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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  Great Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By McCannibal - April 22 - 11:34 am

  This is my first truck to own and I love it. It rides great, drives great, and feels great. I used to own a 4 door mercedes and this truck has WAY more room in the back seat than the mercedes had. this truck hauls like a champ although your mileage will decline (as expected) There are only 3 problems I have with it. 1. The driver side door rattles a little when over rough roads or bumps. 2. The ash tray rattles a little over rough roads or bumps. 3. Ever since they started adding ethanol to the gas my fuel economy has dropped significantly (From 20 MPG to about 16) Overall, I really love this truck and will continue buying ford trucks.

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  Trustworthy old gal - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By geisinger - April 22 - 9:49 am

  I bought this great car 12 years ago with 80k miles on it (it was a salesmans car) and now have 160k. It still runs great and has given me no trouble. We used it in our move from Maryland to Florida five years ago and made 6 thousand mile (each way) trips fully loaded and pulling a heavy trailer. We got 28 mpg then and still do. Other than routine maintenance, the only repair was a cacked coolant recovery bottle.

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  Best suv for the money - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By bigdaddy - April 21 - 10:38 pm

  We bought this truck due to our large family,has made several trips between New Mexico and Illinois without a whisper of trouble.The truck is beautiful and stylish, it has the 5.4 liter engine with the big trans for towing,have done nothing but maintenance on it. We had the left rear tire blowout on the highway at 75 mph, slowed down with no issues in handling whatsoever.This is a great truck!

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  Perfect at 38k miles - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Paul M - April 21 - 4:57 pm

  yes, mileage not so good, but it is heavy. 16 mpg highway, 14 city, less in the winter. Towing 6k pound trailer on highway 13 mpg, not too bad considering total weight over 13k pounds with people/gear. Sad to hear of other peoples problems, but at 37k miles been perfect, not a thing wrong. No wet carpet, 3rd brake light fine no leak, rear window no squeak.

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  Best car Ive ever driven - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Daniel - April 21 - 12:52 am

  I bought this car in 2004 with 35,000 miles, now it has 79,000 and the only problem Ive had was the fuel pump went out at 52,000 miles. Other than that only routine maintenance: oil changes, plugs, tires, etc. Now some parts are wearing, but the car is 10 yrs old so its expected. Great car I love it. Unfortunately somebody ran a red light and plowed the right side totaling the car. However it still drives and is reliable. Im getting a 98 Contour but still plan to keep my 00 contour for backup.

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  Awesome - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By mrs price - April 20 - 6:02 pm

  I bought this car used this year and I am in love with it. I love the style and the comfort. I would say this is the best car Ive owned. Talk about space. Very roomy for me and the kids and my daycare. I wouldnt trade trade this care for any other crossover in its class. I am so satisfied and I guess I am a Ford girl again. Go Ford!

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  Who Would Have Believed! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Joel J. Carlson - April 20 - 6:01 pm

  I am THE last person who would ever thought I would buy a Ford car. After learning to drive in a Granada, I swore never again! Im glad I talked to owners!! What a great car! I love my Fusion! Power, economy, fun to drive! I will always love my rotary, but for everyday, my Fusion is the choice!

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  2010 Year of the F-150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By jim - April 20 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased this truck after reading the positive reviews on Edmunds. I am not disappointed. This truck looks amazing and drives like a luxury car. Inside and out it seems the engineers thought of everything. What I like best is Fords website which allows you to price and build the truck to your specs. I purchased a Lariat and was able to upgrade it to a near platinum edition for thousands less. Bottom line, when I stepped into this truck it looked and felt solidly built. Much different than the Nissan Titan I traded in. Ford has set the bar very high on this truck.

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  Who needs more? - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Tom - April 20 - 2:32 pm

  Bought a 2010 F-150 supercab with STX trim during Ford Truck month. What a great ride, at an even better price ($20998 + TTL from a sticker of $30K). 4.6 L engine mated to a 4 speed auto seems plenty strong. Ride is great, quality of materials, workmanship and design effort are all A++. Just barely fits in my garage with the 6-1/2 foot bed. My biggest question is do I go with a Line-X application or slip in a Duraliner.

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By david - April 19 - 2:11 pm

  Bought car new had it 2 years now not one thing has gone wrong. Everyone seems to be going through tires 52,000 and same tires on it and still have a lot of tread great car. Im a auto tech for 26 years take care of it and it will last.