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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  Very Disappointed - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Lemon - January 6 - 3:55 am

  Purchased 4 cylinder with automatic. Idle is very rough with vibration through steering wheel. Returned to dealer 2 times. Dealer said motor mounts and exhaust needed alignment. No help. Checked this vehicle against other similar vehicle at dealer and found other vehicle to be smoother. When idle increased 25 to 50 RPM, smooths out to normal. Dealer says Idle can not be adjusted. Had several 4 cylinder vehicles and all idle smooth. Dealer says thats the way Rangers are, it can not be fixed. Looks like I am stuck with rough running new vehicle. Should have purchased Japanese.

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  What I like and What Ii will add - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By sugers - January 5 - 1:40 pm

  I love the car. I got the California package. It comes with racing stripes. The color is tungsten grey. It has GT shocks. I wish it had the dual exhaust system. Im thinking about upgrading the engine. I wanted to add about 330hp; I would probably add a supercharger.

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  Great deal - great looks - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By tomc - January 5 - 10:58 am

  I bought this car years ago, from first owner who really cared for it. It had 135k miles, but looked great and ran really well. Owned as a second car, only put 20 k miles in 5 years, but never had any problems (surprised at the quality since everyone complains about American cars, me included!). If you can find a clean one they are a great ride, very fun and economical compared to the GTs that are usually beat, and eat gas. Great looks too!

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  A trucks truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Chris - January 5 - 10:55 am

  Great full-sized truck. I especially like the 6.5ft bed and reverse sensing system. Looks great, drives great, but if youre not used to big trucks, it will be scary the first time you park. Interior is little on the bland side, but thats not why I bought it (maybe better in the more expensive models). Interior storage is the only disadvantage, there isnt any! Gas mileage is typical for a V8. The Flex-fuel engine is cool (although E85 is still too pricey/limited for regular use). It would help to have the cylinder-disabling system that other V8s have. Tows like a dream, you forget the trailer is even there. A word of caution, this truck does not fit in a standard garage.

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  Love it - usual problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck - January 5 - 8:37 am

  My EB has 130,000 on it now. Have had typical problems that would be found on any vehicle regardless of the make. Brakes, shocks, squeaks and rattles, etc. All of these things I consider normal for an older vehicle. Ball joints are a problem and very expensive because theyre part of the entire upper control arm assembly. Replacement is fairly easy for a backyard mechanic, but $200 labor for each side from a dealer wouldnt be out of the question. Gas mileage is better than my best friends V6 EB. I average 22 hwy and 17 city. Keep the vehicle well cared for and it will treat you well. Overall, Im very satisfied and would gladly buy another.

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  The Contour Experience - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Gnat - January 4 - 8:39 pm

  Faithful starting, efficient, rear trunk trickle leak from above in process of repair, regular maintenance with 3,000 mile oil changes, traveled half of East Coast, mostly a commute car, comfortable, about to do 90,000 mile maintenance, spent too much time diagnosing and dealing with problem locally. Ford dealership found problem and quickly and resolved, zeroing in on specific problem area with computer diagnosis.

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  F-150 larriet - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ray m. alvarez - January 4 - 6:32 pm

  The truck is great and comfortable on the highway, and the ride is so smooth, its like riding in a luxury car. The only gripe I have is the gas mileage, but I guess its because I have the large v-8 motor. I have 36000 miles on it and the mileage is about 17 highway. Although thats not good gas mileage but a lot better than the Dodge of the same size.

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  Stealth Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By J.P. - January 4 - 1:35 pm

  I had driven the Mariner & Escape, & seriously considered the Escape. 3 versions of this platform are manufactured in Kansas City, the 3rd being the Mazda Tribute. Use Edmunds & compare these two vehicles before you buy. They are 95% identical but those few percentage points really could make a difference for you as it did for me. Im a Ford fan, I really like this vehicle & I got a base unit, which had everything I wanted, out the door for $14,900. Im very pleased!

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  Had problems - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rob - January 4 - 12:37 pm

  I leased my 2004 Escape LTD in Feb. 2004. Two years later, at 20,000 miles, the car had a "complete failure of the transmission" (the dealerships words). The whole transmission had to be replaced. I have also had problems with the sun roof not opening correctly. Also, sometimes when I start the car the treble on the radio comes on but not the bass, and I have to restart the car to get the radio to work correctly. Plus, in cold weather the driver window squeaks horribly when you roll it up/down. I owned a 2001 Escape for three years and loved it so much I went back for the 2004 LTD. The problems Ive had with it, especially with the transmission, have soured me to Fords.

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  Love my 2016 Fusion SE - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Richard Barr - January 4 - 11:30 am

  Purchased used about 3 weeks ago. Ride and handling and comfort is excellent. 2.0 L turbocharged 4 cylinder has enough power and fuel economy for my combined city/hwy is about 28 MPG--impressive. I have the plain-Jane interface so no touch screen or navigation--would like to have had that. Only complaint is that the automatic parking brake control is, to me, backwards. Overall love the car and very impressed.