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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  Love this car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By JDee - July 11 - 1:36 pm

  This car is good to drive. Easy to get in and out of with a bad back (for me). Easy to put items in and out and the center console in the second seat is an asset to passengers. Good air flow throughout the car. Enjoy the small compartment on the dash

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  Love our Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ida - July 11 - 3:24 am

  We were going to wait till next year to buy a car but when we saw the Mustang we were sold. Everything on it we really like. There is so much room for my husband who is 63". Owned a smaller vehicle but was always cramped. Would recommend it to anyone. Brought back old memories of the Ford Mustang. Going to put it in a show on July 19.

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  Good car for the money - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Da Bomb - July 11 - 12:37 am

  I have had this car for over a year now and I love it. It is fun to drive and gets respectable gas mileage for what it is. However, I have had several non-engine related mechanical issues. I have had to replace all 4 power windows this year, and my Mach CD player broke and is expensive to fix. I have also had to fix the power window switch. But the engine has been flawless. If you want a simple fun convertible, I highly recommend this car.

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  Good, dependable light truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By HerbInMN - July 10 - 10:39 pm

  Our F-150 has been a very good pickup and has been very reliable. It has only required one non-wear item repair and that was a burnt out spark plug coil. Otherwise it has been bulletproof. It has a 3.55 rear differential so it gets OK mileage (14/16). The 5.4 engine and drive train is very strong and it can pull much more than one would one expect. Snowmobiles, 20 ft boat, 38 ft rv trailer, bobcat on a flatbed, no problem. Just add electronic break controls, turn off the overdrive, and youre good to go. Its a great trip mobile too, but the gas bill gets a little high on long trips.

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  Ford Tough - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Larry - July 10 - 7:33 pm

  Bought this truck from original owner with 60k miles on it. It now has 215k and is like new! Other than ordinary maintenance, I put a new radiator in at 150k and an alternator at 195k. Heads have never been off. It just keeps running and everything works. Paint is unbelievable. People cant believe its 10 yrs old. I fully expect to get at least 250k from this completely stock 5.4L beauty.

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  Works great and takes the punishment - 2007 Ford Focus
  By trvlingsalesma - July 10 - 5:05 pm

  I bought htis car to use in travelling sales job. I have almost 72k miles on this car since 9/06 and only a few problems. As others have stated the Pirelli tires were gone at 20k miles. While under warranty cracked hub, broken stabilizer arm and brake drum were replaced. At 30k miles rear struts were replaced ( I sometimes carry excess of 350lbs in trunk and back seat). At 60k thousand miles had to replace alternator. I am large man 511" and weigh 300lbs, interior is roomy enough except on trips over 4 hrs. Driver side seat needs to be replaced, but that is my fault. Car still gets great gas mileage and is really quick. Fun to drive in mountains and never fails to go when pushed.

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  CVT Forever - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By John - July 10 - 2:49 pm

  I traded an 05 Freestyle w/ only 30,000 mi in order to get the CVT which was phased out in the Taurus X! Usually drive machine to 100,000 to 150,000 mi! An hr of expressway driving with the six spd AT after getting used to the small efficient 6 w/ CVT made me take the depreciation hit! My 07 has had no issues mechanically and the fit & finish is excellent! I enjoy getting away from the stoplites faster than most and no hunting for gears as the RPMs stay up and then come down to cruise. Very comfortable vehicle for 6 adults!

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  Try a Ford Again - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By cajunland - July 10 - 2:27 pm

  We mulled it over for a while, to buy or not to buy just for a sometime driver. So I bought first Ford in many years (1990 was last). Loved the body style so bought just for body style, not as a daily driver. It has become my daily driver, parking my 02 V8 Tundra. Just made a 600 mile trip and averaged 30 MPG hwy at 70 MPH. Impressed with V6 power. It is plenty for me. Comfort is not great, cabin is not quite (primarily engine noise), but it is what it is, not a luxury car, not a speed burner, but good dependable transportation with style.

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  Practical and Reliable - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Paul - July 10 - 12:14 pm

  This car is very reliable, easy to fix, and exceptionally roomy for a compact car. I routinely haul my two dogs, child in car seat, wife, and luggage with ease. Ive also pulled a pretty heavy trailer 1000 miles with the car. My only criticisms are that the seats are horribly uncomfortable. The car has very little power, but it is so reliable and practical that it has been a great car. I have 191k on mine and it still is running fine.

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  Love the Trac! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By me_alves - July 10 - 4:03 am

  Have been driving it for over a month now and I am completely satisfied with my decision in the purchase. Smooth and comfortable ride that no other truck could beat!