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:

• 

  A few quibbles - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Mike LaBella - February 11 - 12:52 pm

  We purchased a 2013 EDGE SEL 4wd with 38,000 miles on it and it appeared to be in mint condition. Several months later, I noticed that one of the rubber door gaskets was twisted out of position, and could not be reinserted so we had to have it replaced. Several months later, another gasket detached from the drivers door when I grabbed the top portion of the door, although it was easily put back in position. Ive owned 15 cars in my lifetime and never had a SINGLE door gasket fail. When test driving our Edge, I had not noticed how the doors close with a clank, unlike my sons 2014 Corolla that close with a "THUD." Im no engineer, but all four the doors seem kind of flimsy for a nearly $40k retail vehicle. I dont care for the rear bumper top surface, which on many SUVs (including my Hyundai Santa Fe) have a black protective plastic shield. I already have a have dozen scratches and dings in the bumpers pearl white paint from normal wear. Ill look into an after market protector. The transmission shifts strangely from a stop into first gear, or when downshifting from first, as it kind of slams into gear, which doesnt inspire confidence so Im glad I bought an extended warranty. Although I will bring it in to have it checked out, but in my experience with other vehicles with the same kind of problem, it usually doesnt show up as an error code... Road noise on the highway is higher than I would have expected, which could be the factory Michelin tires. Ill have to have them inspected but Im not confident they will find anything. Seating and visibility are excellent, and interior materials seem to be of good quality. When braking, the EDGE doesnt slow down smoothly as other vehicles Ive owned. I have to apply more brake pressure than Im used to, and the Edge kind of stops abruptly. Thats probably my biggest complaint, so again I have to bring it to the shop to have it looked at. The rotors were replaced at no cost to me a week after we bought the vehicle, as they were found to be rusted and noisy, but the dealer should also have replaced the pads too but did not. I dont like the USB ports hidden in the center armrest. If the road noise were less and the brakes operated more smoothly, Id be a lot happier with this EDGE.

• 

  Cheap Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Danny - February 11 - 10:35 am

  OK, I purchased a Ford Ranger in the worst year for Ford. I previously owned a 2003 Ranger XL. I liked the little truck, but it just would not move. I moved to big truck, but found the gas mileage to be too bad. I went back and found a used 2006 Ranger XL with 2500 miles. This truck is much better than my 2003. It has the same motor, but the gearing must have changed. It still gets moderate gas mileage (I hope it gets better after 10,000 miles and the motor breaks in.) Ford did a much better job with the seats. I still have vinyl, but they sit much better. The transmission shifts smoother. Overall the 2006 is much better than the 2003.

• 

  Good used truck buy for the money - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Chris - February 11 - 9:08 am

  Bought the truck used. Love it. I just replaced the engine at 67000 miles (spun 4 bearings). Risks of buying used with no history. Other then that, the truck has been great. Lots of towing power (5.4 engine). Good cruiser. Owned many brand of trucks in the past, this one is the best.

• 

  Poor build quality...under engineered. - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Merkl - February 10 - 8:55 pm

  Mine has had 77000 easy miles on it to date. The toughest thing it has to do is load up at Wal-Mart. In the past 19000 miles I have had to spend $2530.03 to keep it running. This includes an alternator and a new battery that the dying alternator killed, a new rear wiper motor, new rear lock actuator solenoid, new #5 coil, new lower ball joints, new left front door switch, new idler arm, and most recently new front sway bar links. Keep up the good work Ford. Way to go putting a 6000 plus lb. vehicle out on the road with paper mache in place of a typical truck front suspension. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the service guys at the dealership. Ill send them a card when it is gone.

• 

  I love it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jennifer - February 10 - 8:38 pm

  I was looking for a small truck that would seat at least four. I found the Freestyle by accident, saw how many it seated, how the seats fold down so I can still transport bikes for our daily rides and that was it for me. Of course, my kids love the DVD player for long rides.

• 

  Bac to the Future - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By PONGO - February 10 - 7:45 pm

  The car reminds me of a Porsche I owned. Most stable performance from a convertible, no less. I like the long throw shift better on this car than a 2007.

• 

  what an improvement - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dave - February 10 - 7:06 am

  just bought the new 07 Sport Trac-- what an improvement! This is our 4th one(01, 04, 05). The ride with the new frame and rear axle is vastly better. The V-8 gives more power and better mileage than the old V-6 with the 4.10 rear axle. We bought a loaded Limited model and were most impressed with the upgrades. Only possible criticism would be that the console mounted shifter takes away the small storage tray the old model had. Overfall a big upgrade for Ford.

• 

  Thank you, Ford - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By 3rd Escape;1st hybri - February 10 - 5:50 am

  This is our third Escape, but first Hybrid. We love it. The quietness, non-pollution in Houston traffic, and electronic read-out system are great! It is a shock to people in parking lots to have a vehicle move without engine noise when in the electric function. I am proud not to be adding to the polluted air in Houston. It does fine on the interstate, also. The gasoline mileage improved after the first month, as we were told it would. The green color is pretty; my favorite Escape color was yellow. With oil uncertainty, I have done my part. It is important to me that we can still carry more cargo than if it were a smaller hybrid. We need that flexibility. No lifestyle change.

• 

  new owner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By igor - February 10 - 2:40 am

  bought 2 wks ago. have 700 miles on it. so far all good, without complaints. Best things: HATCHBACK without the blingbling: I would be in Mazda3 5door, but I don;t need the engine and ppearance package. Ford got it right with offering the 3door as a cheaper alternative. Sedans are impractical, and I dont need a wagon.. OPTIONS: I put almost everythign on the car, and it feels like a much more expensive car. ENGINE: while sometimes I miss the v8 I got rid off, the engine is decent enough for every situation FUN: the car loves to be pused a little. loves curves and sharper driving (refreshing after expedition). Quality... way beond anything GM, without the extra premium of japanese beand.

• 

  Not too shabby... - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By schilke - February 10 - 1:13 am

  Was considering a Magnum, but when I test drove this, I knew it was the right choice. I am a bit wide in the leg department, and this is a bit cramped up front, but not too uncomfortable. Like the techie aspect of the CVT and the AWD. Well see how it performs!