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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  Church Van driver - 2005 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By blaine9199 - May 1 - 2:50 am

  This is the church van used 4-6x week. Great van gets the members to/from safely. ride is very comfortable for such a big van, ours is 15 passenger. Smooth on hwy, not bad on side streets with LOTS of Michigan potholes. No repairs so far @245,000. Sounds like brand new. No noises. Plastic interior is a little cheap. Triangle piece on door comes off if lightly pulled. Doors close tight no rattles. Seats are easy enough to get in/out. Simple lever system. I love driving it, but hate backing it up. It is huge! Good views all around, no real blind spots except in back when people walk to close to bumper, scary. I dont bounce like in trucks thats nice. No complaints really

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  Fords Surprise Winner - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By BenS - May 1 - 12:00 am

  The Ford Freestyle is our first-ever American car. My wife chose it over the Pilot, Outback and Freelander. This car is the 21st century vehicle that fills the gap in the market left by Volvo years ago when they discontinued the 240DL wagon and moved upmarket. The Freestyle is well-built, sensible, spacious, stylish but not flashy, and yes, boxy. Despite the unassuming profile, strangers check it out and friends ask *lots* of questions. We love this car so far. Gas mileage is good. 3rd row seat is spacious and comfortable. The ride is great-good stability, nice brakes, smooth transmission. Even the dog appreciates the low trunk after jumping in & out of an SUV for years.

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  F150 STX - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By royc62 - April 30 - 6:16 pm

  My truck is an 2004 F-150 STX version 4.2 and 5 speed. It is a lot of fun to drive. Can pull pop up trailer with no problem. I was afraid that the 4.2 would not be able to handle the things I do, but was I ever wrong. The STX is the sport truck version. I mostly got this truck because of the price. At $14,350 it was less than a lot of used trucks.

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  Top Quality - 1998 Ford F-150
  By lespitz - April 30 - 1:23 am

  I have 175,000 miles on this truck and never had anything go wrong this is a top quality truck. I abuse the heck out of this truck driving daily from 4000 ft to 8000 ft in the mountains. The 4WD system gets abused 9 winter months of the year. An excellent truck.

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  Adorable Car for the perfect price! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Eleshia - April 29 - 7:53 pm

  I am absolutely in love with this car! Its adorable and fun to drive. Handles great on small, curvy roads. Grabs a lot of attention from other drivers. Gas mileage has been improving since I bought the car (with only 42 miles on it.) Its up to an average of 25 mpg. Features and add ons are fun. Audiophile sound system sounds sweet and precise. Ambient lights add a little extra to the somewhat bland interior. I love the moonroof. Also, back seats are extremely roomy and comforable for a small coupe. Huge trunk space even with a subwoofer!

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  Pleased with performance so far... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By deserthybrid - April 29 - 7:06 pm

  Being skeptical of Ford quality after a bad experience with a 2002 model, I have been plesantly surprised by the overall performance as well as the fit & finish on this vehicle. CVT is new for me, but the engine has the torque to accellerate fairly quickly. Love the SYNC system although it is not flawless. Sound system is solid and interior finishes, although not mind blowing, have a nice high quality feel to them. The Hybrid drive is smooth and switches from gas to electric mode seamlessly. Definitely very pleased both with the driving experience and at the pump after putting 5,000 miles on it. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a hybrid. BY the way, the Prius is UGLY

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  Yee Haw - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By debville - April 29 - 6:15 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive, especially with the top down. Everyone agrees its a great looking car. My first car was a 67 Mustang and I always vowed I get another one day. The incentives in December were too good to pass up on so I opted to buy then instead of waiting for the 2005s to come out. I am not unhappy with my decision at all!

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  Excellent - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gilliann - April 28 - 4:43 pm

  This is my first car, and I love it, it handles beautifully, very smooth.

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  Thrilled With This Purchase - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchell - April 28 - 3:13 am

  After 2 months, I could not be happier with my new 500. I test drove 20 cars before choosing the 500. I was close to buying a Benz E320, but the 500 delivered much more value. The cvt seemed like a sales gimmick, but the smooth shifts are so unnoticeable in my hilly neighborhood. The rear leg room made possible by the raised front seats means my kids do not fight over the front. (The rear is as roomy as a BMW 700 series or Mercedes S Class!). The trunk is massive. The inside feels totally luxurious. Please do not compare with a Honda Accord, this is so much roomier and luxurious. And the 6 cylinder may not be a rocket, but it delivers enough power with good gas mileage. Go buy this car.

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  2005 Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Stanggirl2005 - April 28 - 1:13 am

  I special ordered this car in April of 2004 and received it last October. It was worth the wait. The front passengers have plenty of room compared to the older models, and the car is driver friendly. This is a gorgeous car! Im still getting used to people hanging out of their cars staring as I go down the road.