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 love this truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gary Clontz - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I was sorry to read about all the problems some owners are having with their F-150. I guess I got a good one. 65,000 miles and no major problems. The drivers side electric window switch has become intermittent, which is annoying. And the Ford emblem on the front has become opaque and looks bad. The cloth seats stain easily and no amount of cleaning gets them real clean. I switched over to 100% synthetic oil at about 30,000 miles. Still havent replaced the plugs and tranny is fine so far. I have the 5.4 Triton engine, which I think is pretty good and necessary for this heavy truck. I got the tow package and towed a full heavy trailer no sweat. At 65,000, still have orig. brakes and battery.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Smiles - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my first ford and i bought this car based off a list compiled of most reliable cars and the fusion was the only American car on the list (sad i know) but so i fell in love with it at first sight it handles great and has the room that i need with a child on the way.the car handles great specially around sharp turns and and i know the awd will come in handy this winter! i recommend this car to anyone who wants something sporty /family vehicle .

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  Awesome Truck - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Shawn M. - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD in Tuxedo Black! I love this SUV and its so sweet! All of the features are awesome and somewhat overwhelming, but really cool. The SUV handles well and is smooth on pretty much all surfaces. I live in Michigan and the roads are not that good. I would recommend that everyone test drive a Ford. I did and I bought one!

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  Great Performance, Great Value - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Grabber Blue 5.0 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  In a word: Awesome. This is my 3rd late model Mustang, and the new 5.0 engine is tops. Combined with the 6 speed manual, 3:73 gears, and Brembo brakes, it performs well beyond my capabilities. However, there are issues due to Govnmt regulations. One, if you shift softly, it will force you from 1st to 4th. Thanks, EPA. It lugs way to much when this happens, and I will soon tear into and disconnect this. Second, why all the electronics? I dont want power windows, Sirus radio, TPS, and all the other gadgets that are standard. Just want pure performance, less weight, and raw power. Otherwise, an awesome machine for sure.

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  Great Car! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Mike - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car with great build quality, a great ride and great handling. Ive had this car nearly a month now and I must say that Im very impressed with it overall. Overall, Ford has hit a home run with this car. I was considering a Honda Fit but chose the Fiesta instead. It simply had a superior ride. Having said that though, it was a tough choice given the the versatility of the Fit. If the Fiesta and the Fit had a baby together, it would be a perfect car. On the refresh of the Fiesta, at the very least, Ford should have the rear seats fold flat and ditch the huge rear headrests. In order to fold the seats flat I have to remove mine. The Fit has the superior design here.

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  This aint your old mans Ford! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By FlyByNite - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I did it! Traded my Porsche Cayenne for a Ford!With all of the upgrades plus the improved construction, it was a no brainer. My fully loaded limited was less than half the cost of the Porsche. No more $140 oil changes, no more $1300 major service costs. Smooth driving, excellent over railroad tracks. SYNC has more features than onstar at no cost. I am not a uaw fan but, Ford didnt take the bailout & yet they produced a vehicle to rival the euros & Asians. And . They unloaded Jaguar.

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  It jumps! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By scox84 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2010 Mustang in June of 2009, a year later I was still hooked on the truck I saw in the parking lot then, so I traded in the mustang for a truck. Rarely has a mere mortal made a better decision. I have taken this truck up to 100mph off road in the desserts of New Mexico with the rear diff locked in 4x4. It loves it, still drives straight, and always ask for more. The ride is smooth even in really rough conditions relative to other trucks/SUVs. Biggest thing, long travel suspension on a truck meant to be jumped as a responsible American I feel its my duty to jump something once a week, and I do. Again, truck couldnt drive straighter, control arms are BEASTLY!

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  Built like a tank - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By alwaysinaford - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Have know about these cars for a long time. Motor is like a rock, flawless. manual transmission, flawless. I get 41-47 mpg depending on how hard I run it. I agree with the window issue. Have only replaced the alternator and battery. Tires are very hard to find. I am 6"2" tall and I am very comfortable. Really enjoy driving it as my daily driver. I will keep it until the day it dies.

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  After One Year of Ownership - 2009 Ford Escape
  By mjm87 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2009 Ford Escape XLT AWD in June of 2009. Ever since then, I have enjoyed every minute being in my Escape. The visibility of the Escape is excellent, the 4 cylinder engine puts out plenty of horsepower to get you where you need to go, the 6-speed transmission shifts smoothly, it is easy to park, and has some of the best technology compared to any vehicle on the road. It has been to dealership once for a PCM flash for the transmissions occasional hard shifting from drive to reverse. That problem has gone away and the vehicle shifts much better than before. The SYNC system is outstanding and I personally find the AC unit to be one of the best I have ever experienced. Great buy

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  Fun, Fit and Finish - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Russ M. - September 29 - 2:00 am

  We have now had our new Fiesta SES hatchback for about a month, and put about a thousand miles on it. We have the Powershift 6-spd automatic (not listed as an option the Edmunds review?) The car is fun to drive, has good handling, adequate power, and great gas mileage. It looks great, and it has been perfect so far. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small, fun, economical car - its not an econobox - its a great car that happens to be efficient.