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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  After a few months - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Captain - March 19 - 10:35 am

  I like everything about the car. The Microsoft Sync (iPod hook-up, phone integration, voice recognition, etc.) is awesome. The navagation system is easy to use, and works great. I drive a good mix of highway and city (will average 15,000+ miles per year), and average between 20-21 MPG. If I am on the highway for a longer distance, I have averaged about 24-26 MPG.

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  Good car for the price - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Faith - March 19 - 8:44 am

  I had a 1996 Contour and bought this car 9 months ago as a replacement and already have put 10k in miles on it. I have not been disappointed. The car gets great gas mileage. I drove from Raleigh to DC on 7.5 gallons! You can seriously get 36mpg if you stay around 65mph. I found you get around 30mpg 70mph+. I love the way this car handles and the smoothness of it when I drive. I seriously feel like Im driving a car that is worth 2x as much as I paid. The only downside I have is the interior leg room. Im 59" and I have the set pushed all the way back. There is no way Ill ever be able to push those rear seats down for extra cargo space and be able to drive.

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  2nd Time not as good as the first! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 8point - March 19 - 8:22 am

  This is my 2nd Ranger, 1st was a 95 4.0 STX. I like the extra room in the super cab and overall styling, but not the performance. 18 mpg highway (and I drive easy) and no low end hp or torque. My 95 was 10 times better in low gear off road and got 23+mpg to boot. I dont feel the extra hp (47) from the new engine and gas mileage flat out stinks for a V6 of this size. Ive got friends with big diesels that get almost the same mileage with twice the performance! As stated by Edmunds, the trucks strong point is off-road, so why give it an engine that produces its power above 3,500 rpm?! Have had no mechanical/service issues with the truck in the first year of ownership.

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  mechanical junk - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By edsel - March 19 - 8:05 am

  we bought this vehicle with 29000 miles, at 42000 the differential started howling, after many phone calls to ford and and a refusal to allow them to charge me $1700.00 to repair this they conceded to repair the differential if i would pay for a wheel bearing that they claimed was bad but that the noise from the differential prevented me from hearing. now at 58000 miles the parking brakes have and i quote "have disentigrated" ford claims this is normal and happens every 2-3 years on this vehicle regardless of mileage but it isnt a quality issue so for $450.00 they repairing it with the same ford quality parts that failed in the first place. cant wait to get it back so i can trade it in.

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  New to Ford, 2nd Hybrid, Nice but - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By pekingrick - March 19 - 1:40 am

  First Ford ever- had a 2007 Prius, and while loved the mileage didnt like the low-rent interior. Got this car, loved the interior, the solid-feeling doors, the high-quality plastics, leather seats - and the price w/Costcos auto program. First problem - a rattle developed. Dealer kept the car overnight (gave me a Lincoln MKZ as a free rental - nice!); turned out the antenna was loose. With 10k miles now, a few interior squeaks have developed. Mileage is great - averaging about 49 mpg so far. Electric range can vary from 18- 25 miles (okay, but....). regens nicely coming down from Big Bear to a full "tank"! MyFord Mobile app doesnt work well. Value charge feature - fantastic. Love the car!

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  Good Times - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Virginia 2008 GT - March 19 - 1:06 am

  In the year 1999 I bought my first Mustang GT. After installing the K & N air filter and the Tornado I enjoyed the many days of burn outs that I would do. In February 2008 I traded the 1999 GT for the 2008 GT. I also put the same set up on the 2008. The 2008 rides smooth, it quiet on the inside and fast. I get about 19 mpg in the city and about 28 mpg on the highway. I am proud to be a Mustang owner.

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  Love my Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Della - March 19 - 12:36 am

  Have had it only one month. Love everything about it. A lot of car.

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  2004 Ford 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Larry Travers - March 19 - 12:00 am

  This is the finest truck I have ever owned. It rides like a car and has great styling.

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  Reliable! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Diane - March 18 - 9:33 pm

  I have 190K miles on this car and it is still going strong! It serves its purpose, but now I am feeling that it may be on its last leg (the gas mileage is lowering and it struggles a little to get up certain hills), but I havent had any major breakdowns or work done to it - just a timing belt and the e-brake chain. Brakes are worn easily, but I stop and go a lot. A fine little car that does a decent job.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Fedgar - March 18 - 8:47 pm

  I am long-time Ford fan. Have owned three Explorer, hands-down one of the best products ever made by Ford. Plan on buying an 06 soon. Will definitely get the 4 door next time, but the two-door is very maneuverable in city traffic. Easy to park, very reliable.