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 vehicle - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By Jo Jo - June 16 - 10:11 am

  We are Ford people. The Freestyle is a great combo vehicle. We love the complete fold down back. Now I am hooked on the heated seats and the memory seating (things I never thought I would need) The sound system is not as good as it could be (we previously had Lincolns and Marquis) it is actually irritating on some stations, but the CDs seem to play very well. Adjusting the heating/AC is strange. We just dont seem to understand it. Give me the simple turn button controls. When I am driving I do not have time to think about all of those buttons. All in all, we love the handling, the body style, the room and the three sets of seats. On trips 22-23 MPG. It is easy in/out.

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  Pretty Cool SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jimh - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Ford Escape after renting one on a recent business trip. I had been interested in them for a bit and my rental of one sold the deal. Plenty of power in the V6 model! Able to pass with ease even loaded down. We just took it on an extended trip to go skiing and got 19- 20 MPG. Im 61" and have plenty of leg room. One problem.. The owners manual says to not drive an AWD/4WD with only chains in the front and it also says you cant put chains on the rear if you have the larger tires. We put the chains on the rear and there isnt enough room in the wheel well around the larger tire. The chains cut the ABS wire.

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  Local Work Horse - 2004 Ford Escape
  By townhal@aol.com - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I found the escape to have very poor fuel economy, the average 17-city-19 highway.

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  My dream truck! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Alisa - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Awesome ride. Smooth, quiet, powerful... rides like a luxury car, pulls everything- boat, trailer, camper...The height provides great visibility and clearance of obstacles in the road. 4x4 for adventures and SAFETY is a must in the rugged Northwest.

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  40th year for Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By J.D. Lugnutt - June 15 - 11:26 pm

  Has very peppy accelleration, good braking if not great, handles like its on rails, has fiberglass Deck-lid and hood and rear spoiler, 16" aluminum wheels. I did install a dual exhaust system with dual catalyst 2" pipes and my gas mileage went up by 3-MPG city and almost 7-mpg hwy. No joke it made a big difference, with the factory style headers it has always been dependable, never let us down.. and at 26-28 mpg hwy. Im a happy camper, And I would for sure buy another one when this one is worn out. Great little sporty car!

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  Driveit, you will love it! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By coldfusion - June 15 - 10:07 pm

  After owning the car for a year, I still love driving this car. Unlike most of the other popular mid-size sedans, the Fusion is a lot of fun to drive. The V6 and 6speed scoot the car nicely. The handling is great which is what makes this car fun. The leather seats are very comfortable and the interior is modern and uncluttered which I like. The quality has been impeccable. The car has not had so much as a loose piece of trim. Hats off to Ford.

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  Love my Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By razorang40 - June 15 - 9:52 pm

  We went from an Explorer to an Edge and oh my gosh we love it. Dont have to climb up to get in it. Gas is a lot cheaper to fill it up and all so much better on the mileage over all. I would give this Edge my best reviews. Love the ride, smooth and hugs the road well. I have yet to find a fault with it and I hope that I dont because I really love my new cross over Edge.

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  Better than an Lincoln - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Larry - June 15 - 7:43 pm

  The 500 replaces the lease I had on a 2002 Lincoln Town Car. The 500 has more trunk space, is a all wheel drive and a lot smoother transmission and power. I only have a little over 600 miles on the car but find the seating to be excellent. I also have the safety package on the car, what more do you need.

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  Over-priced Piece of Junk!!!!! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By XCThinker - June 15 - 6:00 pm

  Did lots of research and thought Ford was really becoming competitive with foreign auto brands...WRONG!!! From day one, something was not right with my Edge. The headlights were cracked from the inside upon purchase. At 5000 miles, the transmission felt off - searching for gears, excessive shifting. When the OD, it struggled and revved too high. At 8000 miles the tranny blew while I was driving on a mountain pass - I lost total control of the vehicle and was forced to use the E break to pull off the road. The tranny was replaced, but at 16000 miles it was dripping oil from the tranny again - this time an axle rod. I told Ford I didnt feel safe & was treated like an annoyance.

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  beware used - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Mark - June 15 - 2:02 pm

  Many issues with steering rack with this car. Did not show up on research until specifically looked for steering issues. Loose all power steering and extremly difficukt to make turns. This is common problem and ford refuses to issue recall. Had to have replaced 6 months after purchase last year. Avoid this veichle.