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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  A new face for Ford? - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Snake - August 25 - 3:01 pm

  When we bought this car I wavered a bit because it is a Ford but man have they changed on this car! For a mid- size car can this car move, looks like a perfect hybrid of mid-size and sports car. My wife loves the exterior look of the car and the lights. I would buy the Ford Fusion again in a hearbeat.

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  Best Expedition yet - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By R P MILLER - August 25 - 11:04 am

  My wife totaled 2004 E. Bauer in a head-on, good design saved her life, bought 2005 King Ranch 4WD with all options. I love the air suspension, it rides better than my supercrew which has a longer wheel base. My wife sells real estate and gets 14-15 mpg under the worst conditions, we have gotten 21.2 mpg from New Mexico to Dallas at 70 to 80 mph. I think the mpg is great considering the Expidition is 4 w/d and weighs 5600 lbs. w/3.73 ratio. This is our third Expidition and we would buy another one without hesitation

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  2003 SVT Cobra Coupe - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Cobra Dude - August 25 - 2:03 am

  I have owned a Cobra since 02 and it is the fastest street car under 42K. I professionally race this car and drive it on the street. It will run the 1/4 mile in the high 10"s on a performance tune and run high 11s on a street tune. It is awesome on the highway. I was given the name ZO6 Killer because I beat so many ZO6s at the track. It cruises and tracks well. My tune reached 650+ RWHP on the dyno. I have had many cars and this car is one of my best. I also have two late model Mercedes, and a 07 Chevy Malibu. I know a good thing when I see it. The 03 SVT Cobra is one of the best ever for the money.

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  Techie Ride - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By e.r. churilla - August 25 - 12:46 am

  Cant wait for the snow to fly. We bought this vehicle over a minivan and did not sacrifice much in the way of roominess - AWD, traction control. the CVT and its Volvo lineage were the big selling points. The constantly variable transmission took a little getting used to, but the vehicle has decent acceleration traits and the engine settles down to 1800 or so RPM at 70 mph on the highway. The middle row folds away quite easily to allow fairly decent access to the third row, and two adults can sit comfortably in the 3rd row. The seating system is well engineered and is a very sturdy platform when in cargo mode. The stereo features a 6 disk MP3 player.

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  Best work horse van ever - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By Bob - August 24 - 8:59 pm

  I have over 178,000 miles on ours and it still runs and drives great. Never a problem and the AC both front and back still work like new. We got it used and i have never had to fix anything on it. Used up two sets of tires. This is one amazing van. It just keeps going and going we love it. Best van I have ever had and I have had vans all my life.

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  Worst Car Ever!!!! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Dg12192016 - August 24 - 7:49 pm

  I have been having transmission leaks ever since i bought it. Brought it to Bay ridge ford (horrible dealer) for service and he tried to play me for a fool. He would clean the oil and make it seem like he fixed it. I called Ford service and their costumer service is useless, no help at all. Dont ever buy fords, worst cars ever. I learned my lesson!

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  Best family transportation - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ed - August 24 - 4:02 pm

  I bought a 2005 Freestyle with 23,000 miles. Leather seats are real nice. I read some peoples issues with the CVT trans and the lack of power but I find the power fine loaded up with 6 pass and I average 28 to 29 mpg highway and 24 on country roads. With 4.00 a gal. milage would win over pwr.In Freestlys case it has both. Why Ford is going in 09 to a bigger motor and back to a 6 speed trans to lower milage to 15 to 20 mpg is a mistake. Plus all the seats including the pass seat fold flat to fit all kinds of material in it is a big plus. Family mover, material mover, nice looking, lots of room 29 mpg hwy their is nothing out their that offers so much. Buy a good used one now SEL or Limited

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  Responsible Owner - 2000 Ford Focus
  By George - August 24 - 1:27 pm

  Bought the car because we needed a small wagon for commuting. At the time of purchase very little existed in the market for choice. Ford had brought the Focus design from Europe to the states and we liked its crisp lines and the fact that it was a wagon. We found my 64" frame fit comfortably in the cabin and the responsive road handling fun to drive. We had the recalls from Ford fixed and thru the years of ownership I have had only a few unexpected repairs. Overall I found preventive maintenance is the key to the 150000 miles of service this car has provided. I expect to own the car another 150000 miles before I aquire a new replacement. We are pleased with its performance and reliability.

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  Good Job Ford! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bartley - August 24 - 10:00 am

  So far I am very pleased. Have not run across any problems. I find it very comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

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  Rocket Ride - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By highway58 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Smooth power especially midrange makes passing a breeze. Confident handling at any legal speed makes this car my car of choice for long trips as well as around town. The interior is as big as a small office for those travelling salesman types.