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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  Who says Americans cant build a car? - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Mark - May 4 - 2:32 pm

  I am a big guy and I fit in the front and rear just fine. Lots of legroom in the back! This "small" SUV is fun to drive, good looking and versatile. If you feed it premium gas, it will grow up to be an Explorer!

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  Still great after 3 years - 2003 Ford Focus
  By kate - May 4 - 9:59 am

  I bought this car new and it is just as much fun to drive over 3 years later. I have the Zetec engine, it has lots of pep and I get 25 mpg overall and thats with over 20 stop lights between home and work. The original Firestone tires were...well, junk, and after lots effort on the dealerships part, I gave up and replaced them with Pirelli tires at 8000 miles. The back seat is roomier than I expected and the front is very comfortable. Huge trunk great for travel.I love this car!

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  Mustang GT convertible fan - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Bigteez - May 4 - 7:33 am

  If youre looking for a commuter car to take the kids to soccer practice, this isnt the car for you. It doesnt turn on a dime, it doesnt have a lot of trunk space, and if youre looking for lots of places to store maps and sunglasses and purses and/or man bags, this also is not the car for you. I didnt want any of the things I mentioned. I wanted a convertible with a big V-8, a nice loud engine, a comfortable front seat, and a top that didnt take an engineering degree to put down. I got all of that and more with my 2015 mustang gt premium convertible with automatic transmission. Manual transmission was not an option as I am somewhat handicapped, but who cares? I put the accelerator to the floor and my mustang jumps ahead of traffic with a nice growl of the engine and pushes you back into the seat. The interior looks great. More leather and less plastic than the 2014 model. The audio system is amazing and rumbles just as loud as the engine. Putting the top down is quick and easy. Ive had the car for about a month and I get compliments at the intersection as well as the parking lot at the grocery store. Its a pleasure to drive and I couldnt be happier. I had a 1983 mustang gt convertible years ago but there is no comparison. Before you get to critical, try driving the new GT.

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  Is it worth it? - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By David - May 4 - 1:14 am

  I recently brought a Ford Ranger Fx4 level 2 due to its low price and standard options on the vehicle. My experience with this truck it aint great. After 2 weeks of driving, the wheel alignment was off, battery died have to get it boost. The truck is a gas guzzler. It doesnt provide a lot of power, throttle response is very slow. Bottom line, the truck isnt worth buying. Ford commercial looks good on TV, but where they get you is when you purchase their vechicle.

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  Too soon to tell, but so far so good - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By shaukeki - May 4 - 1:03 am

  Purchased this car in the nick of time for my trip tp Stowe, VT. The trunk was adequate for myself and my fiance and her penchant for bringing the kitchen sink. The car is attractive and sporty, yet it has a very European feel and appearance. The engine is responsive and quick. The interior is comforatable and stylish, but some of the weather stripping and trim bezels could be better-attached. Minor issues at worst. The SYNC system is great, but the voice which assists could benefit from some lessons in listening as she is often enough wrong. Also, there is too much instruction offered by the voice. Overall, the car has handled the Vermont mountains well with no issues.

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  Above Expectations - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Rick - May 4 - 12:10 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever had. Ive had Hondas, Ford, Isuzu, Nissan, Volvo, GM, Toyota The build quality is exceptional, it is very quiet, the transmission (auto) doesnt hunt for the right gear it seems to just know at the right time to down or upshift. Traction control is very good, the Active Sync is fantastic, the heated seats very good, seating position very good. The ride is pretty good, a little firm ,but I like it a little sporty.

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  Affordable Rocket - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By bluedoctor - May 3 - 11:53 pm

  What a blast to own. A low cost rocketship with great retro styling. Fuel economy not too bad for the performance.

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  V8 has a terrible transmission - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jason G - May 3 - 6:43 pm

  We purchased this car brand new and under "d" plan as my uncle worked at the dealership. The motor has great power and the car has a nice smooth quiet ride. Ergonomics are good with the exception of the door handles and it was an overall fun SUV to drive. Then after a few months the transmission troubles began. This SUV has a learning transmission that is supposed to optimize itself for your driving style. This feature has learned only how to hesitate while accelerating and bang, clunk and sometimes accelerate during braking to a stop. After many service attempts and getting regional reps invloved Ford now says its a "normal condition" Not happy with this at all!

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  I just dont know - 2006 Ford F-150
  By David - May 3 - 6:37 pm

  My 06 Lariat Supercrew seems to be morphing into an XLT. All the gold and tan interior and exterior trim colors are already beginning to wear off their surfaces. Power from the 5.4L is shamefully bad above 2000 rpm. Mileage is 12 city and Ive never seen anything past 17 highway, but its about what I expected. Overall build quality is fairly good, but I think my old 97 F-150 was a more solid truck. Time will tell with this 2006 model. These seats are not leather. Theyre some kind of really cheap imitation of leather. They definitely feel very cheap. If given the chance, I dont think I would buy this truck again. I did mention the awful engine performance, didnt I?

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  The should I keep it or sell it decision for 8 yr - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Chai Wallah - May 3 - 8:32 am

  The Edge still is a very comfortable cars after 5 years of ownership. This review is more for folks who are considering trading in or selling, and potential buyers. The PTU is notorious in the AWD, hence the drop in resale values. Ford dealerships refuse to drain and fill the gear oil. Please get this done every alternate engine oil change at a lube ot transmission shop, it is cheap insurance for PTU longevity. Suck out and refill through the fill plug. The TSS/OSS sensors will go out on this transmission, the transmission itself is rock solid. Spark plug change is a must at 80-90k miles, otherwise you risk a PCM failure. So if you are a buyer wanting to keep their Edge longer or seller doing their due diligence on buying it uses, pleae keep these factors in mind! Any other issues are to be expected in most used cars.