 or whatever the Honda offers) and I get decent gas mileage (23ish-24 mpg). I didnt get the Sport Appearance Package but it still looks good, and the ride is great. For the price (totaled around 20k), this is the best car out there.

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  98 XLT - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Bgriffin - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Very good Power from the DHC V6, good handleing, good highway gas mileage, can use some work on the city mileage. Great room inside, a lot better than the competing GM products. Had some bad brake work done, but another place did them right.

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  Explore the Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By purplekat02680 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I am currently driving my second Ford Explorer. I previously owned a 1996 with the same options on it and drove it for a couple of years. I finally decided that the mileage was the only factor keeping me from taking it to college this coming fall. Therefore, I sold it privately for about $8200 with 102,000 miles on it. I absolutely love my new vehicle and will probably always own an Explorer whenever I have a vehicle.

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  Ford Escape XLT 4WD - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tom C - December 1 - 10:00 am

  One of the cheapest built vehicles Ive ever owned. The paint is so thin that even the slightest abrasion goes through to the primer. The leather seats with lumbar support are uncomfortable and awkward to adjust. You can change the feel from a fist in your back to a shoe in your back. No padding on door armrests. Floor mats are under-sized (look like they shrunk). Outside step bars are useless and just get your pant leg dirty. The factory trailer hitch requires that you get under the vehicle to make the electrical connection. My 89 Ford Explorer II XLT was much better. This will be my last Ford.

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  nice car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By tomw212 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I feel the car is a good balance between comfort and performance. It is quick and handles well enough to be fun, and comfortable enough to be my daily driver. The car also gets pretty good gas mileage ranging from 21-26 mpg.