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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  loving it - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By dixon - May 11 - 1:00 pm

  I love everything about this car, the ride, the style and the comfort that it offers. The stares that it gets on the road is an added bonus. The car handles well at any speed and during all weather conditions. This is a luxury car but not at a luxury price. The space that it offers is great as rear seat passengers always enjoy comfort. I find that it is good on gas and that is a plus in this current economy, also great if you have to do a lot of shopping, the trunk is huge!. Highly recommended.

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  Life is good.... - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By chrisma - May 11 - 6:36 am

  ...so why not treat yourself to a Mustang GT? I did! Enough power to play with the big boys. Enough styling to play with the big girls. Excellent value for the price. Not looking forward to when I have to put her away for the winter :-(. But then Ill have that much more to look forward to the next spring :-).

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By HartRW - May 10 - 4:23 am

  We just love our Fusion, ride performance, looks, everything. The first trip we took it on we averaged 29.9 MPG. Our SEL is a V6, but it isnt AWD. The fit and finish is very good, I have found no defects what so ever. Performance is more than adequate. The MPG is better than I expected. The cross traffic warning system is great when backing out of a parking place between two SUVs. We also love the blind spot warning system.

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  Excellent Freestyle does not Disappoint - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kris Loewen - May 10 - 4:03 am

  My wife and I love our Ford Freestyle. Cant figure out the poor reviews in Consumer Reports. No problems after 6k; The car drives smoothly and is wonderful to get in and out of. I like the CVT, I can see out easily and the seats (leather) are supportive and comfortable. I love the rear folding seats and the huge amount of storage space available in the back. It is ridiculous how much space there is back there. The Freestyle is a dream in the snow and ice, it doesnt even know there are bad conditions. You can literally drive normally and have no worries at all. Does not get the mileage claimed (we are at 17mpg in town and maybe 22 on the highway in the AWD SEL model).

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  very satisfied - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By jose cardenas - May 9 - 3:06 pm

  i travel to work in my car every day and it feels good to drive very smooth and handles great from me; no complaints, just needs more body side molding for other careless drivers out there. It feels like a luxury sedan. The engine has a lot of power, very nice sedan.

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  Love My Focus ZX3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Dave Madrid - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have the 2.0L Zetec/5spd manual, and I must echo everyone else, it doesnt impress you with power. Although I do get 30mpg on the highway regularly going 75mph. Its very spacious inside, well thought out ergonomics, superior driving dynamics, above average stereo, quiet on the highway, and plenty of power items. I dont have much to complain about.

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  Fun for trips - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dansee - May 9 - 2:00 am

  My wife never thought she could handle a vehicle of this size, but the expedition drives like a car.

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  5-Passenger SE Value Package - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By JDUB81 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  For those of you interested in the Ford Taurus SE, I would highly recommend the 5-Passenger with SE Value Package. After test driving the 6-Passenger Seating version, I realized the front center seating would never be practical for any adult. Also, the 6-disc CD changer is mounted in the rear trunk which would not be convenient for long road trips. However, I was impressed with the 5-Pass version w/ floor mounted shifter and 6-disc CD changer in the center console. Not only is it easy changing CDs, but also adds some extra storage next to the CD player. Now I dont have to worry about hitting the CD changer when I throw my golf clubs in the trunk.

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  SVT Lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 1FSTSVT - May 9 - 2:00 am

  this truck is by for the best truck you can get for the money. 380 hp for only $32000, i mean the srt-10 is 500hp but almost $50000.

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  What they dont tell us - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dancer - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Well Im perfectly happy with my Eddie Bauer 04. But right away I noticed there is a problem with the air conditioner. Come to find out alot of people with the year 04 have complained of the same thing. Apparently the service department knew of this, and I asked, dont the salesmen know of this, it would of determined if I bought the truck or not. They said yes, but that they wouldnt tell me or anyone else because they want to make the sale. Im going to be patient and wait and see if Ford comes out with another unit to install. It should be recalled pretty soon. Otherwise Ive always been happy with the Ford Expedition.