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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  Great family vehicle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Stephen Butenhoff - July 30 - 3:36 pm

  We love our Freestyle! we were looking for something to hold our family (5)+ friends, go camping, carry sports gear and get through Minnesota winters. We got all this plus our 70+ year old parents can easily get in and out without a step ladder. Its quiet, comfortable and roomy and gets great mileage. I have never been stopped by so many people who want to know about my vehicle. Keep up the good work!

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  Really more than I expected. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bill - July 30 - 3:10 pm

  We purchased this vehicle used with 22,000 miles on it and we now have 70,000 miles on it 20 months later. The only thing we have done to it so far is to consistently service it, and put a new set of tires on it. The Fusion seems to do a pretty good job of combining decent performance, handling, gas mileage, and comfort. Although it has leather, it is not very good quality and the headrests seem to be bricks covered with a little foam pading and a little more leather. Everything seems to be very easily reached and other than the steering mounted temperature adjusting button has worked without flaw. Overall, this vehicle has served us in a way that we would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Ive waited 40 years for this... - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Mitchell Bateman - July 30 - 1:10 pm

  I am 53 years old and owned older Mustang muscle cars in the 60s and 70s but nothing like this car. When the TCS system is disengaged, the raw horsepower is frightening. You better be ready for whats about to happen when you step on it. Its hard to drive it and not put your foot in it every time you stop and take off again. Ive never ridden on the space shuttle but I cant imagine the rush being any greater!

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  Worst vehicle we have had -reliability - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Renee Hart - July 30 - 12:23 pm

  My husband and I shopped all the SUVs and chose the Ford Expedition as it best fit our family needs. We absoblutely love the SUV with the exception of the reliability. On the third year, this year, we have replaced an altinator and it is currently in the shop for a new transmission. However, the problems began immediately with one thing or another. Unfortunately, the small things happened when it was under warranty. We are very, very disappointed in the reliability of this vehicle. We would not purchase another one based on this.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Brad Busque - July 30 - 12:01 pm

  We leased our Freestyle back in 2005 because the CVT worried me. Its now 3 years latter and time to buy or move on. After looking around at other makes, it has become apparent what a great car the Freestyle is. We always liked the car, and after shopping around for a replacement decided to buy out our lease. Even three years later there is no other vehicular the size of the Freestyle that can provide the gas mileage we are getting. With gas prices still around $4.00 a gallon we will be sticking with our 22MPG city , 27 MPG highway FWD Freestyle. The car has been rock solid, very dependable, and great for our trips to Home Depot. Per our mechanic the CVTs have been great.

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  Bought used, but still great. - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Kevin - July 30 - 10:17 am

  Bought used with 116K miles. Vehicle is now seven years old now and looks and drives great. The interior is still in perfect condition. Leather seats are barely worn. Went up from sedan to this due to having a child. Great room and car seats are a breeze now.

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  2010 Ford Fusion Sport - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Horton MD - July 30 - 8:40 am

  I have owned several Lincolns,two Jaguars and numerous Ford products over the years and the 2010 Sport is probably the best put together most fun to drive vehicle Ive owned in years. Not to mention the best in fuel economy. Build quality is a 10! I compare a new vehicle to something I have owned in the past and this beats out my 2006 JaguarS-Type for the ride,fun to drive and gas Mileage. Huge rear leg room and ample trunk. I cant say enough about the 2010 Fusion Sport.

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  Great Changes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rob - July 30 - 8:03 am

  We have a XLT 4WD and what a dramatic difference from the older versions...especially the interior...thank goodness. This new version is so much better in my opinion. Dramatically quieter and more comfortable and the prices are actually lower than last years model. We have some very steep hills in our area with gravel roads and the all wheel drive handles them with ease without any loss of traction and the transmission does all the braking on the way downhill with little effort saving my brakes the wear and tear. Love this CUV!

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  Good and Bad Features - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Sandy - July 30 - 7:17 am

  Mechanically, I have had no problems with the Windstar. I have 88,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. I just changed the battery for the first time. I am going to trade it on a smaller car. If I had known that Ford was going to come out with a van with collapsable seats instead of the removable ones, I would have waited and bought the Freestar. Removing and replacing the back seats has been the biggest pain since I got the car. Also, like most other reviews here, my interior lights occasionally flicker and no one can fine what is wrong. Same with the ABS light that comes on but dealer cant find any problem when I bring it in. Gas mileage has been about 20. Used to be better.

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  Todds Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Todd Harbron - July 30 - 5:06 am

  I am so happy I spent the extra money on this car. It rides nice, is comfortable, and gets good gas mileage while it helps to save the air quality. The only issue I have it the steering wheel should cascade as for my long legs I have to stretch to reach the steering wheel. This was not a problem in my Sport-Trac or Ranger XLT. I highly recommend it though!