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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  Decent ride - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By joshreisch - September 6 - 11:17 am

  This car has always been good to me. I have had only minor problems related to oxygen sensors. Good transportation and the mileage is not too bad, 19-22.

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  What More Could You Want - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bill E. - September 6 - 10:36 am

  Where to start? Looks are unbeatable. Theres a reason the Mustang is the only true Pony car still in production and this is Exhibit A. No doubt it shows what the domestics can do if they put their mind to it. Inside and out its light years ahead of the 2000 model I traded in when purchasing. Power, ride, comfort, and lest I forget that GT rumble coming out of the pipes. A truly great automobile that I hope to own for many years. Mine is a black 5 speed I mean why buy this car with an automatic? Ive had more people stop to comment on it than I can count. Ford youve hit the nail on the head.

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  My Last Ford - EVER - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carl D. Clark - September 6 - 10:00 am

  The paint is coming apart on the leading edge of the hood, an obvious defect from the factory. The collision center manager at the dealer "confirmed" that it is a factory defect, and stated that ford is not standing up and warranting it. The dealer said it will cost $500 to repaint the hood and that they could not warranty the repair due to the problems with the aluminum hood. After contacting Ford Customer service I received a call from the dealer saying that they can get Ford to pay $200 of the $500 to repaint the hood. Today Ford Customer service said that this case is not closed. Never again.

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  Mustang GT Convertible - great car! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Herb Trisler - September 6 - 8:58 am

  I have owned my 2002 Mustang GT Convertible now for about 18 months. It consistently outperforms the hottest of import sports cars, even those advertising 30-40 more horsepower. Gas mileage is a pleasant surprise... 18-20 in town, 25-27 on the highway. The car is not really tightly built, but it holds up well even under hard use. The sum total of the pieces add up to a car that is quick, fast, exciting and fun to drive, and turns heads wherever it goes. I could not have done better with my money.

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  Pleased with the purchase - 2016 Ford Edge
  By David Monti - September 6 - 6:03 am

  I bought my 2016 Edge SEL last month. I elected to get the 3.5L V6 and really enjoy the acceleration it offers. Im still on my second tank of gas and I am getting 21.7 MPG in a mostly rural setting. I havent had the car out on the highway yet. The ride is good and the drivers seat is quite comfortable. Visibility is good except for the back right side- there is a large blind spot there. The stereo is average; I got sync3 and found it easy to use. Im not crazy about the voice activated commands so I probably wont use them too much. The all season floor mats are a joke. Save your money and buy WeatherTech mats! Option I wish I had-the 2.7L ecoboost! I didnt want to spring the extra cash for the sport version.

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  Avoid - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By trbgensmoke - September 6 - 4:57 am

  Avoid at all costs, transmission had to be serviced 5 times in 2 years, 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine has many problems. Owned for 2 years, 19,000 miles. Will NEVER buy another Ford again. I wouldnt take one if they paid me to.

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  Freestyle Is In Style! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ed - September 6 - 3:50 am

  I was originally going to purchase a Pacifica, but after test driving the Freestyle, I knew I had to stick with Ford (I was purchasing a replacement for my Windstar). The drive is comfortable, the inside is roomy and you can fit adults in the 3rd row - no problem. Plus the seats fold down with ease. Power is more than sufficient, it could probably benefit from some more horsepower - but no complaints here.

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  2017 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED. - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By leo - September 5 - 4:05 pm

  IF ANY SHOPPER OUT THERE IS LOOKING FOR A REAL HEAVY DUTY SUV, THIS IS IT. HEAVY BUT MOVES LIKE A MUSTANG IT IS SO IMPRESSIVE, DONT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, GO TO YOUR NEAREST FORD DEALER AND DRIVE ONE.

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  Good basic car with basic problems - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Rich - September 5 - 3:09 pm

  This is the third Escort I have owned. I have kept all for a long, long time. And this will be the last. Each seems to have taken a step down in quality. Strange engine creaks and rattles still plague this car. There was missing weatherstripping from day one, so the window leaks. And now, the exterior trim is peeling. Theres no lip on the edge of the windshield, so when you use the washers it sprays in the drivers window. Ive replaced most of the parts (including a FUEL TANK!) and hope the car lasts a few more months till I gather the cash to buy a new one. After this experience (and with another Ford) it will NOT be a Ford. Quality like this, no wonder theyre in trouble.

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  Its the quality, stupid! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By The Parkers - September 5 - 7:08 am

  We purchased our Eddie Bauer in September of 03 and have absolutely loved it, except for one thing...the QUALITY! This vehicle has been nothing but pure junk from the minute I drove it off the lot. It came from the factory with a bad moonroof seal. Wind whistled in for months, but I was afraid a trip to the dealer would make it worse. Of course, when water started pouring in at ~38K miles, they wouldnt repair it. Had documented problems with rear end at 32K, 41K, 60K and finally at 71K the rear end failed. Ford and dealer refused to help out even though I had receipts to document the problem. $900 out of pocket for a problem that began in warranty. Been a Ford man all my life, no more!