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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  Experience with Edge after 2 months - 2007 Ford Edge
  By goofycow - June 2 - 12:10 pm

  My biggest gripe about my Edge is the interior! Bland to say the least! However, I have been very pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage so far. I have been getting over 19.5 MPG. I have owned many Fords in the past, most of them sedans, although I did own a full sized Ford Bronco. The Edge is fun to drive and handles the mountain roads around my neck of the woods very well.

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  Van Fan - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mark Zehnpfennig - June 2 - 10:39 am

  Setting aside a few minor quality issues this is a great minivan.

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  Smooth Ride Just Drive 44.5MPG Cant Complain - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By love4cars2014 - June 2 - 9:24 am

  We got this car for my wife. Coming from rattling Toyota Sienna this was a heaven. We tried Camry but quality was not there. Great car, fun to drive, great mileage - not 47 but 44.5 will do. Have drive 5500 and no problems so far. For all those people who hate MFT>> Please explain what is wrong? The design is great with 4 quadrants. Everything is easily available. I find it way more intutive than my Lexus ES. I love the shockabsorbers and the ride. Just Drive.

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  so far, couldnt have asked for more - 2004 Ford Focus
  By leftcoastkid - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car i have owned, but far from the first one i have driven and i am very happy with my focus. The power comes smooth and i hardley notice the shifts, it cursies nicely and handles very well for its class. The interior seems to be put together well and i am yet to have a real complain about this car.

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  Simply Incredible - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Andrew Henderson - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This will be my 3rd focus purchase in the last three years. I run my own business and I travel everyday! The Focus is the answer to the ever so rising gas prices. I have gone through such models as the SE, ZTS, and now the ZX3 Premium. I purchased my first focus in 2001 and haev traded them in every year becasue Ford has made imporvements every year on them. It trully the best economical car out there!

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  Ford Made a Boo Boo with the 2000 Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By awharfrat - June 2 - 2:00 am

  There have been numerous problems still occuring and Ford cannot fix them. Wiring seems to go bad a lot. I would never buy a ford again because of my experience with the ford focus

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  Excellent! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By cyndeGreer - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car!! I have no regrets! People turn their heads when I drive by!! beautiful car

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  Could be better - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JIminmass - June 2 - 2:00 am

  On the way home from the dealership the drivers door window motor blew out, got the vehicle home and noticed several small dents in the hood that wereny notice able at the dealership. The dealership repired all but needed to leave the vehicle for 4 days. The ABS has malfunctioned and required 3 trips to the dealer so far with another scheduled. The reverse parking sensor is shutting it self off every once in a while. Vehicle has been good on long trips but disappointing in the reliability dept. I have owned several Ford vehicles and had gotten used to great reliability until now

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  my stx 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By K.C. 06 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  so far so good .my truck is a great riding truck.good power and great looks inside and out. just wish i could drive it more.

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  HUH - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bailey1547 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  That is usually the look on another drivers face when the Lightning goes by them and there is nothing they can do about it. Appropriately named, it does every thing that it looks like it will do. Too bad it was not around in the 60s.