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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  Ford Edge has the "Edge" - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Philip Grafious - October 6 - 12:31 pm

  We love our Edge, we think it is probably one of the hidden values these days. There is no comparison between the Edge and the Honda CRV we owned. The Edge has more space, better quality, more comfort, better electronics..... we could go on and on.

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  Finally a Ford I can love - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By basha - October 6 - 7:56 am

  After having Hondas for ten years (great cars but not trouble free), I decided to lease a Ford Fusion. The model I ended up with is an SEL with just about every feature available. The exterior is a flawless black that looks stunning with the chrome trim. The 17 inch tires really grab the road. Rough pavement is more noticeable with these tires, so if you need a softer ride, the high profile 16 inch tires on the SE might be a better choice. The interior on my car is perfect. Leather seating is slightly larger than my Honda and very comfortable. Transmission shifts very smoothly and very quietly. No road noise. Slightly higher beltline may take some getting used to.

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  Do it! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By bnad - October 6 - 12:24 am

  My wifes car. So far the Fusion is exceeding both my and her expectations and at a great price. No workmanship issues to speak of at 3400 miles. A little weak in from-stop acceleration, but only a 4 cylinder. Great fuel economy for a car its size.

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  I like my Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Mark from UT - October 5 - 10:34 pm

  The Exursion has been great for our family outside some break and power window issues. Diesel engine rocks. Pulling a 4800 pound boat around UT mountains is no problem and the truck is great in snow. Wont give it up.

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  A Good SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - October 5 - 8:00 pm

  Ive put almost 19,000 miles on this SUV in less than 8 months and I have had no problems whatsoever. I had a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo before this so it was nice to trade-up to a car without a rusty spare tire holder and bumper. The Explorer is probably a shade worse on fuel but the Rodeo had a manual tranny. The Explorer has a much more solid feel, doesnt lean on turns, has a normal cupholder and overall feels more comfortable.

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  Ford Lied - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By chanman11 - October 5 - 6:51 pm

  We purchased a C-MAX after be mesmerized by the idea of 47mpg. Sure we were giving up some room but the trade off was to much to overlook. After owning the C-Max we averaged 37 mpg with 14k miles of constant monitoring of driving habits and fuel use. Ford has stretched the truth and lied to those that purchased this vehicle. For this they should be punished. Sold the C-max and bought a Dodge. I shall never buy another Ford because they can not be trusted. Sure I know all of the disclaimers but 47 city and 47 highway means you should be fairly close to 47 if you keep your foot out of it. YOU WILL ONLY ACHIEVE 47 MPG IF YOU DRIVE MOSTLY CITY DRIVING. THE HIGHWAY WILL KILL YOUR MPG.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Rudy - October 5 - 12:00 pm

  Bought my 00 Explorer brand new and have had nothing but exceptional service from it. 23 mpg hwy and 18.5 in town. Tune up and trans. flush at 90K miles. A/C still cold. Radio LEDs burned out at 110K and thats a pain but radio still plays great. Liked this car so much I ordered an 07 as my company vehcile for the next 3 yrs. If you need a good used SUV this model is a great choice!

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  Mo fun! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By jsracer - October 5 - 9:40 am

  EPA est are way off!! I get 19.2-20.5 MPG with my V-8 manual The only problem Ive had was the drivers side seat leather prematurely cracked, but the Ford fixed it under warranty. I like this car much better than my Trans Am!

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  Nice truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By mjffarms - October 5 - 8:40 am

  I farm and the truck pulls a double axle trailer easily--quiet--smooth riding. Ive had Ford trucks for thirty years--has been my favorite

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  Tranny and Rear Differential Blues-20K in 4 yrs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By John - October 5 - 8:33 am

  Bought this wonderful driving vehicle new for around $29K and smiled. Rear differential and tranny failed at 60K: $1,300 for the rear diff, $3,600 for the tranny. Appealed to Ford to stand behind their product and correct these obvious design defects: Ford says "Sorry, out of warranty". Do a search on "02 Explorer Problems" and you can spend the afternoon reading about people with the same mechanical failures who received no support from Ford. Car is now worth about $9K trade in. Im sick. Worst part is, this is a nice car ... if only Ford would stand behind it. This is my 4th Ford. As patriotic as I am, I will not throw more money into another depreciation dog with ridiculous reliability problems.