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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  Agree with Edmunds Short List - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By TomKM - July 26 - 4:55 am

  of Pros and Cons. I like the car and in general think it should be a 4 star. However, at this level, and with several option packages loaded on top of the XLT model, it can be some of the non-critical factors that adversely affect the rating. The packages included Technology, leather seats, and a few other add ons. It is a great road car for freeway driving. I like the radar that warns of crossing traffic when backing into street. I like the looks, and I have been a fan of Ford Trucks and SUVs for a long time.So heres what I dont like: A bit ponderous and big-feeling for a 9 foot wide single garage door - I felt more at ease entering the garage with my Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban. The foot-kick sensor to open the tailgate functions eractically, making it pretty annoying if not useless. Plus, when I walk behind the rear when the vehicle is parked in the garage, but at least 12 inches away and in now way kicking or swinging a leg towards or under the bumper, the tailgate periodically beeps its warning and starts to open - if not for the beep it would engage the still-closed garage door, but with the beep I can lean on the rising tailgate and force it to reverse itself and close. The touch screen controls too many functions, less than ideally intuitive: talk about distracted driving when trying to figure out to modify a setting, particularly one not used frequently. So I recommend reviewing/setting all the touch screen controls you are likely to use during a trip moving out of "Park."

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  Coming Up on 10K - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dan - July 25 - 10:20 pm

  About 50 miles south of 10K and this car has been flawless. Build quality is rock solid with excellent fit and finish. Plenty of power, quiet & comfortable cabin, extremely smooth transmission; excellent cabin space and a huge trunk. Only option I added was the Moon & Tunes package. Killer stereo which could be even better if it had actual subwoofers. Didnt like the blue or red interior accents, stuck with the black. Averaging a shade over 21 mpg in 50/50 mixed driving with the occasional aggressive launch/pass. I have no problem recommending this car to anyone in the market for a midsized sedan with a little pizazz.

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  Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By nice compact suv - July 25 - 7:37 pm

  The all-wheel drive on the Escape can handle 8-10 inches of snow with ease. Also it tends to get about 25-26 mpg at 55 mph. The road handling is great and has a peppy V6.

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  300k 90 Stang - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Tiger90Stang - July 25 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased this car in 11/93 when it only had 35k miles on it. It was well taken care of and most likely driven by a non muscle car enthusiast. That was until I got a hold of it. Now its 13 years later and less than 3k miles from 300k. Yes! Original 300,000 miles (proof with receipts).There has been NOTHING done to the engine or transmission. The only items replaced was the normal wear and tear items like alternator, brakes, tires, fuel pump, heater core, lock actuators, passenger window motor gear, struts and a recalled ECM. This car has been MORE than what I thought Id ever get out of a muscle car. It had great acceleration (100k ago) & still rides as smooth as new. A GREAT investment!

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  Hot Adrenalin Sport Trac AWD V8 292 HP - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James Hatfield - July 25 - 2:10 pm

  Great Colorado Red color. Very eye- catching Adrenalin package. Love the 20" tires and special rims. The tonneau cover is very nice, convenient and weatherproof. AWD worked flawlessly in ice and snow in Ohio ice storm. V8 towed mother-in-laws car from Michigan to Florida without breaking a sweat. Fit and finish are beautiful. Sound system is excellent, as is Sync hands-free. Really great software on the Sync. Stupid flaws include: Truck bed storage compartment in bad location and useless when tonneau cover is in place; cannot get telescoping steering wheel; no grab handle on drivers door; marginal inside storage; no directional signals in sideview mirrors. Ford can be proud of this.

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  Next Truck will be one of these too! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Happy Owner - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased mine used and it has been great. It has the rust trap running boards but for a couple hundred bucks, thats fixed. The rear window likes to think theres an obstruction if the window is wet and it wont roll up. But, I will buy a new one when this one finally dies. I never once got stuck in the harsh Midwest ice storms and snows of last year. People complain about ride quality, but this is one of the nicest riding trucks I have ever had. It has a nice look, nice features, nice abilities. Gas mileage could be better, but again, truck. My wife even likes it and she is used to a Grand Cherokee with a luxury car ride and feel.

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  Bravo SVT! - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By DJTALLMO - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This model is much better than the 2006-2009 models and so much better than the Mustangs of the 1980s era. Ford SVT finally put out an exemplary product that you can feel confident about. The GT500 is a performance level vehicle for under 50k with daily driver characteristics. Transmission, engine, suspension and interior build quality are equal the euro models. Many compliments by others-body lines, wheels, brakes, exhaust etc. My only suggestion would be to swap out the Goodyear rubber for a better product. Otherwise, an exemplary product and improvement over the past Shelby models.

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  Lots of fun to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Kevin - July 25 - 6:31 am

  Having owned a BMW X5, I find this SUV more fun to drive. No it doesnt have all the bells but I really dont need all the bells. I can turn on the wipers when it rains. I also own a new Explorer and find the Escape a better ride. I got 21.5 mpg on my first tank which was local driving and 24 mpg on my first long trip.

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  Great Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Nadine - July 25 - 6:19 am

  My husband and I were initially concerned about buying the Escape in its first year. Ours is now 6 years old and we still love it. We have had no problems with it, and hope to have it at least another 6 years. Drives like a dream. I get between 23 and 26 miles to the gallon, so no complaints there. Its the perfect size for us. We needed something that could carry cargo, be comfortable for our dogs and was easy to maneuver. The Escape fit the bill perfectly. When my husbands full size truck needs to be replaced, we will get another Escape. I cant even think about replacing my current Escape.

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  Great Car! (GET THE MANUAL VERSION) - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Jerraldough - July 25 - 1:26 am

  Ive seen so many complaints about transmission reliability when I was looking to buy; but seemed to only be the automatic versions having that issue. So I bough the manual version and its FANTASTIC. The clutch is light and the shifting feels great. Learn to row your own gears and avoid the auto headache!