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 Ford Freestyle AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By DWin - October 7 - 3:59 am

  I purchased my Freestyle used in 2008 with 32k miles. The CVT is smooth but takes some getting used to. Low end torque is lacking but a wide-open throttle command at highway speed reveals the hidden upper-rpm power. The interior is average but adequate but not the most comfortable ride for long hauls (400 miles or more). Reliability is another strong point.

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  Excellent Performance for the money - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Don Cannon - October 7 - 3:06 am

  This has to be the finest performance car I have ever owned! I have been fortunate to own Corvettes, 350Z, Z3, TransAms, Mustang GTs, even a 67 GT390 Mustang and this car is the best of them all. I purchased the car USED with only 2400 actual miles and have not been disappointed. The Shelby had a full Roush exhaust system installed on it before it left the Ford dealership and it has a terrific sound. Far better than the stock system I test drove on other cars. The gas mileage is excellent and as stated on the window. For anyone looking at one of these cars the performance and handling are terrific. It does have the wheel hop under hard acceleration but the TCS work good.For the money buy it!

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  One bad minivan - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy Dad - October 7 - 2:00 am

  the 1999 edition is HORRIBLE! Our first Windstar was wonderful- no problems and 75k miles. This one was the WORST car we have ever owned- engine was replaced at 30k; transmission broke at 52k; electric was always having problems; battery died monthly. A LEMON is a nice name for this vehicle. FORD= Fix Or Repair Daily (at least monthly)

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  great car - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By carl steinberg - October 7 - 2:00 am

  great suv, quieter than its competition, better ride, huge improvement on the prior year models

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  2003 Explorer 4.6 V-8 XLT prem.pkg 4x4 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ray romero - October 7 - 2:00 am

  NICE POWER,SOLID FEEL,NICE HANDLING,FAIRLY COMFORTABLE SEATS (1st two rows),average visability,nice for a medium/small size suv.

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  Small Price = Good Buy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By firefighter28jfc - October 7 - 1:01 am

  I bought my ZX3 7 years ago at age 16 and have only encountered one problem with it besides regular maintainence. At 36K, the front half-shafts went bad, but since they were replaced, its been smooth sailing. I have made many engine modifications, as well as bigger wheels and a lower suspension, and the car has been fantastic. This vehicle is really worth the money.

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  Good experience - 2007 Ford Edge
  By rog - October 7 - 12:36 am

  Fun to drive, great in snow. Only complaints, seat belt hard to attach and the blind spots at both rear corners. Gas mileage could be a little better. 22.5 and 15.5. Overall very happy.

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  Wow! - 2008 Ford F-150
  By txgreek - October 6 - 10:42 pm

  I have owned this decked out King Ranch a while now and gotta say that I am extremely impressed with the build quality of Ford. I had a 2006 Dodge diesel 4x4 that had given me so many problems that I was really worried about getting into another American made truck. All I can say is wow!

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  WOWZER, never thought I would, but I did - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 30somethin - October 6 - 8:33 pm

  After being in an accident in a 01 Accord that left me with injuries I happened to ask the adjuster his opinion of the safest car to be in ... and he didnt hesitate a second. "Crown Victoria", he said with a smile. Guess what Im driving now? Yep, you guessed it. And Ill tell you the truth, Im loving every second of it.

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  Fun ride - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By dkc - October 6 - 8:01 pm

  I drove many different cars before I bought the Mustang. For the money, I think I bought the best car. Great gas mileage and holds the raod in tight turns. I was in Kansas on business this spring and got a chance to open the car up on I-35. What a ride! I drove from Topeka to Wichita in 97 min. When I check my gas mileage it was around 27 mpg. Oh yes, it is 137 miles between the two cities. Around town the car is very fun and turns a lot of heads. All I can say is fun, fun, fun.