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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  They hit the Nail on the head - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BlueEggBoy - June 14 - 6:43 am

  Wow. Having had 3 Tauruses since 98, I didnt know if this would have the true reliability, low cost of operation, and general "fun to drive" characteristics as the Taurus; it does. Looking forward to the offering of the new 3.5 VVT V6!

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  F.O.R.D. - 1992 Ford F-150
  By jazzbeau - June 14 - 4:50 am

  I bought this truck new,and it was fine until the odometer hit 39k miles. Then prematurely, the power steering pump went south! Of course Ford turned their back on me, that soon after the expiration of the warranty. So, $380 later I can steer like I should be able to. At 65k, all of the steering parts needed to be replaced. Then finally at 81k the transmission went, taking with it the radiator and transmission cooler. Seems it was a defective transmission, as it never shifted right. The dealer said that was normal lol ... and then the lines all plugged up from this type of premature wear. I later found out that this was a common problem on Ford AOD trannies. Ill never buy another Ford again! Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  2012 Focus has Transmission issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By psheldon - June 13 - 4:41 am

  Been reading reviews. Yes, I know its an automated dual clutch and am familiar with the technology. Its a good design. However, the computer setting is dubious and our dealer covered up. Shifting was jerky and we were told it was "normal" or due to being an early model. Then recently it revved to 4000 and more in shifting - sounded a mess and engine light came on. Normal -- or whos lying? Heard it was adjusting itself and a computer upgrade was needed. Have been told it was "Normal" "Battery problem" "Get the regular computer update," How insulting can your service department be? Asked for computer printout -- "Delayed shift" Fully fine now (for now?) with new computer setting.

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  great car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By EWILL - June 13 - 4:18 am

  I have loved and owned Mustangs all my life. I have had a 97 and 96 GT convertible. Out of all the cars I have driven these were overall very good automobiles. Yes they are going to have a few problems. They seem to not have very good radiators because they tend to overheat some. Other than that Mustangs have overall been pretty good. Most that have problems with them is because the previous owner has mistreated the car they are mostly well built cars

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  Its a keeper - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Lowkey - June 13 - 1:57 am

  As a Ford man from a family of Ford lovers this is my first Explorer and I must say in the 2 months Ive owned it I love it. Im wising I would have bought one sooner. I had a 92 Bronco 2 it just didnt perform the same. I must say the 92 two door sport is a keeper.

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  Hbrid Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anthony santoro - June 13 - 12:03 am

  Overall good buy. 4 cylinder hybrid is very sluggish on start ups. Other than that, so far, no problems.

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  zippy toy with lots of room - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Kayak Hike Ski - June 12 - 11:38 pm

  Ive put on two kayaks and stuffed the back full of camping gear. At 88,000 miles, its always started when I turned the key.

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  Disappointed now that it is several months - 2006 Ford Focus
  By tam4givin - June 12 - 7:41 pm

  I was so happy to find a car I thought was going to be very comfortable. It was for a few weeks until the heated seats went crazy, the noise keeps getting louder, the performance when the Sirius on is real bad! I hope the people who rate their cars can come back here and add once they have had them several months like I have. Loud blinker sound is irritating to most people who ride in the car.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By truecndn - June 12 - 9:24 am

  Had the car for a week and have put on a 1000km. Its actually fun to drive! Handles surprisingly well. Good acceleration, very user friendly. Love it!

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  6 day Edge Titanium Rental - 2016 Ford Edge
  By KCM - June 12 - 6:18 am

  I just finished a six day rental of a 16 Ford Edge Titanium with the Ecoboost 2.0 4 engine, driving it from south Florida to northern Georgia (mountains), down through the west Georgia boonies where The Walking Dead is filmed, then back south. It averaged 28 - 29 mpg on the open (highway/interstate) road, 22 mpg in town per the fuel economy computer. Not bad - gas mileage is better than a 2013 Toyota Highlander that I drove for awhile. The performance of the Ecoboost 4 engine is pretty impressive, considering the weight of the Edge (4000+ lbs) vs the small size of the 2.0 liter engine, and it does move it along pretty well. However, if youve carrying a load of people & luggage in a hilly area, you’ll sometimes wish you had another 15 ponies and 20 pound/feet of torque on tap. With a full load, this engine in this vehicle gets the job done, but you won’t have a lot of reserve power to spare. To be fair, compared to the POS 14 Ford Edge rental I drove two years ago that had a brutally punishing and miserable ride, the 16 Edge is a big overall improvement from their new Sync 3 system (great!) to the relatively improved ride, seat comfort, braking and handling. It was very strange, however, that this loaded Titanium didn’t have a navigation system!!!! Nearly a $37k MSRP car??? Huh??? This being said… this ’16 Titanium didnt close the deal for my family for a purchase, and here’s why: It rode pretty smoothly and fairly quietly only on the most glass-like asphalt road. I don’t know where some Edmunds reviewers say that this SUV is soooo ‘quiet” – it is NOT, and on some types of macadam and asphalt roads, the road noise is surprisingly LOUD. Obviously, these reviewers must be deaf, happy Ford fanatics, or previously drove Yugos or 1950 Ford pickups. On any other road surface than smooth asphalt, the ride was frequently nervous and bumpy on all but the smoothest of surfaces. The car thumped and bumped over minor broken pavement, you felt every imperfection in the road through the steering wheel and your seat. The road noise from the 19” Hankook 245/55R19 Venus S1 noble tires (set at 35psi per the manufacturers recommendation) and through the vehicle’s floorpan was a bit excessive, especially since this was the Titanium model. I shudder to think how the Edge Sport must ride and sound with its even lower profile tires/larger (20") wheels. Frankly, we were surprised and a bit shocked at this after reading all of the glowing reports from Edmunds reviewers about the "smooth ride" on this new Edge. Ummmmmm, NO. Maybe these people think that a SUV/crossover HAS to ride stiffly and with pronounced road noise. No, they do NOT have to be this way. For these reasons, these observations were definitely NOT my definition of a ‘Titanium’ level in my opinion, and the probable deal breaker for a potential purchase. With the improvements in automotive industry suspension and sound reduction technology introduced over the past few years, there is certainly no excuse for Ford not producing a smoother riding and quieter crossover than this new top of the line Edge. Perhaps the Edge SEL might ride a little better (and a little quieter) with its 18” wheels & tires (I recently learned that you CAN order an Edge Titanium w/18" wheels & tires). If so, a ‘16 Edge SEL could be worth a serious look if youre looking for a quieter and smoother ride. In the meantime, I suggest that Ford needs to talk to Kia, and closely examine a 16 Sorento. I rented a lowly 16 Sorento LX w/V6 a few months ago, and it was definitely a quieter, smoother riding, and faster (V6) SUV than this 16 Edge Titanium, and at a MUCH lower price. Dont take MY word for it - rent one from Avis or Enterprise for a few days like I did, and wring it out. If you own a new Edge, you may be a bit upset after driving one of these SUVs. BTW, the 16 Sorentos in EX & SXL trim are even quieter, more comfortable, and ride about as well as their lower trim LX, despite having 19" or 20" wheels & tires!!! Overall, the new Edge is a bit of a disappointment for a SUV we really wanted to like. Back to the drawing board, Ford – Kia can get the job done with their Sorento, so, you can too. Try again!!