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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  My Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By goldhopful - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This Is my 3rd ford f150. I have never had a problem with them. I bougbt this ford truck for comfort and style and it is very thing I wanted.

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  2004 Sport-Trac XLT Prem is great!! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mmcsween - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have researched this vehicle for a long time. I got my Sport-Trac as part of a settlement with Ford on a Lemon Law case. This vehicle is solid, the interior is very confortable, it drives well, and is fun!! I like the ability to be able to carry five people, and be able to haul stuff home.

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  2008 Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ElmerFudd - June 22 - 8:13 am

  I compared the Fusion to the new Malibu. Seats are very comfortable. The 4cyl fusion has alot more power than the Malibu 4 cyl but - the Malibu was just a bit more quiet running. Both cars were nice, form, fit, function, were great. The Fusion simply offers more creature features and power for the same money.

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  Wish i would have bought a Chevy - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Dave - June 22 - 7:58 am

  I loved this car when I first bought it and I didnt have any problems with it other than the seemed like hundreds of recalls on it. After a year at 98,000 miles i had to put a new engine in it, Ive had problems with the brakes which seem to always have a problem, i dont know what they were thinking with those cup holders, and the head rest, which were all broke within the first month, then at 160,000 miles I had to put another new engine in it, and now I need to put rear brake lines on it and you have drop the gas tank and take rear suspension parts out of the way just to get to them. If it wasnt for the price of gas or a new car I would have junked it a long time ago.

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  Surprisingly Good & Reliable - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MRC - June 22 - 3:16 am

  Got this car a a second vehicle (other car a Z4) and have been surprised at how comfortable and easy to drive it is - a good compromise between an SUV and a wagon. It is simple and the fuel efficiency has been ranging in the low to mid 20s. The new gear system is smooth and once you get use to it, it make the ride smooth and comfortable. The flexibility of the seating arrangement (1-7) is great and easy to change. We were lucky to get this vehicle before a snow storm that left 16 inches behind and the Freestyle did great in the snow. The sound system is good and the temperature control system is easy to operate. Very happy so far with it.

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  GT 500 The Truth - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Dave Maxx - June 22 - 12:50 am

  1st thing , removed factory suspension replaced with Eibach Pro+, added evolution ultimate suspension, pulley kit, programed for 91 octane, and magna flow exhaust. It is what it is and nothing more, a muscle car that is more than fun to drive. I also have a 07 c6 Vette. So here is an honest comparison. Vette out performs GT500 in every way as far as race track performance goes, Vette has nicer interior and more bells and whistles. That said however when I go driving the GT500 gets all the attention. As for driving experience, both cars are amazing to drive and put a smile on my face. The Vette gets close to 30 mpg on the highway, the GT500 about 20mpg.

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  Drive it until it dies - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Scottj04 - June 21 - 10:42 pm

  Love this car. Economical, roomy and wonderful highway feel. Bought it in 2006 with 18K miles and have had little problems. Mostly highway driving (60 mile rural commute) I average 390 - 420 miles on a tank. Twice got 455 miles with still 18 Miles to E! The duratec engine is a fuel-sipping work horse. Highway performance is adequate, and even with four people and luggage (that all fit comfortably), the car still gets wonderful gas mileage! City mileage has gotten horrid. 1 week of it showed about 250 miles to a tank. and transmission seems to be slipping slighty at only 57K. A/C also robs engine performance. Staying with regular maintanence, this car will last forever!

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  My Little Beast! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By fatjoe2003 - June 21 - 10:04 pm

  I bought this truck in March of 03, and I ordered the Edge package! I own a landscaping company. I always get better mileage than my friends in their Chevrolet Colorados, and my Ranger can pull more. This truck averages 21mpg on the freeway at 75mph and loaded with the o/d off, it gets 17mpg at 65mph. The 3.0L is a fantastic engine, and has a lot more pep than I suspected. I love my truck, and I love the fact that without the extended cab how easy it is to park and turn around. If you are long legged the super cab is a must! I am short so it doesnt bother me. I would definitely get the Edge package again, as I love sitting up higher in the air, and the ground clearance. I love my truck!

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  A lot for he Money - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Mike S. - June 21 - 11:04 am

  We bought our Freestyle 2wd used with 32,000 miles on it. Needed more space than the Taurus we had to haul things. Recent trip from N. Indiana to St. Louis on interstate got 26-27 mph doing 70-75 mph. Do that with most SUVs. Real versatile with seating and hauling. Slight hesitation on exceleration (like a turbo lag), but hang on when the engine revs and the trany adjusts for the need. First trip was from N. Indiana to Mackinac Island 4 adults, 2 bikes on the back, loaded, doing 75 mph on interstate and some 2 lane driving - and got over 23 mph - super. Brakes are not a problem. Still have originals at 53000. Anyone going through them fast needs to change their driving habits.

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  Great crossover, my Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Vinny - June 21 - 10:51 am

  Ive driven my Edge for almost 1,400 miles and, love it. Traded in my 05 Murano. The ride, performance and, comfort are better. The Vista roof and, Sync are fantastic. Gas mileage is okay, was getting around 17 per gallon with mostly local driving. Added a Cyclone fuel saver & added 1.5 MPGs. What you get for the price is great, got everything but Nav. My only complaint, non Nav. radio display is very lacking in info and, impossible to see in sunlight and, the auto climate control gives you no idea of what the system is doing while in auto mode. Again, still love the Edge and, would recomend to anyone.