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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  2003 Unhappy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By sweeney5 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  So far its spent most of the first month in the shop now Ford tell us that the clunk we hear on downshift and upshift is normal. Wed like to trade it for something else.

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  Windstar SEL - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mpastick - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt trade this van for the world. The price was pricier but the SEL is a luxory van more than a mini van. Everyone compliments on the van. Ive had no problems to date. I love it.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jason - September 24 - 5:13 pm

  The first time I saw this truck I wanted one. I bought this truck and it is the best vehicle I ever owned. We went camping and the truck box was great for hauling all of the gear. I cant wait until the 2007 Sport Trac and will buy one unless my wife buys one first.

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  My Troublesome 2002 Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Martin - September 24 - 4:53 pm

  I take pride in maintaining my vehicles. But this has been nothing but trouble. At 45,000 miles, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Earlier, the rear end was replaced. At 50,000 miles, I try to start up and put in reverse to back out of drive. The gearshift broke off. Had to replace at over $1,000. Ive had an Explorer before with very satisfactory performance, but this one...nothing but trouble. The dealer has been great. But bottom line, its still a dud. Oh, by the way, seems I now have some sort of electrical problem. Odometer reading is so dim I cant read it. It comes and goes. How frustrating. Im just trying to get my moneys worth now before I move to Japanese brand.

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  grestest car i bought so far - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By forestr888 - September 24 - 4:30 pm

  I had a 2008 Ford fusion and love it but decided to upgrade and have not regretted yet dealer gave me a great deal and I have been loving my new car ever since and the SYNC system is one of the sickest system I seen so far.

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  Duz it all.... - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Hutch7 - September 24 - 3:48 pm

  Picked this wagon up cheaply with low miles. So far so good comfortable, handles well and with the 24V Duratec, is really pretty quick for a mid-size wagon.

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  Good Commuter - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By schmaltz - September 24 - 3:12 pm

  Purchased 2.5 years ago for a commuter car. Reliable basic fuel efficient transportation with no frills. Now has 210,000 miles on it, uses a couple of quarts of oil between changes.

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  Our Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By McCollums - September 23 - 9:16 pm

  It is just fun to ride in, drive... we like knowing it is helping the environment... and our wallets. Please keep making them Ford! We also got a Kermit sticker for it, and people love them and remember the commercials.

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  A bigger car for me - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Laura - September 23 - 8:23 pm

  I switched up to the Focus from a subcompact. Ive only got about 1400 miles on it so far, but I really like it. Its fun to drive, comfortable and gets decent gas mileage (most of my driving is city driving). Its also the first brand new car Ive ever bought, so I did a lot of research before buying. It handles well and no longer feels like a boat compared to the old car! Im still very happy that I went with the Focus instead of some of the others I looked at.

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  Where was Edmunds when I needed it? - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Seattle family - September 23 - 12:06 pm

  The biggest mistake of our automobile buying lives. We like the room and the ride in general. But it is now limited to going only to Home Depot and the dump on weekends. I would never trust it outside our neighborhood. Replaced everything so far, including engine. Read the other reviews here. They wont say anything we cant say.