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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  I was surprised how great it is. - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Mack - October 27 - 11:05 am

  I was a little hesitant to lease an American car but to my surprise the Edge exceeded my expectations. I looked at the Murano and the Pacifica among other but the Edge seemed to beat them all. The handling is great and it is fun to drive. The backseat is very spacious and there is plenty of storage room in the rear.

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  Mechanics dream - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Rick - October 26 - 9:36 pm

  What an absolute nightmare. The repair costs have exceeded the price i paid for this pile of crap. I have had to replace the hub and bearings THREE times, had to fix air conditioning and now the heater core is not working due to a leak. Oil pan, of all things, rusted out and was replaced. Water pump was replaced. Engine gaskets replaced. Transmission was replaced at 150kms. The only thing that works all the time is the check engine light. The wipers are work well, however they turn on randomly, making me look like a fool on clear and sunny days. I am currently shopping for a new vehicle, but i will NEVER purchase a FORD again. Id rather buy a horse or a bus pass.

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  Over 5,000 in repairs. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Larry Smith - October 26 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased this van new, at less than 50,000 miles, 3 engine seals had to be replaced due to leaking, also the torque converter had to be replaced and the A/C compressor had to be replaced. Today at 85,000 miles the transmission failed and the cost is estimated at over $2,500. I am retired on a fixed income and Ford is killing me.

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  Not a bad compact car! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jtc - October 26 - 2:34 pm

  Not that the power shift transmission is not a Automatic, it is a manual with automatic shifting. Overall a good little ride for the money. I like the sportier look the 2016 with the Se appearance package has.

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  Edge of Greatness - 2007 Ford Edge
  By George Kozak - October 26 - 11:13 am

  I like a lot of things about this car. Perfomance of the 3.6 is very good. The interior styling is comfortable and stylish. Controls are easy to master and reach. The car is versatile with fold down seat options. Gas mileage is good compared to my older explorer V8.Power is as good or better for the V6.

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  I love my Ford Aerostar - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Steve - October 26 - 10:40 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever bought. It has never been towed. My son is 3 yrs older than the van and he is driving it now. I have replaced the spark plug twice and it is because I felt guilty. I do change my oil every 3000 - 5000 mile. I have performed minimum maintenace on this vehicle. I still trust it more than my newer vehicles. I wish they did not stop making them. Thanks Ford for a great vehicle. Oh, it has driven 270,000 miles already and still sound great.

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  Stay Away from these junkers - 1993 Ford Probe
  By harry - October 26 - 1:42 am

  This car was great when I bought it. It quickly emptied my wallet keeping it on the road. Timing belts and cooling system problems.

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  Awsome Car - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By P - October 25 - 10:31 pm

  This vehicle is a dream of mine. I had a 82 5.0 and it has just as much or more torque and HP. I got the 5 speed, would recommend if you like that Muscle car feeling (rpms)! You can push this car to 80 before going into 5th. But I wouldnt recommended all the time it is only .8 seconds slower from 0 to 60 than the GT! The 07 and 08 models are identical, except miner changes. Go buy it if you love Mustangs, I will probably keep this car forever. I got the 17" wheels which is plus, but not necessary. If I had the money I would buy 3 more in different trim levels.

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  The truck with the stuff - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Frank - October 25 - 10:09 pm

  My truck had 165000 miles on it when I bought it. I have had it for a week and love it! It was very well taken care of, and nobody can believe the miles. It looks like a brand new truck with no miles on it, and drives even better! The best truck for the money- take care of it and itll run and look like new for years to come.

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  Barely Rolling Junk - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - October 25 - 3:52 pm

  This is my second Expedition and by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Ive replaced all 4 rotors 3 times, both outside mirrors twice, 6 of the eight coils, backup sensors, the DVD system and winshield wiper/washer control. Gas mileage is unbelieveable, (9 city 12 highway.) The trade in for this clunker says it all 8500. The thing has depreciated $35000 in four years, yet Ive maintaned it by the book. Never again!