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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  Sports car for young at heart - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Jill C - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great little car, traded in Taurus so was bit apprehensive. had for 5 weeks and have little over 710 miles. For in town driving the mileage is sitting at 34 per gal.could not believe for in town. If i do hit highways it is usually only 12-20 miles. Back seat cramped but do not have many in back. Little ole lady to church and store car, trunk is fine, will hold lots of groceries and misc. Color Lime Squeeze, lots of comments and people asking about new Fiesta. Real winner for me. comfortable tight and fun to drive, will see how handles in snow

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  Ford has quality - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Craig - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is one of many fords I have owned. I am very impressed with the quality of the fit and trim. The v6 has plenty of power yet I am getting 10 to 15% better mpg than the sticker said I would. I average 21 city and on a trip from Boise to Lake Tahoe and back I got 29.6 mpg. The ride is smooth and the 12 speaker Sony stereo is very good quality. The dealer was outstanding in every way and honest.

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  Best Mustang So FAR! - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Phil - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I have always had mustangs in my family, my mother bought her 01 Mustang GT new, and I instantly fell in love, So I bought a 10 GT last year, and felt I paid too much, so I was able to get an awesome deal, Thanks Frank Bradley you Great! So where do I start I loved my 10 GT, but this one takes off where the last one ended, 5.0 412 H.P. and there is not one single pony missing, actually putting out 435 HP. Acceleration is a rush I have the Automatic mind you, and it is so much fun, the Electric power steering is so smooth and precise, visibility is great! And I get lots of compliments with the Grabber Blue, Electronics work great and cabin is nice and cozy! Overall 11 Mustang GT is Awesome!

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  Love My Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By GaryBear - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. I have have been getting excellent gas mileage, I also love the comfort and quiet that the car provides. The power makes it feel like it has more than the 120 hp that the engine has. I only wish that it was a coupe.

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  Happy Edge Owner - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Marc - September 24 - 2:00 am

  After having a bad experience purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in Wayne a few years back I was extremely cautious about purchasing a new vehicle, but Rt. 23 Ford put all my worries to rest. I happily purchased a new Edge truck, which I knew rather little about, other than what the commercials told me. Turns out, I absolutely love it. Its everything my sales person told me it would be. It has great mileage and itÂ’s such a dream to drive. I received top notch service, and a great monthly price for my lease. All of the staff that worked with me to get what I wanted were sincere and honest. I have no problem with them gaining a profit because they truly earned it.

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  Dont listen to the critics! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By LuvMyEscape - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I have the XLT with V-6, and I average 28 mpg, but at the same time, when I need pick up or just want to have fun, this is a great vehicle to drive. The interior is comfortable and very quiet. I havent had any problems with braking distances. Frankly, Im not sure if the Edmunds reviewers drove the same car, or if someone was just having a bad day when they did the test drive.

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  Tough little truck - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cindy williams - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Right now I have 202,000 miles on my 2001 Escape. I bought it used a year ago. It is a 4 cylinder stick shift. Fuel mileage is pretty good, ride and handling are good, and reliability is great. Plenty of interior room and comfortable. Handles well in snow and driving around the farm. I bought it as a work vehicle and it has been great. The engine is what I like best. This is the first stick shift I have owned and learning has been very easy. The engine has plenty of power, to my surprise it can actually burn rubber quite easily! The only times I have had trouble in the snow are when it needed new tires and when I try to start up too hard the front tires spin, but its fun.

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  BEST car Ford has ever made! - 2011 Ford Edge
  By mahroni - September 21 - 2:00 am

  The title speaks for itself. i love this car. I leased my 2011 edge sport last week. i have all the options on it except for rear seat DVD players. I love everything about it. I get stopped 2 or 3 times a day by other drivers asking about this car. i have had bmw, mercedes, infinit, audi, lexus. none of them compare to this car. go drive one and youll know what i am talking about.

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  Superior to my 07 Highlander - 2010 Ford Edge
  By B N - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 07 Toyota Highlander in May 2010. Just turned 6,000 mi. This EDGE has more power,excellent ride & much better on fuel(26 hwy/21 around town) and good looks. With all the rebates & dealing 23,200 before trade in. Glad to be back buying AMERICAN. Ford has a winner here.

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  Follow up on Exped vs. Lambda Platform - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By mk10108 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  500 mile trips. Hauling kayaks, bikes, and stuff for the twins, the Eddie gets better with age. Pile on the payload and it still rides level. Being 66" its the only vehicle I can move the seats up & still fit. Mileage is amazing - getting 20 mpg (3.31 rear end)highway doing the speed limit. Overall Average 16-18 mpg. DVD keeps the twins entertained, while the NAV gets us where we go. No complaints, no regrets. Looking to purchase a travel trailer and the 9K pound capability expands our choices. If youre thinking cross over platform the Expedition is a better choice.