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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  First 4WD SUV - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Ann Johnston - February 20 - 2:31 am

  Very pleased so far (1 month). Determined to buy a Ford this time for their good history; no bail out and American.

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  Best T-bird ever! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By MacLeod - February 19 - 5:01 pm

  Ive had four Thunderbirds before this an old 57 I bought used, an 84 Elan, an 88 Turbo Coupe, a 90 Super Coupe. I liked them all a lot, but the 05 is the best ever.

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  Still discovering - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Marie - February 19 - 4:23 pm

  I just bought the car in July, so I have some things to discover. But my overall first impression is great. I sold my 1997 Explorer to buy this 2005 Freestyle. The Freestyle takes a little getting used to how it drives. My Explorer would coast down in speed rather quickly. The Freestyle will coast forever and lose very little momentum, thus in the beginning I was having to brake hard quite a bit. The brakes work great, and the ABS is not super sensitive. I have checked out the 7 passenger seating filling it to capacity with adult men. All fit comfortably. The ride is quiet. However when the auto AC is set, the blower can be quite loud.

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  Love My Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bil Keane - February 19 - 12:59 pm

  I remember well the original T-Bird. At the time, I couldnt afford one, and by the time I could, it was upsized, downsized and removed from the market altogether. While not a true sports car, it is sporty enough for most conservative adults. It handles well on the road and is much quieter than you would expect from a convertible. On the downside, its not the best car for folks over 6 with the soft top. There is however plenty of headroom with the optional hard top. Definitely a head turner. If you dont like people constantly asking you about your car, you better not get one.

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  Would do it again! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Christie - February 19 - 12:24 pm

  Have had three of these vehicles and loved them all. Would purchase this vehicle again.

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  The 2014 F150 is Outstanding - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Warrren Merkle - February 18 - 10:20 am

  The F-150 delivers as promised. The truck has needed oil changes and tire rotations and nothing else. The only issue is aesthetics. Ford used too much plastic in the cab. The XLT should have incorporated some fabric or other material on the door and dash areas to break up all of that plastic. It gives a $35,000 vehicle a rather cheap look inside. The power from the 3.7 V6 is more than enough for those unless you are towing over 6,000 pounds on a regular basis. It has the acceleration of a V8 and great fuel economy. If you keep the truck at 70 MPH, you will get 21.5 MPG or better on the highway. Ive made a few round trips from Florida to Ohio and my best was 21.9 MPG and there are a lot of hills and mountains on I-77. Overall I get 18.3 MPG on daily around Tampa, Florida driving. The AC is almost always on down here, so in cooler climates, there might be a better number. Im in my late fifties, so I dont drive like a teenager, but I dont drive like a blue hair either. The warranty should be longer to better compete with other brands and the price of theses trucks is approaching insanity. But this is my fourth truck and even though those new Chevys catch my eyes from time to time, you cant go wrong with the F-150. Acquired 3/2014

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  1997 GTS - 1997 Ford Probe
  By NumberOne - February 18 - 2:30 am

  This is the fourth, and will be the final Ford Probe I have owned. It is a wonderful car with great speed to back up its sleek looks. It holds its own against new car styling while being many years old it always runs well the interior has a sharp design and the look of the GTS racing stripes adds an incredible touch to the car as a whole. I always get looks driving down the street in this thing. The combination of the Mazda drivetrain and Ford body styling makes for a truly unique vehicle.

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  Drive this car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Henryb43 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  And you will buy it. best Mustang I have owned yet.

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  Mustang Mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Shartstop - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car has some real getty up. Its a true eye catcher with the shaker hood scoupe.

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  The bold and the beautiful - 2004 Ford F-150
  By left - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Solid,excellent assembly and refined drive train and equipment.