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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  my expo fells luxo - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jernorris - November 14 - 10:00 am

  when i picked up my fully loaded eddie bauer instantly i wanted to test its capability on the highway and the new independent supension in atlantas rush hour traffic.on the highway jumping in and out of lanes it showed the car like ajillity. for a minute was drag racing but got upset from the 260 hp engine that had me thinking what the hell am i doing trying to indy 500 a black school bus.on my way home i turned off my automatic climate air and opened my large sunroof let down the windows.i really felt as if i was floating on air until i hit a bump and nearly broke my neck.other than the hard shock and slow engine i really love my new expedition.

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  Not made for high milage drivers - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Salesman - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Taurus in May of 2001. It would be a great car for someone who dose not drive 40 thousand plus miles a year. Brakes rooters warp too quickly. Had to do major suspension repair at 57000 miles. Windshield started leeking at 82000 miles and caused $747.00 of damage to the electrical system. I travel interstate 90% of the time and feel these are problems that I have never had in a Camry or Galant.

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  Love it - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By JoeyJ91 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Finnally Ford made something with real power, and a lot more potential.

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  zoom zoom - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Bobby - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 93 5.0 for a 2003 GT premium.This car is faster,handles a little better,and seems to be better built.The brakes are a much needed improvement.Good concept of evolutionary styling.Hard to beat for the money[18,553]with trade and discounts.

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  nice suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By donald massella - November 14 - 10:00 am

  the limited is loaded,everthing you would want for less money, and we looked at them all, great color, gold ash. nice ride, good brakes, good handleing

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  Return of the Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - November 14 - 3:03 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago and have loved every minute I get to drive it. I even think about driving it when Im working. Mine is a beautiful Windveil Blue that brings a tear to my eye every time I see it. And the power! Ive always loved the old 60s Mustangs, but havent been impressed by any of the Mustangs for the past several decades. I was so happy to see a return of the true muscle car look.

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  Fxi Or Repair Daily - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Phil Garnett - November 13 - 7:30 pm

  Mine is an 02 that has had a vibration problem that turned out to be a crankshaft that let loose at 40,000 miles. The 6 disc changer has been changed out and needs it again. The 4x4 unit went out early and ABS was at the same time as the rearend that was said to need a ring and pinion and then to find out it was rear bearings. Other small things like seat belts not retracting and the material on the door sides delaminating were only minor nuisances. Like the look.

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  Awesome out of the hole!! - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By BillyRay - November 13 - 5:50 pm

  Waited 19 months to get this car. This car is one of the fastest cars I have ever driven. I would also like more rumble through the mufflers so Im in the process of fixing that. The satellite radio is sweet with the 1000 watt Shaker system.The handling is real smooth and the braking is number one! BillyRay says if you get a chance to own a Carroll Shelby land rocket...BUY ONE. Because in 20 years 0 to 60 in 4.5 will still be fast...hold on!

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  98 Taurus SE - White - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Roadie - November 13 - 12:46 pm

  When I purchased this Taurus (used), I was looking for one that was pretty well equipped and reasonably low miles. I found this Taurus in Sept. 2001 as a "certified" vehicle with 33,000 miles on it and have been very happy with the car. This car has all available options except leather seats. The power moon roof is probably my favorite option, although the 200hp v6 Vortech engine option was a main selling point of the car ... the additional power was a must for me. The car drives and handles nicely and the mileage currently is at 27mpg! I maintain the car regularly at the recommended intervals and have not experienced any of the transmission woes of other owners.

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  Not a bad Cross over - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Brian125 - November 13 - 11:01 am

  Babysitting my friends new Edge till I pick him up at the airport . Pros.. nice interior and lay out . NAV is quite good with large 8 screen, back up camera and tech package/ cross traffic alert / bliss works well. No road or tire noise from inside. , Sony radio and 9 speaker sounds good but not in the class of other good systems . Ingress / egress is excellent with plenty of room for folks over 6 tall. The 2.0L engine lacks low end torque but once you get going there is plenty of power. I would of opt for the V-6 but gas mileage is better with the small turbo. Seating SELmodels non sport seats are so much more comfortable than the Titaniums sport seating . Big / tall drivers beware . The Cons ... not many but they are something to consider if buying . The hood flares up on both sides so when your driving it hard to see / judge around turns and corners / tight spots . The hood flares up closest to both sides of the driver and passage window . This to me is very annoying . visibility is a little obstructed by window pillars and sloped back window. Im sure after a few weeks you could get used to it. Last thing that I noticed was the Foot rest by the door where your non driving foot rests. It should of been placed back another 2 inches and slanted more at a 45 degree angle . Tall people beware this could be annoying on long trips . Overall comparing it to other Cross Overs the 2017 ford edge is definitely at the top of the pack.