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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  Loved my Mustang! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By morganfaith - July 3 - 8:42 pm

  I owned an V6 automatic coupe version of this car and had an overall great experience with it! It was the first car that I could actually call my own since my parents bought it just for me (no more sharing cars!) when I went to college and I had it for almost 2 years. It only had about 83K when I got it and was still going strong at 102K when I sold it. The only maintenance it needed was an oil change every 3,000 miles.

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  Reliable and tough. - 1995 Ford F-150
  By mtnroad - July 1 - 6:48 pm

  1995 F150 Reg Cab, 4.9L 6cyl 8-foot-bed. Edmunds doesnt list auto trans. Im 2nd owner, bought in 2012 w/ 117k now it has 170k. Ive had it 3 yrs. No issues, power steering pump, and ac recharge. I added trans cooler. This truck is tough. It takes whatever I throw at it. I have towed some really heavy stuff. Trailers full of rock 5,000+ pounds, etc. A pallet of tile placed in the bed and the whole rear end was almost on the ground and the truck took it. I usually dont abuse cars but the truck is so tough I find myself pushing the limits all the time. I have towed cars hundreds of miles, etc. It was a sheriff truck before I got it - not maintained well. Best truck Ive ever owned.

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  Deroyadams - 2015 Ford Fiesta
  By deroyadams - June 18 - 9:14 am

  I had this for two months and love it. It feels comfortable driving it. Love the rims love the seats. The inside front big. Love the grill and color

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  Great Value S model - 2014 Ford Escape
  By rkelon - June 16 - 5:15 pm

  We have enjoyed the car, it does what we want and have no complaints. No issues. We also have a 2014 CRV ex, same story.

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  2015 Ford Fiesta SE sedan - 2015 Ford Fiesta
  By seanheusdens - June 10 - 3:50 am

  The Fiesta is very nice little car. Comfort issue are in back seat even in sedan, which are better then the hatchback model. Nice size trunk in my car.Performance and Build Quality issue are only in the weird shifting transmission. The voice SYNC system is also a small problem. Get Ford My Touch I wish I wish I did get that option in my car. Maybe I need to get flash drive stick and upgrade my Sync on my car Still a very good car in first 2000 miles.

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  Five shop visits in the first 6,000 miles! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By icarumba - June 8 - 11:30 pm

  Fords complete indifference to customer satisfaction and its insistence in producing an unreliable product has ruined yet another potentially world-class car. This car is a blast to drive, but the abysmal quality is surpassed only by the arrogance of its dealers. In the first 5 months of ownership I have had the following issues: *Rumbling and vibration between 50 & 70 mph. *Drive shaft replaced at 1100 miles. *A/C not cooling properly/blower fan surges. *Radio malfunctioned 3 times, replaced once. *Windshield wipers malfunctioned. *Both front seatbacks have mechanical issues. *The amount of Convertible "cowl shake" has gone from acceptable to "wet noodle" in only 6000 miles!

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  I couldnt be happier. - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By greg_wv - June 6 - 11:14 am

  I needed a work car in a hurry after the previous one was totalled due to a deer collision. Ive had this little gem for over 2 years now and I have to say its the best work car Ive ever had. Recently I decided to make a lifetime commitment to it, so replaced all 4 struts, plugs, wires, coil packs, front brakes and rotors. It needed a new A/C compressor and I gave it 4 Michelin defender tires. This baby rides like a brand new car! The mechanic told me "you realize youre putting 90,000 mile tires on this thing". I said yep, shes only got 105,000 miles on her and Im in it till death do us part. Thats how confident I am in this vehicle. I can see why Ford sold millions of these!

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  Mushy suspension, mpg lacking - 2014 Ford F-150
  By tracker557 - June 5 - 8:48 pm

  I have a light foot on the pedal but average only 14.5 mpg with 90% highway driving which is very disappointing considering the 3.5 turbos claimed mpg of 21. Towing 7000 pounds at 65 mph however gives me 12 mpg: makes no sense. Ride should be stiffer. Seats very comfy. Should have more cabin storage. Incredible leg room in supercrew. Wish I bought an F-250.

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  Its alright could be better - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By mtdog1 - June 5 - 11:14 am

  I bought this car due to my tranny going out in my other vehicle. When I got it I was happy it was great, then I made the drive all the way from Washington to California and back and when I got back I started having issues with the car not wanting to shift into gears it would be up to 3-4 rpms before it would shift and this was only going 20 mph so to my info it was the tranny so took it in got it fixed and here I am once again having the same issue.

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  Confortable ride - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By paulnbedford - May 31 - 2:21 pm

  Bought this van used back around 2004 with about 54,000 miles on it and I have to say its surprised me for a Ford. its actually be a reliable van. Its had the usual things, tires, brakes and the odd sensor, but over all it has been a good vehicle and never left me stranded. Like most Fords though it does seem to be plagued with recalls and electrical issues, now which I am starting to suffer from. Locks not starting to work and gauges starting to go crazy on me. And from online research it looks to be faulty soldering on the backside of the cluster. It does have 190k plus on it now though so it cant stay perfect forever and people cant expect these cars to stay that way.