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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  Fordd Explorer 2 Door 4 Wheel Drive - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By spasegrl - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I am delighted that so far I have been able to put appliances, etc that I need to haul in the back of my Explorer Sport without any difficulty. The suspension is a little bumpy though, even on decent roads. When the weather is cold the back door sticks and I cant get it open. Cold weather really affects the Explorer, and not for the good. My engine sometimes sounds like a vacuum cleaner. I would not recommend 2 doors for a family of more than 2- difficult to get out of te back.

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  will run this car into the ground.... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mdlee - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Taurus new w/ the 24 valve DOHC engine package. It has been extremely reliable and a solid car to drive. My driving mix is 60% interstate / 40% local. The only major repair item in 5+ years were full struts at 60k which with new tires makes it run and handle like a new car. Everything else still original - even brakes! I forget this car is 5 yrs old, it is tight, quiet and a good runner. My complaints: the a/c fan softly "squeaks", this also happened on our 95 Windstar (which was not nearly as reliable at 5 yrs out), & the driver seat is low so I use a cushion. This was the last year for the "old" design (which I like even more now than I did then) and for me it was a winner.

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  great choice - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By fruitman65 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  this is a excellent choice, I would really recomend it to all who have a large family. Im very satisfy with the comfort of the ride while driving on the highway.

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  A Great Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mx98ranger - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This is what I actually have, but Edmunds.com doesnt have it as a choice. lol. Oh well. I have a 98 Ford Ranger XLT, 4Dr Extended Cab, 4.0L V6, Automatic Transmission. 2wd.(i wish it was 4x4). This is a great truck, and if you can get the 4.0L V6 I would DEFINITELY recommend it.This truck is extremely reliable, and Ive not had nay MAJOR problems since it was bought. Just regualar Maintenance.

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  More than you expect - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By reg - October 14 - 6:13 pm

  I am a longtime Ford buyer, but throughly shopped all the available crossovers. Import nation, wake up! I have had 5 Fords now for well over a total of over 300k miles and nary anything ever to fix, including my 06 500. So I knew this vehicle would be top notch in terms of reliability. When I got my 500 I passed on the Freestyle because it lacked power but I loved the package. The new v6 and 6 speed makes up for that sin. Smooth, powerful. This is one of the very few crossovers that drives like a sedan. Steering feel and ride is dead on. All seating is comfortable and firm. Ergonomics are spot on. Controls are easy to use. Vehicle feels like billet on the road. Your search ends here!

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  Very impressed by my first truck. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By timhood - October 14 - 2:26 am

  Im a first-time truck owner. To be honest, no other truck has ever been compelling enough to get me to consider buying. Until now. I first saw this truck at the auto show and was shocked by the luxury of the interior. The FX4 interior is by far the best of any brand/model out there.

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  Think Green! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By laura_booth_us - October 13 - 10:26 pm

  I bought my Escape Hybrid because I commute 70 miles each way to work over mountains so I needed good MPG and reliability in bad weather conditions. Ive put about 8300 miles on it in a little over 2 months. MPG is good, but it is so much better in the city. Im getting about 28 avg on interstate with mountains, which is still awesome for a FWD. Also, I am making an attempt to save the environment! Thats really the best part. I love the interior and exterior is fresh and bold from the old style. I need the electrical outlet to use my laptop while I am working so I have gotten a lot of use from that. I like it more and more!

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  Love my new Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bryan Janak - October 13 - 6:00 pm

  I would have never thought to look at a Focus, but I spotted this one on a lot while looking at Mustangs. I decided to take it for a drive, and was very impressed with the power this little car has. Needless to say, I started the paperwork on it immediately. I got it for around $14,400 with the family plan, it was too good of a deal to pass up. I am used to driving a truck, but became very accustomed to this car quickly. It handles well, has lots of power, and gets tons of looks, especially in black. The sound system could be better, but thats a cheap fix for me. I have no real complaints on this car. My sister has an 03, and she has had zero problems unlike the 00-02s.

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  A hidden jewel in segment - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Gman1Wine - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I come from a large family where Ive had ample opportunities to own various vehicles, which have mostly been imports. I took a risk with the Focus, and I am suprisingly happy. I am an extremely demanding owner, and I couldnt find even one flaw the first 60 days. One exception was the inaccurate fuel gauge tha left me stranded for 1/2hr. Otherwise, much larger than it appears and very fun to toss into curves/corners. Granted, its no BMW like my other car, but much more rewarding than a toyota or even honda. Hope theres more of this from Ford.

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  1997 Crown Victoria - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By dnb - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Super value for the bucks! Reliable & comfortable